Recap."
"The mansion," Benjamin sighed, his voice low and final.
A short distance away, Shelly and Mercy stood apart, shoulders trembling, their muffled sobs carrying in the breeze.
"Get in the car," Benjamin said, patting his younger brother's arm. "Erica knows nothing of this—I need to tell her myself."
Muya nodded and moved toward the car but stopped when he noticed Benjamin heading toward their father instead of joining him.
Curiosity—and a faint sense of concern—pulled him back.
"You left," Benjamin said sharply to his father, his jaw tightening. "She meant nothing to you, and I don't expect anything from you other than your presence on the burial day—the third day."
His father's lips curled bitterly. "You understand nothing of what transpired between me and your mother."
"No, and I don't want to," Benjamin shot back. "You left her for dead, and it only fits that you show up now at her cold bed. Stay away before I regret letting you stand here."
