Page 113 of Perfect Liar

He hesitated. His breaths weren’t right.

My heart dropped into my stomach.

Oh no. No. Please, no.

“Elle, I lost him. Ethan’s gone. My brother…my brother is dead.”

I choked on his words, on the sound of his suffering.

Mary’s perceptive eyes immediately targeted me as she waited to hear my words.

But my breath refused to push anything out.

“Elle, stay put. Wait for me to come home.”

“Yes, of course. I’ll wait for you. I’m so sorry, Will…I am so sorry.”

He was quiet for a minute, only his irregular breaths coming into the phone.

“You’re safe. Still, just stay inside the house.”

“Okay,” I pushed out.

“Baby, I can’t…need you to talk to my mother for me. I can’t…not like this.”

I watched Mary’s watery eyes fill with pain.

“I’ll take care of her, I promise.”

“I know you will. I’ll see you soon.”

Then he abruptly disconnected our call.

I reached out for Mary’s hand.

She knew. I didn’t have to say the words.

She came into my arms and cried, and then she pulled me along with her to the windows.

Gentle rain tapped a melancholy tune against the panes of glass, and Mary stared outside with her eyes set on the dark morning sky.

“Remember what I told you, Ellie. This is how it unravels…Will’s war.”

I nodded.

“I know. I’m sorry, Mary. I’m sorry for everything, for all that you’ve lost because of me.”

“Be quiet, my darling,” she snapped.

“This is not your fault, Ellie. You and my sons, you’re just trying to survive a cruel game created by your fathers. Come, walk with me to my room.”

“Okay,” I whispered.

And as we passed through the hall, John paced around the perimeter, so quietly, head down, eyes on the floor, waiting for his brothers to come through the front door.

I let go of Mary’s arm and stopped him, cradling his face in my hands, once again noticing how much he resembled Will.

“Look at me, John. I’ll be upstairs, settling your mom in her room and sitting with Lissie. If you need me…for anything at all…you come and find me. Okay?”