Page 3 of Echoes of Danger

***two months ago***

“What do you mean he’s been released?” I ask the officer on the other end of the line, my voice trembling.

“He was released on parole three weeks ago, Ms. Lewis.”

“Why?”

“He’s all but served his time. He was approved for early release because of good behavior.”

“Good behavior?” my voice cracks. “Three weeks ago? Why am I just now being told?”

“I’m not sure. But if you have any questions, you can reach out, and we will help you as best we can. Have a good day.”

“I have many questions,” I say frantically, but it’s useless. The officer has already disconnected the call.

“Ma, what’s wrong? Who was that?”

“Officer Brom from Harborbrook Penitentiary,” I whisper, my voice barely steady. “He’s been released.”

***one week later***

“I think we have enough to make chili,” I tell Elijah. “Does that sound okay for dinner?”

“Course, Ma,” he calls out from his room. “I’m going to mow old man Charley’s yard tomorrow for some extra cash. I’ll grab a pizza on the way home, so you don’t have to cook.”

“That sounds wonderful, honey,” I smile. “But you can save your money. I should have enough left after the bills to buy us one.”

“Not happening, Ma,” he says, his voice firm. “Gonna hit the shower. Be out in a few.”

Shaking my head, I don’t even bother trying to argue with him. He’s as hardheaded as his Ma.

Stirring the pot of chili, I smile when I hear him walk into the room about a minute later.

“There’s no way you got all of that teenage stink off of you in a sixty-second shower,” I chuckle.

“Delphie Mae Lewis. It’s been a while.”

The voice makes my blood freeze. Before I can turn, a hand grabs my hair and roughly yanks my head back—something cold presses against my throat.

“I was locked away, rotting in that prison, for a long fucking time because of you, cunt. I lost everything because your pussy got jealous that I didn’t want a repeat.”

My heart is in my throat, but I don’t dare move. I can already feel the knife in his hands shake with his anger.

“I’ve spent the better part of fifteen years thinking about ways to get my revenge, but now that the moment is here, Idon’t want to take my time. I just want to watch you fucking bleed.”

“Don’t move.”

“God no,” I cry. “Eli, get out of here.”

I’m turned abruptly, and I see my son, completely naked, dripping water, and pointing a gun at his father’s head.

“Spitting image of your old man. I bet you act like me, too. Even hung like me. Lucky kid.”

“I’m nothing like you, asshole. Now, let her go before I shoot you.”

“You ain’t gonna shoot your own dad, kid,” Ryan laughs. My throat stings as he presses the knife deeper, breaking the skin. I can feel the warmth of the blood as it drips down my neck. His hand grips my hair tighter, and the blade slides across my throat.

“I don’t have a dad,” I hear my son say before he pulls the trigger.