Page 81 of Montana Silence
Keeping my mouth shut, I tapped the screen of my phone to wake it up. The Family kept everyone separated by sex. She knew it. It was one of the major points of The Family. But I also knew she wasn’t in her right mind right now.
Sickness spun inside me. How had this happened? How had they gotten to her? After all this time? I wanted to scream, but I didn’t have space for it. Instead of my voice being silent, I let the silence creep through my mind. No room for anything but thoughts to help myself get out of this.
We sped south down the highway. I didn’t mention how many exits we’d passed or ask where the court building was. We both knew we weren’t going there.
Down by my leg, I navigated to Liam’s text message.HELP.
I sent it, glancing over at Claire. She didn’t notice what I’d done, thankfully.
“Claire,” I said quietly.
“Yes?”
“What happened?” I asked.
She drummed her hands on the wheel. “What do you mean?”
“When did you…” I swallowed down bile. “When did you become a member of The Family?”
“Years ago now. During the appeals process for Malcolm. I interviewed some older members of The Family, and everything they said…” Sheglaredat me. “It was nothing like what you made it out to be.Nothinglike what you said yesterday. How you could even think those things—”
I held my breath and looked down at my phone. No response.
“Being with The Family is a gift. Where you’re treasured. Neil loves me, and I already know he loves you. We’re going to be happy, Mara. I know you’ve struggled a lot since you were taken from us, but you’re finally coming home. This is a good thing. And you’ll still be a bride of honor. Neil is willing to forgive you for everything.”
My knuckles were white from how hard I gripped my phone and the edge of my seat. How could she ask me things like she had in the courtroom yesterday and still be this far gone? How could I have had no idea after all this time?
What she’d said about my mother and there being no proof…
“Do you know what happened to my mother?”
“You know as well as I do once you’re a part of The Family, youalwaysare. Which is why you should be thankful for Neil forgiving you. He could have chosen to bury you next to her, and it would be more than you deserve.”
I closed my eyes. Of course. Deep inside, I’d always known they killed her, but confirmation was different from the intangible possibility she could have gotten out and lived a normal life. I wouldn’t have blamed her for leaving me if she had the chance.
Still no answer from Liam.
Please, I begged the universe. God. Whoever might be listening.Please let him see.
I typed out one more desperate plea.
Liam. I love you.
He knew, but if I didn’t get to say the words aloud, he would have these from me.
The car slowed, pulling off an exit. This was good. If we went slowly enough, I could get out and run. All I needed was one moment and distance. I could do this. I could survive.
Claire pulled into a gas station, and relief washed over me in a cool wave. As soon as she stopped, I was gone.
She pulled up beside the pump, and Imoved. Ripping off my seat belt, I lunged for the door and pushed it open, my momentum crumbling as I ran directly into a person. A man. Leering at me in a way that was far too familiar.
A second later, I saw the gun he held low by his waist. Pointed straight at me.
Claire ran around the car and plastered herself against him, kissing him like we weren’t in public in the middle of the day. They were blocking my way out, and the gun prodded into my ribs.
“Go drive, baby,” he said, and Claire smiled, her eyes glazed with adoration. His eyes once again fixed on me. He tilted his head to the side. “Nice try, but I made myself clear. You belong to us.”
I needed to tell him I didn’t. I would never belongtoanyone ever again. Onlywithsomeone, and I’d already chosen.