Collateral Damage (From the Damage) (6 page)

She couldn’t breathe, and a piece of broken wood was stabbing into her back, and her vision was starting to blur.

“Because
I
think you’ve become accustomed to my discipline over the years. It only makes you more difficult, angrier. Poor tortured Kay. So weak. So defenseless.”

Her lungs begged for oxygen, and she started to think he was going to kill her. She just wondered if it would be an accident, or out of rage. “I…I can’t…” she couldn’t choke out the words.

“I’m sorry, what was that?” He tilted an ear her direction. “I can’t hear you.”

Finally, he let go of her throat, but his weight on top of her still kept her pinned. She gasped in a deep breath, coughing and choking on it as her throat expanded again. Her uniform was soaked with spilled beer and the stench burned into her nostrils and stung her throat, threatening to make her puke.

He stood, while she stayed, trying to catch her breath. Nudging her with his foot, he said, “Get up.”

When she couldn’t move, he added, “Don’t make me say it twice.”

Her legs shaking, her body aching, she carefully stood to face him.

“Hit me,” he ordered.

“Dad—”

“What’d I just say about obedience?”

Fixing her disbelieving gaze into a glare of hatred, she balled her hand into a fist and swung at him.

But he swatted her hand away like it was a fly. “Try again.”

She came at him with her left fist this time, and when he grabbed her arm, she hit him with the right. Her knuckles cracked against his jaw, but he didn’t flinch. Didn’t budge.

“Why?” she pleaded, as she kicked at his stiff body, without having any effect. “Why do you hate me so much?”

“Why?” he mocked. “Why? Because you’re weak.” He grabbed her by the shirt and pulled her close. “A pathetic little tramp just like your mother, and I doubt you’re even really mine.”

He shoved her to the ground and stepped back, looking idly around at the splintered coffee table and the spilled beer. “Clean this up.”

Shooting one last hateful look at her, he turned away and went to his weight room in the basement.

For a second, Kay couldn’t move. She just sat in the middle of the floor, surrounded by the mess, trying to fight the sharp stings of shame his words made her feel. But she could still feel it, a deep wound cutting straight through her heart.

Standing shakily to her feet, she started to gather the broken pieces of the table into a pile and wondered if her father would ever change, if he would ever love her again.

***

Ryder

***

Ryder’s car was parked by the lake, and he sat on the hood of it, staring out at the water. A few boats dotted the horizon as families and couples took advantage of the warm, romantic Saturday night.

The fact that Seth had been running his mouth about him had been driving him crazy all afternoon. So, he’d been on his way to the abandoned lot Shane mentioned, to accept Seth’s challenge, but as he
passed the spot him and Meagan always went, he’d decided against it. 

Meagan wouldn’t want him to fight Seth unless there was no other way around
it, that much he knew. And he didn’t want to look her in the eyes and tell her he’d succumbed to his testosterone and pride.

The blue green water reminded him of Meagan’s eyes, and made him think of the times they’d come here. She was still in the hospital, but she’d be released soon. Probably Monday morning, her doctors had said. But he wasn’t so sure he wanted her released. It seemed to him that she was safer with an around-the-clock staff of nurses and a panic button within reach. When she left the hospital, what would stop Seth from trying to hurt her again?

The psycho had done nothing but traumatize Meagan and ruin her reputation, and something told Ryder that he wasn’t even close to finished with her. The whole situation made him uneasy and nervous, especially considering the fact that the local sheriff was Seth’s dad and deputies refused to touch him.

If he were a different person—the careless fool he’d been just last year—he’d say it was time for some southern justice and would’ve gladly gone down to the fighting game and played by their rules. Now, he could only hope Seth would trip up, leave some evidence or at least do something incriminating in front of credible witnesses who didn’t mind going up against the hotshot.

When a car pulled up next to him, he paid no attention to it. And then he heard his social worker’s voice, “Thought I’d find you here.”

He turned to see the middle aged woman as she got out of her Lincoln. Since they’d already had their monthly check-in, he knew her visit could only mean one thing. “Sophia. Past business hours, isn’t it?”

“Well, you know how it is. The job’s never done.”

Nodding, he watched with a feeling of dread as she came closer. She had that look…the one she always had when she came to deliver bad news. “I hope you come with good news, and not the usual.”

She gave him a sad look of pity, then sat down next to him on the hood. “I’m afraid not.”

“So, what’s the excuse this time?” He leaned back, propping himself up on his elbows. Pretending not to be offended, but dreading the thought of moving again. “The motorcycle too loud? Am I too ‘distant’?”

“Your foster-parent said that you’ve been getting into a lot of fights at school. He’s afraid you’re a violent person.” She tried to gain eye contact with him, but he couldn’t look directly at her, too afraid she’d see the pain, the rejection.

“I got into one fight,” he corrected. “The others, I was breaking up. But the damn teachers never give me a break. Never listen to me when I try to explain.”

“I’m sorry about that,” she said, and he could tell she meant it. “Maybe from now on you should stop playing referee?”

He shook his head, knowing he could never go back to turning a blind eye to injustice. “Where am I headed?”

“Well, as you know, you’re turning eighteen in a few weeks. I thought Cornerstone might be a good fit until then.”

“The group home?” Ryder asked, feeling his entire body sink with disappointment. “
Seriously
?”

He hated that place—there were cameras everywhere and strictly enforced curfews, not to mention
a revolving shift of asshole guardians.

“On the bright side, it is only for a few weeks,” she offered.

“Yeah, until I’m booted out on the street for being too old.”

“About that,” Sophia said. “Have you been saving up money? Do you know where you’re going to go?”

“I got it covered,” he said, even though it was a lie. He had managed to save up money, but not nearly enough to get a place of his own. “When am I ‘transferring’?”

“You should probably be packed up by Monday,” she said. “That’s when Cornerstone is expecting you.”

He nodded. “Alright.”

“Ryder, I’m really—”

“It’s not your fault,” he interrupted. “Don’t worry about it.”

She gave him a pat on the back and stood. “I’ll pick you up on Monday and take you over there, okay?”

“Sure,” he said.

After she left, he flopped back on the car and stared up at the sky. And, like he often did, he wondered about his parents. Where were they? What were they doing? Were they happy, with their lives put together now? Or, as they’d been while he was growing up, were they drugged out of their minds somewhere?

They’d left him, first his mom and then his dad a few years later, so they probably weren’t together. As far as he knew, the sky was the only thing any of them had in common.

***

Kendall

***

The buzz from her night out was starting to wear off as Kendall staggered up the sidewalk. She’d been wandering around on foot since she ditched the lame party, and couldn’t wait to get her car back. As soon as she was behind the wheel again, she was going to take off.

Staring up at the looming Victorian style house in front of her, she scowled at it. Hating everything about the boy who lived there and the secrets he reminded her of. Still, even with the loathing emotions, she found herself walking up to the front door and knocking.

The door opened a minute later and he stood in the doorway in front of her. His eyes narrowed with a hint of confusion when he saw her. He quickly recovered from the show of emotion and looked her up and down like she was a snack. “This is an unexpected pleasure.”

She rolled her eyes and slipped a hand into her back pocket. “You know how much I hate you…” Glancing away, she fixed her gaze on the wilting rosebush by the front door. “But I can’t stand going home…and I have nowhere else to go…”

Seth’s lips curved in a grin as he stepped aside to let her in. “Good enough for me.”

Chapter
3

Kendall

Inside Seth’s bedroom, Kendall sat on the bed and accepted the beer he offered her. Seth sat down in the desk chair a few feet away. To their right, a video game was paused. It looked like some kind of war game, and she couldn’t help but think about how appropriate that was. After all, life was one giant, unwinnable war.

The alarm clock on the night stand read 2:00 a.m.

“I have to admit, I’m surprised to see you again.” Seth took a drink from his brown bottle, keeping his gaze on her like she was a puzzle he was piecing together. “After last time…”

“Well, things didn’t go so well at Mom’s.”

“Heard you made quite the entrance,” he chuckled. “Running over Alex.”

She laughed, and then felt a nagging guilt for it. He could’ve gotten really hurt. “You know me, the chronic screw-up.”

“You get arrested?”

“Not yet. The hearing’s Monday.” Standing up, she began to look around his room. “How’d you know all that, anyway?”

“Dad’s the sheriff, remember?”

“Right. That explains how you’ve stayed out of juvie.” She winked at him.

He laughed, flashing a charming smile that reminded her of that boy she used to know. And though there was nothing particularly good about any of the memories they shared, she still felt comforted by just having something familiar to hold on to.

It only seemed fair, that she should have someone. Her dad had abandoned her for the blond mother-daughter duo and a wailing infant. And her mom kicked her out of the house the second her boyfriend started leering at Kendall. Kendall liked to tell herself that her dad was a dick, and her mom was a washed up tramp who was too insecure. But the truth was she was always the one left feeling inadequate.

“I don’t know what I was thinking when I decided to come back here,” Kendall admitted. “I forgot how annoying the golden child was.”

“That’s right,” he said, “Kelly’s your sister.”

“
Step
sister.”

“
She giving you a hard time?”

“Kind of. She went all judgmental when I ditched her for a party earlier. And, by the way, did you know her and Alex broke up? Never saw that one coming. They were like freaking Barbie and Ken.”

“He called things off awhile ago,” Seth said with a shrug. “It’s old news.”

“Still, she won’t tell me why and it’s bugging me. Do you know?”

He shrugged. “All Alex ever said was that it didn’t work out. Why do you care?”

“I don’t. But if Kelly has some juicy secret, I’d like to know. Even the playing field a little.”

“Well, if Kelly’s bothering you I could always knock her down a notch or two. Get her off that high-horse.” Seth grinned and raised an eyebrow. “Want me to?”

Kendall laughed, shaking her head. “I don’t even want to know what you mean by that.”

Seth took a drink from his beer, studying her as he did. “It’s good to see you again.”

“Is that your way of saying you missed me?” Taking a drink, she eyed a team picture tacked above the bookshelf filled with movies. “Still playing football, I see. And do you still…” she opened a DVD case. “Yep. Still hide your porn in your movies.”

He laughed. “Feel free to put that in if you want.”

“You wish.”
Sliding the case back in line with the others, she pulled out a different one. She grimaced as she came across a disk labeled
MVP
. “Ew, this one looks homemade.”

As she returned to sit on the bed, he grabbed her wrist and pulled her into his lap.

“Time to see how much you’ve changed.” With a sly grin, he kissed her, looping his arm around her waist to press her against him. His lips were warm, inviting, and shoved all thoughts out of her head. Going with that feeling of freedom, she kissed him deeper, letting him turn her mind into a complete blank.

She enjoyed the emptiness of their actions for a moment and only concentrated on the feeling of his lips on hers, his hands roaming her skin. They felt soft and warm, surprisingly soft and warm for a guy’s hands. And then it hit her. Like a fist to the gut, knocking her breath right out of her. If it hadn’t been for Seth’s arms she would have fallen right into the floor.

It was another flashback to seven years ago. She was locked in a dark, dank, scary room with no light, no escape. Absolutely no sign of a decent human being. Gasping, she pulled away and jumped backward onto the bed, getting as far away from Seth as she could with one movement.

It was just like the last one, like the dozen before it. Scary, terrifying and left her feeling faint. She struggled to catch her breath.

“Hey, what’s wrong? Are you okay?” Seth asked, coming closer.

She held her hand up as to stop him. “Don’t,” she barely choked out. “I’m fine.”

He looked at her as if he could see into her mind, like he knew exactly what was happening. “What can I do?”

“Nothing.” She brought her knees to her chest as she scooted herself into the safe corner where his bed met the wall.

He nodded, understanding, and retreated. Without saying a word, he grabbed the throw blanket from the bottom of the bed and draped it across her. As she tucked the blanket up under her chin, curling up inside the fleece warmth, she could feel his gaze watching her, a steady, scrutinizing burn on her skin. And she wondered if he suffered from those same flashbacks, or if she was the only one tormented by their past.

***

Kelly

***

Kelly sat at the breakfast table, munching on a bowl of Special K, while Jordan tried to call Kendall’s cell phone for the tenth time.

Jordan had been up half the night trying to reach her. He’d even had one of his police officer buddies track down the Jeep, but Kendall had bailed on their lakeside party just after dark, and she still hadn’t come home yet.

He hung up the phone. “Straight to voicemail.” Tossing the phone aside, he leaned his hands on the counter. “That does it. I’m getting her one of those tracking chips for dogs.”

“Come on, honey,” Jodi said, putting her hand on Jordan’s shoulder. “I’m sure she’s fine. She used to do this all the time, remember?”

“Yeah, I do. That’s why I sent her to rehab. Then her damn mother got a hold of her and all that hard work went down the drain.”

Kelly wasn’t used to seeing Jordan so worried; he always seemed confidant and put together. Sometimes even cocky. “I’m sorry I couldn’t stop her,” she said to him.

“Don’t be,” he said, giving her a small half-smile. “You did everything you could.”

“I can’t believe she just took off with a total stranger,” Kelly said. “Doesn’t she know how dangerous that can be?”

“She knows,” Jordan said softly. He was starting to say something else when the kitchen door opened and Kendall came walking in, wearing a pair of oversized sunglasses.

Barefoot and carrying her flip-flops in one hand, she moved slowly, like she was exhausted. Her hair looked like it hadn’t been brushed since yesterday morning. The curls flew every which way, as wild and untamed as her personality.

“Finally!” Jordan’s worry was gone, replaced by full blown anger. “I’ve been calling you all night!”

Kendall winced, bringing her hands to her ears. “Jesus, keep it down will you?”

“I don’t think so. Sit down!”

Kendall stopped and yawned. “Can we do this in a couple hours? I need some sleep.”

“Then you should have come home last night.”

As Kendall tried to bolt up the stairs, Jordan grabbed her arm and led her to the chair beside Kelly. Then he yanked the sunglasses off. She winced and groaned, squeezing her eyes shut.

“Haven’t you guys ever heard of curtains? It’s so
bright
in here.”

“Has your judgment gone completely out the window?” He ranted, pacing across the kitchen. “Drinking and driving. Taking off with some stranger, who by the way was twenty-five! Staying out all night without so much as a text message to tell me you’re still alive.”

Jodi set a cup of coffee down in front of Kendall, but she responded to the gesture with a glare.

“Like either one you even give a damn,” Kendall muttered.

Her words only further enraged Jordan. “So that’s how you justify your actions? Telling yourself no one cares what you do?” 

“Well, I’m sorry I can’t be more like little miss perfect over here.”

“Hey, leave me out of it,” Kelly snapped. “I didn’t do anything to you.”

“Yeah, nothing except ratting me out.” Kendall finally picked up the coffee cup and took a sip, shooting Kelly a glare out of the corner of her eye. “And it’s funny, because I didn’t mention you by name.”

“That’s enough,” Jordan cut in. “We spoke with Daphne, the counselor for Kelly’s support group—”

“Wait a second,” Kendall said, laughing as she looked at Kelly. “
You’re
in a support group? What are they treating you for? Chronic obedience?”

Kelly scowled at Kendall, and then turned a look of dread to her mom. “Why would you talk to Daphne?”

“Because we’re hoping she can help Kendall,” Jodi said.

The words finally sinking in, Kendall gawked at her dad. “Wait, what?”

“That’s right. You’ll be joining the group tomorrow evening.”

“You’re high.” Kendall pushed her chair back and stood up. “I’m not going to any
support group
.”

“Yes, you are,” Jordan said. “I can get it court-ordered for that car accident if I have to. Either way, you’re going.”

“Either way, I’m not.” Kendall started for the stairs. “This might come as a shock to you, Dad, but I don’t take orders from you or anybody else.” Kendall ran upstairs, stomping on each one. A few seconds later, a door slammed shut.

“That went well,” Kelly said.

Jordan shook his head and walked into the other room.

When they were alone, Kelly turned to her mother. “Don’t you think you should’ve checked with me before signing Kendall up for the same group I’m in?”

“I’m sorry, honey, I really I am. We don’t know what else to do.”

“Is it too late to switch it?” Kelly asked. “Surely there’s another group she can go to. I mean, it’s bad enough I have to share a house with her. Now this…”

“You’ll be okay,” Jodi said, giving her daughter’s shoulder a squeeze. “I wouldn’t do this to you unless I honestly thought Daphne could help her.”

“So, what then? I don’t get to have a say in this at all?”

Jodi gave a weary sigh. “Not this time.”

***

Ryder

***

Ryder parked his car in Meagan’s driveway and pulled down the visor mirror to make sure he looked okay. After a minute of debating, he decided to leave his leather jacket in the car. Just in case he happened to run into her parents.

He grabbed the bouquet of lilies from the passenger seat and headed up to the front door.

After he rang the doorbell, Trevor answered.

“Hey,” he said. “Is Meagan home yet?”

Trevor stepped aside to let him in. “Got home a couple hours ago. She’s in the basement.”

He followed Trevor’s instruction and found a door in the kitchen that led downstairs. When he opened the door, he heard music. Something classical that seemed to suit Meagan perfectly.

He hurried down the steps, excited to see her. The room was large, with wall-to-wall mirrors on one side, and shelves on the other. The shelves were decorated with trophies, pictures and ballet shoes in varieties of sizes. And though several fluorescent lights were mounted on the ceiling, the only light came from a dim lamp in the corner.

Toward the center of the room, he saw Meagan, sitting in a rocking chair with her broken leg propped up on a small footstool. She looked so sad and alone, surrounded by all of these memories and dreams, that for a second, he just stood there, gazing over at her.

She looked up from the photo album in her lap and smiled at him. “Hey,” she said softly, closing the album.

“How you feeling?” he asked, walking over to her.

“Okay,” she said, but he could tell she didn’t really mean it.

He handed her the flowers. Again, she smiled, but this one reached her eyes. She brought them to her nose and smelled them, closing her eyes.

“Thank you. They’re beautiful.” She set them on her lap and motioned to the corner. “There’s a fold-out chair over there if you want to grab it.”

He grabbed the chair and set it up so he’d be facing her. Taking a seat, he leaned his elbows on his knees and studied her for a second. The broken leg wasn’t the only injury from the car accident. She had a nasty cut by her eyebrow and a bruise on her jawbone, and a welt from the seatbelt.

It made a small fire of anger burn inside of him, seeing those bruises in full bloom. As far as he was concerned, it was just as bad as if Seth had done it with his own two hands.

“So, honestly,” he said. “How are you?”

She shrugged, but eventually said, “Not so good. The emotions come in waves. Self-pity. Anger. Shame.”