The Unforgiven (38 page)

“Mom, oh my God!” Nina started to rush toward her mother.

Slowly, Duncan rose to his feet, waving his hands at her. “Nina,” he said. “Don’t. Don’t come any closer.”

“Mom,” she cried in a hoarse voice. “Mom. What’s wrong with her?”

“Honey, your mom is… gone,” he said. “I came in and found her like this.”

“You mean… ?”

“She’s dead. Yes.” He approached Nina gingerly, as if she were a rearing horse.

“No, she’s not dead!” Nina cried. “Don’t say that.”
She lunged toward her mother, but he intercepted her and held her back.

“No. There’s nothing you can do. Some one’s stabbed her.”

“No. That’s crazy. Let me go!” Nina cried frantically. “Mommy!”

“Honey, stop. She’s dead. Believe me. I’m a doctor. I know when some one’s dead. Come on. Get away from her. I don’t want you to see her like this.”

“Mommy,” she whimpered.

“Don’t go near her,” Duncan murmured, holding her. “Come on. We have to go in the kitchen. We have to call the police. Come with me.” He steered her away from her mother’s body, although Nina could not tear her gaze from the horrible, incredible sight. Supporting one another, they stumbled into the kitchen, which was lit only by the light over the stove. Nina slid on something wet and slippery. She looked down just as Duncan flipped on the switch for the overhead light. Nina saw that her own sneakered foot was resting in a scarlet puddle. She looked up. Blood splattered the cheerful, fruit-garlanded wallpaper and smeared the checkered tile floor.

“Oh my God,” said Duncan.

Nina began to scream.