Behind the Mask by A.J. Rivers EPUB & PDF – eBook Details Online
- Status: Available for Free Download
- Authors: A.J. Rivers
- Language: English
- Genre: Serial Killers
- Format: PDF/ePub
- Size: 1 MB
- Price: Free
Dinner Finally
The weather held out nicely. Molly, Shelly, and the Jameses enjoyed dinner
outside on the back deck overlooking the peaceful backyard at Elizabeth and
Hank James’s house. Ava hadn’t smiled so much in… well, she couldn’t
remember when. It had been a long time. Too long. And more than once, she
wondered if she was being too happy, too joyous, and making a nuisance of
herself.
Shelly tittered nervously randomly throughout the long meal and at things
she wouldn’t have found amusing years ago. Was she forcing her own
appearance of happiness? Did she still hold against them what had happened
to her daughter?
Could Ava blame her if she did?
The thought dampened her high spirits more than a little. No, she
couldn’t blame Shelly if she still held the Jameses at least somewhat
responsible for Molly’s situation. She also couldn’t blame her if she couldn’t
find it in her heart to forgive them. Especially Ava. She was the one who ran
away and left Molly with those awful men. Left her to a fate worse than
death.
“Anyone want more wine?” Elizabeth asked, smiling broadly and holding
the nearly empty bottle of red aloft.
Shelly covered her glass and shook her head. “No more for me, thank
you.”
Molly nodded. “You don’t have to twist my arm.” She held out her glass.
The index finger of her right hand stuck out straight, unable to bend at any of
the joints. It was, like so many of her scars, a stark and permanent reminder
of what she had endured while being held prisoner for so many years.
Ava grimaced inwardly and made an effort not to flinch as Molly’s
shoulder caught and she had to set the wine flute down to prevent dropping it.
“Almost a whoopsie,” Molly said, laughing as she picked up the delicate
glass with her left hand and drained half the deep crimson liquid.
Shelly seemed embarrassed as she put a gentle hand on Molly’s arm and
leaned in close. “Molly, honey, you might want to slow down on that. You
know you’re not supposed to—”
“I know, I know, I know,” Molly said, putting the glass down again. “It’s
not like I’m chugging shots of Jaeger, Mom. It’s just a little red wine. Last
glass. I promise.” She smiled.
It took part of the bite out of her sharp retort, but Ava didn’t like where
the scene was headed. Her friend was changed in fundamental ways, and
Shelly, along with the rest of the people who knew and loved Molly before
she was kidnapped, were left wondering how the hell to deal with the new
version of the sweet girl she had once been. Was that same version still in
there anywhere? Perhaps buried deep in some dark corner, cowering, and still
frightened. Or had she been eradicated with the years of violence and drugs
and constant abuse?
“The doctors said any alcohol, honey. It’s because of the medicines. It’s
—”
Molly jerked her head toward her mother and held up a hand in obvious
irritation. “Mom, please. I think I can handle a little wine mixed with
painkillers.”
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