Chapter 8 - The Confrontation Begins
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I drank the coffee, forcing myself to make small talk with the woman who had systematically abused my daughter. Maya stayed in the basement, as was apparently the rule when Evelyn had "guests."
"I think I need to have a serious talk with Maya," I said, setting the mug down. "I'm going to take her out for a drive. Just the two of us."
Evelyn frowned, clearly unhappy with losing control of the narrative. "Don't let her manipulate you, Jason. She's a very good liar."
"I won't," I promised, standing up. "I know exactly who is lying in this house."
I walked down the creaky stairs to the unfinished basement. It was cold, damp, and smelled of mildew. Maya was sitting on a mattress on the floor, doing her homework under a single, flickering lightbulb. This was where she had lived for three years.
"Pack a bag," I whispered, my voice trembling with suppressed rage. "Just the essentials. We're leaving, and we are not coming back."
Maya didn't hesitate. She shoved a few items of clothing into her worn backpack. She didn't have much to take anyway.
We walked upstairs together. Evelyn was waiting by the front door, her arms crossed.
"Where are you two going so late?" she demanded.
"I'm taking her to a hotel," I said coldly. "I want to get to the bottom of this without any distractions."
Evelyn's eyes narrowed. "Jason, that's completely unnecessary. You can discipline her here."
"I think I've seen enough of how she's disciplined here," I replied, stepping past her.
As we walked down the driveway toward my truck, another vehicle pulled up. It was a brand-new, lifted Ford F-150. My brother, Greg, stepped out, wearing designer sunglasses despite the fact that the sun had set hours ago.
"Jason!" Greg called out, flashing a million-dollar smile. "Didn't know you were in town, bro!"
I looked at the truck my daughter's food money had paid for. I looked at the expensive watch on his wrist.
"Greg," I said, my voice dangerously calm. "Nice truck. How's the renovation business?"
May you like
Greg chuckled, looking slightly nervous. "Oh, you know. Ups and downs. Grinding away."
"Right," I nodded, opening the passenger door for Maya. "We'll catch up tomorrow, Greg. We have a lot to talk about."
