Chapter 6 - Returning to the Snake Pit
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The following afternoon, I returned to the house I had shared with Corey to retrieve my personal belongings, my medical documents, and the nursery supplies I had purchased with my own money.
I wasn't alone.
Two armed police officers stood on the porch, while Sarah and two off-duty male nurses from my department accompanied me inside with packing boxes.
Corey was still in jail, but as I unlocked the front door, I found Lorraine sitting calmly on the living room sofa, sipping tea from a porcelain cup as if nothing had happened.
She didn't look surprised to see me. She set her cup down on the saucer with a soft clink.
“Look at this circus,” Lorraine sneered, eyeing the police officers. “You really are dramatic, Hannah. You turn a simple family disagreement into a crime scene.”
I walked straight past her into the hallway, refusing to give her the satisfaction of an argument.
“We have two hours to collect Mrs. Whitman’s property, ma’am,” the lead officer told Lorraine sternly. “Do not interfere.”
Lorraine stood up, her expensive silk blouse rustling as she followed me down the corridor toward the master bedroom.
“You think you’re so smart, don't you?” Lorraine hissed from the doorway while Sarah helped me pack my clothes. “You think keeping Corey in jail is going to protect you? His bail will be posted by tomorrow morning. My family’s lawyers will tear your reputation to shreds in family court.”
I zipped up a duffel bag and turned around to face her.
For months, I had shrunk under her cold stares and backhanded compliments. But now, holding the truth in my hands, I felt no fear.
“Your family’s lawyers won't be able to save him, Lorraine,” I said quietly. “And they won't be able to save you either.”
Lorraine’s eyes narrowed. “What is that supposed to mean?”
“I know about Elena Vance,” I said smoothly.
The color drained from Lorraine’s face so quickly it was as if she had been slapped. The cold, smug smile vanished completely, replaced by a flash of genuine panic.
May you like
“You know nothing,” she stammered, stepping back.
“I know everything,” I replied, stepping toward her until I was inches from her face. “And when we go to court, the whole world is going to find out what kind of monster you really are.”
