Scorn of Secrets Read online

  Copyright © 2021

  Authored By: B. Truly

  Published on Smashwords By: B. Truly

  ISBN-13: 9780463011614

  All rights reserved.

  No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the publisher. Except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical reviews and certain other noncommercial uses permitted by copyright law. This is a work of fiction. Any resemblance to persons, living or dead is purely accidental.

  This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, brands, media, and incidents are either the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. The author acknowledges the trademarked status and trademark owners of various products referenced in this work of fiction, which have been used without permission. The publication/use of these trademarks is not authorized, associated with, or sponsored by the trademark owners.

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  I must keep it locked away—the memory of my darkest secret….

  When the rising tides of my life peak, I’m left struggling with the currents of the storm. The first dilemma is my dad’s gambling debt. Mama bounces back quickly from the ramifications it causes. She proves this by getting a new man. Her Rico Suave is just the tip of the iceberg—she moves us across state to live with him and his two sons.

  My outgoing, older sister fits right in—she’s the total opposite of me. I am Madison Guillory, the shy, quiet type. Taught to make the best of even the worst situations, I contemplate giving my new family a chance.

  Living with my future stepbrothers is interesting, to say the least. They’re like night and day. I have more in common with the laid-back brother, and we become instant friends. I’m adjusting to Taylor High, and the arrogant brother is even starting to grow on me. Maybe everything will work out after all.

  My life finally seems to be falling into place until a dreadful night shatters my dreams. My world is flipped upside down because of the consequences I must now bear.

  The memories of that night lurk in the shadows to torment me. If I think of what happened, I’ll succumb to my fear. His face has scorned me. No one will believe me if I confess, not even my own sister. I hold the key to my darkest secret, desperate to keep it locked away.

  Recommended for 16+ due to sexual content and language. Some content dealing with sexual assault may be disturbing.

  Dedication

  A special shout out goes to my editor, Laura Kenney. Laura’s advice and editing skills always help to take my writing to the next level. Thank you to my writing partner, Kat Mayor. She helps me with plot building ideas for my stories. I value Kat’s opinion. She is the one person I trust to revise my scenes. I also want to thank my daughter, Calise Truly. Her encouragement to write this book has been inspirational.

  Table of Contents

  I

  New Beginnings

  Chapter 1: Playing with Fire

  Chapter 2: Repercussions

  Chapter 3: Vandalism

  Chapter 4: Devastation

  Chapter 5: Rico Suave

  Chapter 6: Departure

  Chapter 7: Houston, TX

  Chapter 8: The Jenkins

  Chapter 9: Dora & Diego

  Chapter 10: Harvey Part 1

  Chapter 11: Harvey Part 2

  Chapter 12: Harvey Relief

  Chapter 13: Patching Up

  Chapter 14: Party Hardy

  Chapter 15: Public Intoxication

  Chapter 16: Bitten by the Love Bug

  Chapter 17: One Week of Restraint

  Chapter 18: Screw It

  Chapter 19: Cruel Intentions

  Chapter 20: We All Scream for Ice Cream

  Chapter 21: You Reap What You Sow

  Chapter 22: Past Photographs

  Chapter 23: Deck the Halls

  Chapter 24: The Night After Christmas

  Chapter 25: Gone in the Blink of an Eye

  Chapter 26: The Same Face that Haunts Me

  Chapter 27: I Love You, I Hate You

  Chapter 28: Going through the Motions

  Chapter 29: Sweet Seventeen

  Chapter 30: Confiding Confrontation

  Chapter 31: Stuck in a Corner

  Chapter 32: Miserable Nights

  Chapter 33: This Can’t Be Happening

  Chapter 34: In Limbo

  Chapter 35: Nightmares Never End

  II

  Starting Over

  Chapter 36: Baton Rouge

  Chapter 37: Confessions

  Chapter 38: Summertime

  Chapter 39: Restless Nights

  Chapter 40: The Dam Breaks

  Chapter 41: Justice

  Chapter 42: Pushing Forward

  Chapter 43: Interrogation

  Chapter 44: Blood Is Not Thicker than Water

  Chapter 45: Chain Reaction

  Chapter 46: Mi Amor

  Author’s Notes

  New Beginnings

  1

  Playing with Fire

  “For the love of all that’s holy, don’t start with this again. We’ve been over this a thousand times.” She listens for a spell, before sighing. “Phillip is just under stress at work. His job has been tight with hours.”

  That’s a contradiction from what mama has told us. My dad has been getting home late over the past several months. According to her, he’s working loads of overtime, the total opposite of what she just said.

  “We’ll be able to pay you back next month,” Mama says to the person she’s on the phone with. After a moment of silence, Mama smacks her lips. “Why do you always do this? You sound like a broken record. Spare me the lecture of ‘what you do in darkness, shall come to light.’ Stop with the theatrics, it’s been over eighteen years. Honestly, what good would it do now?”

  My mother doesn’t respond for a while, then she snaps, “Look, Mama, we appreciate your help, but I can’t deal with your self-righteousness right now.”

  Mama disconnects the call. I back away from her cracked bedroom door, so she won’t catch wind of me spying. I’d gone to ask her a question, but now is not the time. I’ve been taught not to eavesdrop, but it was kinda hard not to, hearing the secrecy in her voice.

  Mama had been talking to my grandma about my father. Her conversation shot chills down my spine. What is this big secret she’s been hiding for years?

  * * *

  “Madie? Earth to Madison.”

  My cousin, Dariel, snaps me out of my deep thoughts. We have last period geometry together. I’d zoned out in class, which is not like me.

  “The final bell rang. Time to bounce.” Dari raises her eyebrow. “What’s up with you?”

  The bizarre conversation I’d overheard still disturbs me. Dari and I normally don’t keep secrets. There’s just something about the conversation that makes me hesitate to share. “Sorry, my mind wandered.” We tread down the hallway to our lockers.

  “What were you thinking about?”

  “Just crap at home.”

  “Is your mama being her strikingly lovely self?”

  I can’t help but smile at Dari’s sarcasm. She knows my mom well, has experienced her—it’s all about Charlotte’s ego. Being the same age and growing up living nea
r each other, we are close. I decide to divulge part of it, needing to get it off my chest. Dari won’t say anything. “Nah, actually, something’s going on with my dad.”

  “What?”

  “I’m not sure. I overheard Mama talking about him on the phone to Gigi.” That’s what we call our grandma. “I only picked up weird, vague details.”

  “Hum.” Dari’s forehead wrinkles. “Has your dad been acting strange?”

  “Lately, I hardly ever see him. He’s been getting home late for months—supposedly working overtime.”

  “Why did you say supposedly?”

  “Because my mama mentioned paying money back to Gigi. That kind of contradicts him working late hours.”

  “I agree. Maybe he owes her a lot of money and it’s taking him longer to pay her back.” Dari shifts her weight. “Which leads me to the question of why your dad needed to borrow money from Gigi in the first place.”

  Creases line my forehead. Good question. “We are a one-house income. Maybe something came up.”

  Dari nods. “That’s probably it. My parents whine every year about how the taxes go up.”

  The pressure in my chest lessens with this logical explanation.

  “Well, keep me posted if you find out anything else.”

  Friday’s atmosphere buzz fills the air as students scatter, ready for the weekend.

  “That geometry test was a killer,” Dari says, changing the subject. “I’m so glad the weekend is here.”

  Both of us are finishing our sophomore year. Even though I’m an honor student, math is my weakest link. “Tell me about it. I wanted to pull my hair out.”

  “What are you doing tonight?”

  “I’m about to head to my Knowledge for Your Mind group.”

  Dari scrunches her nose. “Your book club?”

  I nod my head at her, grinning. The two of us couldn’t be more different. It’s a wonder how we get along so well. My passion is books. Dariel prefers social media and blogging. I think we balance each other out. I’m a planner, with a more cautious approach versus my adventurous cousin, who always jumps in headfirst—asks questions later.

  “We’re putting together a yearbook fair for the end of the year.”

  “That actually seems fun. Let’s try to get together tomorrow, go to the mall or something.”

  “Sounds good. I’ll call you when I get home.”

  “Okay, see ya later.”

  My book club meeting goes seamlessly—productive, for the most part. I find myself being the last one waiting for my ride home. I look at the time on my watch. Surprisingly, my dad offered to pick me up. I think he wants to make up for not being home lately. I jumped at his offer. Now, I’m starting to worry. I texted him when I was done. He responded, saying he was on the way, but that was an hour ago. We only live ten minutes away. I hope nothing happened.

  “Hey, are you okay?” a male’s voice startles me.

  As I turn to see who it is, I feel my cheeks flush. Chauncey’s lips curl upward with a curious expression lining his face. Attractive and well-built, I try my best not to make it obvious I’m ogling him. He’s a sophomore, too, and plays for our football team. Last season, he made quite a name for himself—one of the guys that almost every chick gushes about.

  Being the quiet, shy type, I keep my crush on him hush-hush. Chauncey, unlike most cock-strung jocks, seems like a decent guy. If we pass each other in the hall, he always says hi, even though we don’t formally know one another.

  “Hi, Chauncey.” There is no sense in pretending I don’t know his name.

  “You look upset, Madison.”

  A thrill runs through me that he knows mine, too! “I’m just wondering where my dad is. Where are you coming from?”

  “Track practice. How long have you been out here?”

  Sighing, I answer, “Over an hour.”

  “What did you have after school?”

  “Setting up a book fair.” His lips curve up sideways. “Go ahead and say it.”

  “Say what?

  “A book fair is nerdy.”

  “That’s not what I was thinking. It’s different, but a nice different.”

  Now I wear a goofy grin.

  “Hey, Chaun, are you coming or not?” one of his compadres asks, heading in our direction with a group of boys.

  “Yeah, give me a sec.” He focuses his attention back to me. “We’re going to Tony’s, the pizza joint. Do you need a ride?”

  “I’m sure my dad will show up soon. I’ll give him a call if he’s not here in a minute.” In my peripheral vision, I see a gray car speeding down the road.

  “Damn, they’re in a hurry,” Chauncey comments.

  I shift, uneasy, recognizing the Toyota Camry. “Um, yeah, that’s my ride.”

  “Oh....” Chauncey replies with wide eyes.

  My father rounds the corner. He pops a wheelie, going over a curb hard as he enters the parking lot—clearly in a rush. Usually, my dad drives the limit, so I’m stunned he’s driving like a maniac. Pulling up in front of us, he comes to a screeching halt. The passenger window glides down.

  Leaning over, and speaking through it, he says, “Sorry, I’m late, sunshine. Hop in.”

  His childhood nickname for me, which normally makes me grin, causes my face to heat. Chauncey is still standing nearby.

  “I guess I’ll see you on Monday,” Chauncey says with his brow furrowed.

  I offer him a small smile—all I can manage. Somewhat skeptical, I climb into the passenger seat. My father speeds off just as fast as he came in.

  “Whoa, Dad. What’s the rush?”

  “I was late picking you up, kiddo.”

  A wave of alcohol invades my nostrils. Surely, he isn’t driving drunk. “I was just starting to worry. All’s forgiven.” Telling him that doesn’t slow him down. He continues to push it through the light.

  “I have to go somewhere after I take you home. That’s why I’m in a bit of a hurry.”

  More than a bit, I think, peering at the speedometer, which reads sixty miles per hour. We’re in a thirty-five zone. Wrinkles line underneath his cinnamon-brown colored eyes, and they appear sluggish.

  “Is everything okay?”

  He nods. “Everything will be fine. Don’t worry.”

  No reassurance comes from his words. His bizarre behavior is beginning to freak me out. His cell phone rings, startling both of us. He cusses under his breath before answering it.

  “Yeah.” My dad listens briefly. “I’ll get it to you later this evening.” His brow furrows. “What do you mean that’s not good enough?” His forehead creases more and more as he holds the phone in a tight grip. “That’s not necessary.” He glances at me, and his sluggish eyes dilate. “I’ll bring it by shortly.” He hangs up, swearing. “I need to make a quick stop.” His smile is forced.

  I bite my lip. “Where to?”

  “Close to downtown ... it won’t take long.”

  I stir in my seat, praying we’re not going to see whoever he was talking to on the phone. My dad appears to be in his own world, occasionally mumbling under his breath. I’m wary of asking any questions. He’s acting like a totally different person. After working through traffic, he pulls into a complex of fancy townhomes on the ritzy side of town, then he parks in the rear.

  “Stay here. I’ll be back soon,” Dad tells me.

  My stomach somersaults. Tension pops off him in huge waves filling me with dread. “But....”

  “No buts, sunshine. I mean it. Stay in the car.”

  I poke my mouth out, nodding. As he walks toward the homes, I stretch my neck as far as I can. I see him standing at a door on the end to the left. He’s only there briefly, before disappearing. Might as well get some of my homework done since it’s still daylight. In high school, teachers don’t give you a weekend pass. I have homework in almost every class.

  Worried about my father, it is kinda hard to focus. I manage to finish my geometry homework. I’m growing more anxious by the min
ute. Twenty minutes have passed with no sign of him. Pulling out my cell, I call him. Close by me, I hear a buzzing sound. Leaning over, I spot a silver object lighting up. Darn it, he left his phone on the console.

  Another ten minutes pass—still no Phillip. Screw staying in the car. My anxiety has reached an all-time high.

  Shutting off the engine, I put the keys in my pocket. Slowly, I creep toward the door I saw him go in. Not far from the townhome, I hear raised voices, so I quicken my steps. By the time I get there, the male voices are louder. Not bothering to knock, I try the handle, lucking out—it’s unlocked. On tenterhooks, I open the door as quietly as I can.

  Upon entering, I hear my dad say, “This is all I have. I’ll get you the rest. Just give me until the end of next week.”

  Three other men are standing in the living room. “That’s not good enough,” the short one sneers.

  A stocky man grabs my dad by the collar of his shirt. With great force, he shoves him, lifting him against a wall. His feet are dangling in the air.

  Omg!

  The shorter dude shouts. “You have twenty-four hours to pay us the rest or deal with the consequences!”

  2

  Repercussions

  All heads turn in my direction as I gasp, loudly.

  “Who the hell are you?” the short man demands.

  “That’s … my ... daugh … ter,” my father chokes out. It’s difficult for him to talk with the big dude’s hands wrapped around his throat.

  “Let him go, you big brute!” My voice sounds steadier than I feel.

  Short-stuff bursts out laughing, although I don’t see anything funny. The third, medium-built man scrunches his nose. He appears ready to throw down if you even look at him wrong.

  “Madison ... ju … st go back … to the car.” He’s still struggling to speak with big ox’s steady hold on him. “Everything’s … fine. I’ll han … dle this.”

  The man strangling him is a clear indication everything is not okay. I cross my arms, not budging. “I’m not going anywhere without you.”

  Short-stuff says, “I like her, Phillip. She’s got heart. Since I’m feeling generous today, I’m gonna let you make it. But you better have what’s owed to us by the end of next week.”