very caring and upset about the Alan situation. Lovely man.”
I can’t believe this. Did Jake not tell her about this arsehole?
“Mum, he’s a journalist! I can’t believe you got sucked in to that. He’s been stalking me, harassing me. I had to get a protective order out against him. Did Jake not tell you?”
She puts her hand on the steering wheel, shrugging one shoulder and turning her mouth down. “I certainly don’t remember if he did. You know, pregnancy. It can make you fluffy-headed.” She laughs at her own joke before turning on a caring expression. “I’m sorry. Did I make a mistake?”
The almost smirk she makes is quickly suppressed, but I saw it, nonetheless. She knew exactly who he was, what he was after, and what she was doing by answering his questions.
“I need to go home.” Before I fucking deck you one! I turn around and start walking before I say or do something I’ll regret.
“Come round for dinner tomorrow night, love. Send me a text later to let me know. I’m sure Jake and Matthew would love to see you.”
She’s shouting this behind my back, but I keep on ignoring her. I can’t believe the gall of her. I always knew she wasn’t the greatest mother on earth, but this seriously takes the biscuit.
Muttering obscenities under my breath, I head into the apartment block and check the mail, pulling out all the items in there. I wait for the lift, glad it’s empty as I go up by myself, looking down the hall to make sure no one’s around before I exit. When I enter the apartment, the first thing I do is grab a bottle of wine from the fridge and pour myself a very generous glass. I then sit down and sift through the mail. Everything but one big envelope is for Jessie, so I put her mail aside and open up the bigger envelope. Inside is a sheet of paper taken from a newspaper with a sticky note on top.
Ana,
I met your mother the other day, and she was very open about you and your relationship with her. I know I can’t go near you, but I thought you would like to read what it is she said. This segment will be published tomorrow, but don’t worry, I am not naming names.
Phil Spector
Ripping the post-it note off the paper, I start to read, my mind whirring and my body humming with rage.
Mother of the Blonde Killer Victim Reveals All is the title.
“I don’t fucking believe this,” I mutter out loud. Taking a deep, much-needed breath, I start reading.
*Due to the sensitivity of the case, names have been changed to protect the mother and victim involved.
Your daughter has been through quite the ordeal with the Blonde Killer and his obsession with her. How did she cope, and how did you feel when you found out he abducted her?
Oh, it was horrendous. I have never felt so scared and anxious in all my life. April had already been through so much from her past, and then there was this. It’s almost as if she attracts monsters when all she wants to do is live a normal life.
For one, he’s decided to call me April, and two, my mum’s already having a dig at me, “attracting the monsters”, as she so eloquently put it. Fury rages in my head already, but I read on.
You mentioned her past. I understand she was attacked by her stepfather at the age of thirteen, causing you to flee and change your names?
That it correct. She was attacked, but thankfully, a neighbor heard her screaming and came to her rescue. I have never felt so guilty. I should have recognized the signs that she was being abused, but unfortunately, I didn’t. April never told me that Adrian was touching her, otherwise I would have taken her out of the situation a lot sooner. I just wished I had the sense to notice it myself.
Don’t beat yourself up about this. You’re just feeling what any caring mother would feel. At least you did save her when she needed you most. I understand she now has a bachelor’s degree and is doing well. You must be so proud.
That I certainly am. April is one special daughter. I’m so lucky to have her.
Well then, thanks to you, she has a great life.
Thank you. I appreciate that. It was hard being a single mother, raising her on my own, but I did my best at giving