EXCERPT FROM BETRAYED - A romantic suspense novel | Page 24

MORGAN ST. JAMES

been able to block out the pitiful animal-like sounds coming
from the wretched heap on the floor.
When she realized her dinner was burning, she’d raced into
the kitchen, snatched the potholders Aunt Ethyl crocheted for
her one Christmas, and yanked the hot roaster with the singed
bird out of the oven. The stitches on the old potholders had
worn so thin she’d burned her thumb. First she put her hand
under the cold water to ease the pain. Then she grabbed the tip
of her apron and wiped perspiration from her forehead.
When she stalked back to the living room, Laurel sat in the
center of the rug staring into space. Her face was all blotchy and
the girl couldn’t seem to stop shaking. Maude thought about
how she’d gripped her daughter’s shoulders firmly, forcing her
to lock those dead eyes with her own.
Begging, hoping, Laurel clung to her. Maude shouted, “The
only way you’ll go to New York is over my dead body! Do you
understand? I’m sick and tired of always worrying about what
you want, what you do, and how talented everyone thinks you
are. Let’s get something straight. I’m the boss here, and I am
never going to sign that piece of paper. The subject is closed.”
Her daughter still clung to her in a death grip, but she pried
the clawing hands away from her legs, and left her lying in a
hysterical bundle on the carpet. She’d returned to the kitchen
and hadn’t looked back.
One last shrill cry sounded from the living room. Then it
had been over.
~~~~

Maude called out to the empty room, “I didn’t mean for
nothin’ bad to happen to my Laurie,” but the memories swirled
like accusers pointing fingers, while the distraught woman
moved around the dark room turning on lights. She mumbled,
“Why doesn’t she call me?” She straightened a doily, then a
candy dish, wiped her glasses, finished the circuit and started
again, as if in a daze.
Still no word.

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