“I’m your big brother, and my job is to look out for you. Not the other way around.”
So now he cares? What bag of fake shit is this? “Let’s be honest. The only people you care about are either named Kyle or are no longer with us.” It’s a low blow, but the truth is long overdue. I was shoved aside and forgotten about after she died. No one gave a crap about my grief. Now I’m an adult, and it’s time to let go of the past. Make my own destiny. Carve out a place in this world. None of it includes listening to any more of Kyle’s holier-than-thou BS.
“You know I care about you, Huff. But I am the only person in a position to get justice for our sister. So if that’s left you feeling neglected, I’m sorry,” he says, like he’s not sorry at all. “You’ll just have to be a man about it. Like you said.”
I’ve never realized until now what a dick my brother is. Correction, I always knew, but I gave him a pass. Who was I to judge? No one. But I’m not no one anymore.
“I’ll be a man,” I say, “and you keep chasing fame, power, and money, riding ‘justice for Joy’ coattails. Sound good?”
“I can take the jabs, Huff. No problem. I was only calling to tell you I’m here for you. I’ve got your back no matter what, so don’t be afraid to pick up the phone. That’s all I wanted to say. Other than that, I know you’re smart, and you’ll figure out how to handle this stuff on your own.”
Ah. So he wanted me to know how incredibly lucky I am to have him in my life to save me when I fail. Cool. I’ll send him a fruit basket and a thank-you card.
He continues, “Also, I thought you should know that closing arguments were yesterday. We expect a ruling on the civil suit by Wednesday; then I’m done. I’m moving on for better or worse.”
In other words, it’s over. No more legal battles.
“Will Manda be there?” I ask.
“Probably. Why?”
Because a very dark part of me wants to know where to find her. “Just hoping you’ll send her my love.”
Kyle doesn’t react to my sarcastic remark.
“Look, Hudson, just stay out of trouble over there. Okay? Mom and Dad are under enough stress with the trial coming to a close. They’ve been getting death threats, and they think there’ll be a backlash from some of the families if we win.”
Of course there will be. I put nothing past Manda’s people. “Everything’s fine here, and it’ll stay that way.”
“Good. Because you should be enjoying your freedom. Experience life. Girls. Fall in love. Get your heart broken. Find yourself.”
“I’m doing all that and more.” More than you could ever imagine.
“And next time, Huff, text or call me if something happens. Don’t make me hear about it from a stranger.” He pauses for a long moment. “You’re sure nothing else is going on?”
“I almost died last night and woke up looking like a very meaty Calvin Klein model. Oh, and I have superpowers now. Other than that, no. ’Tsallgood.”
“Very funny. I got to go and hop on a call.”
As always, he has important things to do. “Bye.”
The call ends, and I set my cell on the nightstand. I’m genuinely tempted to get on a plane and pay Manda a visit. I bet I could get a spot in the back of the courtroom and watch real justice play out. Wishing her dead.
A sharp pain shoots through my heart. I sit up, clutching the fabric of my shirt. “Jeeesus,” I groan. Breathe, breathe, breathe.
After a few long moments, the pain subsides.
I wish I understood what was triggering it, but so far, it seems linked to my anger. Either way, it wasn’t enough to stop me from wishing Blake dead. I doubt it would stop me from delivering the same results to Manda and her friends if I ever get the chance. In the meantime, I need to learn more about what’s happening to me and why.
CHAPTER SIXTEEN
Monday morning, I finagle an unscheduled meeting with my academic advisor by smiling at his admin. Yes, I’m wearing a tight shirt. What can I say? It works to get me in, and no one is more surprised than me.
After a short conversation, he agrees to start the necessary paperwork to switch my major to prelaw. I could tell he thought I was nuts at first, but when I mentioned my sister was murdered and that I’ve had a life-changing moment of clarity, he actually starts making calls to see what’s possible.
It’s good news. The change will require the dean’s approval, but based on my GPA, he says he can grant conditional approval for me to at least attend classes—as long as there’s space. My professors must give me satisfactory grades and attendance, but he warns me I have to start studying for the LSAT, which I’ll need to take next year, if I want to get into actual law school.