Echoes of the Heart - 25. Chapter 25: Carter's search for the truth brings him to the face of danger

Carter descended the stairs, his steps measured and confident, though his expression betrayed the nerves bubbling within him. His phone was pressed firmly to his ear as he walked, dressed sharply in a crisp white shirt with the top button undone, paired with tailored black trousers that fit him perfectly. His hair, neatly tied into a ponytail, framed his handsome face, giving him an air of sophistication that only added to his natural charm.

“Did you find anything, Eric?” Carter asked anxiously, his voice barely above a whisper as he reached the bottom of the staircase.

On the other end of the line, Eric sighed heavily.

‘Good news and bad news,’ he said, his tone reluctant.

Carter inhaled deeply, steadying himself.

“Alright. Give me the good news first.”

‘Well,’ Eric began, ‘after so much work, I finally managed to get ahold of the street camera footage from the night the murder was committed.’

Carter’s eyes widened in disbelief, a spark of hope lighting up his face. “Are you serious?” he asked excitedly, his voice rising slightly.

‘Don’t get too excited,’ Eric cautioned, the grimness in his tone instantly wiping the smile off Carter’s face.

“What’s the problem?” Carter asked, the excitement draining as he paced slowly through the living room.

Eric sighed again. ‘The footage has everything from that night... except for the exact moment of the murder. It’s strange. There’s a clip of your father standing over the corpse with a gun in his hand covered in blood and trembling, but that’s it.’

Carter felt a cold shiver run down his spine. His pulse quickened, and his throat tightened as he absorbed the news.

“So... someone deliberately removed the footage?” he asked quietly.

‘Exactly,’ Eric replied. ‘Either the cameras just happened to malfunction at that moment—which is unlikely—or someone didn’t want that footage to exist.’

Carter stopped pacing, standing still as his mind went blank for a moment.

“This is just another dead end,” he muttered, frustration thick in his voice. “I don’t know what else to do, Eric.”

‘Don’t lose hope,’ Eric said firmly. ‘There’s one other lead. There was a security guard who testified against your father about what he saw that night. The weird thing is, a few days later, he resigned and disappeared. It’s suspicious, to say the least.’

Carter let out a heavy sigh. “That just makes me believe even more that my father didn’t do it,” he said, running a hand through his neatly tied hair. “And I only have six days left to prove it to Jeremy.”

‘Well,’ Eric continued, ‘I managed to track down where the guard moved. He’s about a day’s drive from the capital. I was planning to head there as soon as possible.’

“I’m coming with you,” Carter said firmly.

‘You don’t have to,’ Eric countered. “’ can handle this. Besides, you’re newly married. You should be enjoying this time, not running around chasing leads.’

Carter’s jaw tightened. “I can’t enjoy my marriage until I find out the truth, Eric. My father’s life depends on this. Wait for me—I’m coming with you.”

Eric hesitated but eventually sighed in agreement. ‘Alright. I’ll wait.’

Carter ended the call and stood in the living room, lost in thought. His gaze was fixed on the floor, his brows knitted together as his mind raced. Suddenly, soft hands covered his eyes from behind.

“Guess who?” came a playful voice.

Carter’s lips curved into a bright smile as he reached up to hold the hands.

“Jeff,” he said with a chuckle.

Jeff laughed as he let go and stepped in front of Carter, pulling him into a warm hug.

“How’d you know it was me?”

Carter grinned, still holding onto Jeff’s arms as they parted.

“I just knew. We’re friends, after all. And your cologne gave you away.”

Jeff threw his head back, laughing.

“Well, I’m glad you’re home, Carter. And I guess I should officially welcome you as my brother-in-law now.”

Carter blushed, smiling shyly.

“Thank you. I didn’t see you when I came though... and I haven’t seen the kids either.”

Jeff’s smile softened as he placed a hand on Carter’s shoulder.

“Jeremy asked me to take the kids away for a while. With all the tension in the house, he thought it wasn’t the best environment for them. So, I took them to this fun camp. Lots of outdoor activities and games—they’re having the time of their lives.”

Carter’s face fell slightly, guilt flashing in his eyes. “I feel terrible that they’re gone because of me.”

A sharp voice interrupted their conversation.

“You should be happy.”

Both Carter and Jeff turned, their eyes falling on Laura as she strode into the room, her expression twisted with anger. Her heels clicked sharply against the floor, her eyes narrowing as she approached.

a stood inches away from Carter, her face twisted in anger, her chest heaving with frustration.

“You’re tearing this family apart!” she spat, pointing an accusatory finger at him. “And my stupid sons are just standing by, welcoming it. I won’t let this continue, Carter. I won’t!”

Carter’s calm demeanor didn’t waver. He straightened his posture, meeting her fiery gaze.

“I’m not tearing anything apart, Laura. I’m here because I care about Jeremy, and it’s useless trying to guilt me into thinking otherwise. I’ve done nothing wrong.”

Laura’s laughter was sharp, almost mocking, as she threw her hands up.

“Nothing wrong? Your father killed my husband! And yet, here you are, walking around this house like you belong. Like you’ve somehow earned the right to be here!” Her voice rose with every word, venom dripping from her tone. “You might have manipulated my sons into forgetting it, Carter, but I won’t let you forget it. And I certainly won’t let the law forget it.”

Carter’s eyes narrowed, his jaw tightening.

“I won’t stand here and let you threaten me or insult me or my father. Believe whatever you want, but don’t think for a second that I’ll let you treat me like this.”

Laura’s lips curled into a bitter smile as she clapped slowly.

“There he is,” she said with mock enthusiasm. “The real Carter. Just like your father. A liar and a manipulator. I’m glad you’re done pretending to be nice now that you’ve gotten what you wanted. But don’t think for a second that I don’t see through this farce of a marriage. It’s nothing but a facade for you.”

Carter’s brow furrowed, his voice calm but firm.

“Unlike you, some people actually care about others. Jeremy is someone I love. I don’t need your approval or your permission to prove my love for him. And frankly, I’m done trying to convince you otherwise.”

Laura’s face turned red with fury, her voice shaking as she yelled, “You ungrateful little—how dare you talk to me like that? I gave birth to the man you’re clinging to, the man you’re ruining with your selfishness! You and your cursed family don’t deserve to be here. You’re nothing but a parasite, sucking the life out of everything good in this house!”

Carter remained silent, his expression stoic, though his clenched fists at his sides betrayed the storm brewing within him.

“ENOUGH!” Jeremy’s voice boomed through the room as he strode in, his eyes blazing with anger. He stepped between his mother and Carter, shielding his husband with his body. “Stop it, Mother. Just stop.”

Laura turned to her son, her face softening momentarily before twisting in disappointment.

“Jeremy, you can’t seriously be siding with him. He’s—”

“He’s my husband,” Jeremy interrupted sharply, his tone leaving no room for argument. “I didn’t bring Carter into this house for you to insult him and throw baseless accusations at him.”

“Baseless?” Laura’s voice rose. “You call your father’s murder baseless? Jeremy, I raised you better than this. I raised you to stand by your family, not some outsider who’s tearing us apart!”

Jeremy took a deep breath, his hands trembling slightly as he tried to rein in his frustration.

“You’re the one tearing this family apart, Mother. Not Carter. You’re so consumed by hate and bitterness that you can’t even see what’s in front of you.”

“I’m consumed by hate because I lost my husband!” Laura shot back, her voice cracking. “You think I’ll ever forget what his father did to us? To this family? And now you’ve brought that man’s son into our home!”

“I brought Carter here because I love him,” Jeremy said firmly. “And if you can’t accept that, then maybe we shouldn’t be here.”

Laura’s eyes widened in disbelief.

“You’re leaving? You’d abandon your own mother for him?”

Jeremy’s voice softened, but his resolve was unshaken.

“I’m not abandoning anyone, Mother. But I refuse to let you disrespect my husband. If you can’t see that, then yes, we’re leaving.” He turned to Carter, taking his hand in his. “Let’s go, Carter. We’re not staying here another second.”

Carter hesitated, glancing back at Laura, but Jeremy’s grip on his hand tightened. Together, they walked toward the door, their footsteps echoing through the tense silence of the room.

Laura stood frozen, her face a mixture of shock and fury as she watched them leave. Her breathing was ragged, her hands trembling at her sides. When the door slammed shut behind them, her anger erupted.

Her gaze shifted to Jeff, who had been standing silently by, watching the chaos unfold.

“And what are you standing there for?” she snapped. “Go on, follow your new mother! Isn’t that what Carter is to you now?”

Jeff’s eyes widened, his mouth opening to protest, but before he could say a word, Laura shoved him toward the door.

“Get out!” she yelled, her voice cracking with emotion. “If you’re so eager to side with him, then you don’t belong here either!”

Jeff stumbled back, his expression a mix of shock and hurt as he stared at her. “Mom—”

“Don’t ‘Mom’ me,” Laura interrupted, her voice cold and cutting. “Get out of my sight.”

Jeff hesitated for a moment, his lips pressing into a thin line before he turned and walked out, the door clicking shut behind him.

Inside, Laura stood alone in the silent room, her chest heaving as tears threatened to spill from her eyes. She clenched her fists, her nails digging into her palms as she whispered to herself, “They’ll regret this. All of them.”

*

Jeremy held Carter’s hand gently, his thumb brushing over Carter’s knuckles as they stood by the car. His expression was tender, but there was a shadow of guilt in his eyes.

“I shouldn’t have brought you here,” Jeremy admitted, his voice quiet and tinged with regret. “I knew how much my mother didn’t like you, but… I thought maybe her love for me would make her at least try to accept you.”

Carter tilted his head slightly, a small, understanding smile curving his lips.

“Jeremy, it’s okay. I understand where she’s coming from. It’s not easy for her. Losing someone the way she lost your father… it leaves scars. I don’t hold it against her.” His smile faltered for a moment, and he glanced down. “But it does hurt knowing that your relationship with her is strained because of me.”

Jeremy let out a soft sigh and cupped Carter’s cheek, tilting his head back up.

“Don’t blame yourself for that, Carter. You didn’t do anything wrong. My mother’s anger and bitterness… that’s on her, not you. All I want you to focus on is being happy. We’re going to get through this—together.” He leaned forward and pressed a kiss to Carter’s forehead, his lips lingering for a moment. “Right now, I’m taking you to the beach house. Just you and me for a few days, away from all this drama.”

Carter’s eyes softened as he looked at Jeremy, his hand moving to rest over Jeremy’s.

“That sounds perfect,” he said, his voice warm. Then he hesitated, biting his lip. “But… I can’t go just yet. I need to leave town for a day or two. There’s a lead I need to follow up on—something that might help with my father’s case.”

Jeremy’s brow furrowed slightly, concern flickering across his face, but he nodded.

“If that’s what you need to do, then do it. I told you before—I won’t interfere. I just want you to do what feels right.”

Carter’s smile returned, brighter this time, and he leaned in to press a soft kiss to Jeremy’s lips.

“Thank you for understanding.” He lingered for a moment, their foreheads touching, before he pulled away and opened the car door. “I’ll see you soon, okay?”

Jeremy nodded, stepping back as Carter slid into the car.

“Drive safe,” he called after him, watching as Carter started the engine and pulled away.

Inside the house, Laura stood by the window, her eyes narrowed as she watched the car disappear into the distance. Her lips pressed into a thin line before curling into a sinister smile. She closed the curtain with deliberate slowness and turned, striding toward the phone on the table.

Picking up the phone, she dialed a number with precision, each press sharp and deliberate. She brought the phone to her ear, her voice low and cold as it dripped with malice.

“It’s me,” she said, her tone smooth but venomous. “I’ve got a little pest control problem I need taken care of.”

The voice on the other end responded, but it was muffled, indistinct. Laura’s smile widened, her eyes glinting with a dangerous edge.

“I’ll give you all the details,” she purred. “The little stray Jeremy dragged into this family. He’s becoming… inconvenient.”

The person on the other end muttered something indistinct, and Laura let out a sharp laugh, her tone mockingly sweet. There was a pause, and Laura’s expression darkened further.

“Good,” she said finally, her voice dropping even lower. “Call me when it’s done. And remember—this conversation never happened.”

She hung up the phone with a decisive click, her fingers lingering on the receiver for a moment. Her face was a mask of cold satisfaction as she turned back toward the window, gazing out at the empty driveway.

“You won’t ruin my family, Carter,” she murmured to herself, her voice laced with venom. “Not while I’m still standing.”

***

Carter and Eric stood at the threshold of the weathered house, the weather bringing a chilled vibe as thunder slowly roared. Carter adjusted the sleeve of his shirt, his nerves tightening as he glanced at the crumpled piece of paper in his hand. The address was right—this had to be the place. But something about the air here, the quiet desolation surrounding the house, set him on edge.

He knocked on the door, the sound echoing hollowly in the silence. Eric shifted beside him, the lines of exhaustion evident on his face after a day spent chasing what felt like a phantom.

“No one’s coming,” Eric muttered after a moment, glancing at Carter. “You sure about this?”

Carter didn’t reply. Instead, he knocked again, louder this time, his fist landing on the door with a sense of urgency. Just as Eric opened his mouth to suggest leaving, the door creaked open a crack, revealing a shadowed figure.

“Who is it?” a sharp voice demanded, and the door opened wider, revealing a man—gaunt, with graying hair that hung limply around his face, and piercing eyes that scrutinized them both with suspicion.

“Victor Mendez?” Carter asked, his voice firm but tinged with desperation.

The man narrowed his eyes, his lips pressing into a thin line.

“Who’s asking?” His tone was curt, almost hostile.

Carter stepped forward, his hands raised slightly in a placating gesture.

“My name is Carter. This is Eric. We’re here about a testimony you gave years ago… regarding a murder.”

The man blinked, his face tightening as if Carter had dragged up a memory he’d long buried.

“You’re wasting your time,” he muttered, starting to close the door.

Carter shoved his foot into the gap, panic surging through him.

“Please! we’ve come too far to walk away now. You testified that you saw him with the victim that night. You put him in prison. But he didn’t do it—he swore to me he didn’t do it!”

The man’s eyes narrowed, his lips pressing into a thin line.

“You’re barking up the wrong tree. The only one who could’ve told you anything is dead.”

Carter froze, his blood turning to ice.

“What do you mean?”

“I am Matthew, his brother. The man you’re looking for. Victor. He’s been dead five years.”

The world seemed to tilt around Carter, the words hitting him like a physical blow. He staggered back, staring at the man as though he’d misheard. “

“Dead?”

The man nodded, his expression grim. “Heart attack. Took whatever secrets he had to the grave.”

“No, no, no.” Carter stumbled to the side of the porch, gripping the railing to steady himself. His chest felt tight, his breath coming in sharp, shallow gasps. “He can’t be dead. He’s the one who…”

“There’s nothing you can do,” the man interrupted, his tone final. “You want answers? You won’t find them here.”

Carter felt the weight of the years, the injustice, the hopelessness crashing down on him all at once. Tears blurred his vision as he turned back to the man, his voice breaking.

“My father’s going to die in that prison if I can’t clear his name. Please, there has to be something—someone—who knows the truth.”

The man hesitated, his hand still on the door. For a moment, Carter thought he saw a flicker of pity in his eyes, but it was gone as quickly as it came.

“You’re chasing ghosts, son. Go home.”

The door shut with a finality that echoed in Carter’s chest, leaving him alone on the porch with nothing but the sound of his ragged breathing and the distant roll of thunder. He could feel hands on his shoulders, providing him comfort but he was too disturbed to even realize it.

He sank to his knees, the rain beginning to fall in cold, heavy drops. It soaked through his clothes, but he didn’t care. His father’s voice echoed in his mind, a quiet plea.

‘I didn’t do it. You have to believe me, Carter.’

And Carter did. He always had. But now, he didn’t know if that belief was enough. Eric held him carefully, helping raise him from the floor with a rub on his shoulder, telling him that they had to go.

The rain poured harder, streaking down Carter’s face and mingling with the tears he couldn’t hold back anymore. He sat on the wooden porch steps, fists clenched at his sides, staring out at the overgrown yard as despair threatened to drown him. For a moment, the storm felt fitting—a mirror of the chaos inside him.

But then something shifted.

His father’s face flashed in his mind, his plea, how he had been hurt in prison and he knew he had to try to find out anything, anything at all. That man deserved justice.

Carter wiped his face with a trembling hand, forcing himself to his feet. The man might have slammed the door, but that wasn’t going to stop him. He turned back to the house, his chest heaving with renewed determination. He pounded on the door again, harder this time, his voice cutting through the rain.

“Open the door! I’m not leaving until you tell me something—anything!”

The porch light flickered on, and the door creaked open just a sliver. The man glared at Carter, his expression a mixture of annoyance and wariness.

“You’re starting to piss me off, boy.”

“I don’t care.” Carter stepped closer, his eyes blazing. “I’ll stand here all night if I have to. Victor might be dead, but someone else had to know what he knew. He couldn’t have kept it all to himself. You know something, don’t you? Something you’re not telling me.”

The man sighed heavily, his grip tightening on the edge of the door.

“You don’t know what you’re asking for.”

“I know exactly what I’m asking for,” Carter shot back. “The truth. My father’s life depends on it. I depend on it.”

“We’ll pay for your information.” Eric said, opening up an envelope that had a lot of 100 dollar notes.

“Please,” Carter put his hands together. “This might be the only thing that may help bring out the truth. Whether my father killed him or not, it will help me with closure.”

For a long moment, the man said nothing, his gaze scanning Carter face as though searching for cracks in his resolve. Finally, with a groan of frustration, he stepped back and opened the door wider.

“You’re too damn stubborn for your own good. Get in before the neighbors call the cops.”

Carter and Eric hesitated only a second before stepping inside. The house smelled of mildew and old wood, the dim light casting long shadows across the cluttered living room. The man shuffled over to a sagging armchair and collapsed into it, motioning for Carter and Eric to sit across from him.

“I don’t know much,” the man began, his voice low and gravelly. “But I knew Victor enough to know he wasn’t the kind to stick his neck out for no reason. He testified because someone wanted him to. Someone with enough power to make sure he’d play along.”

Carter leaned forward, his heart racing. “Who? Who would’ve done that?”

The man shook his head, his gaze distant.

“I don’t know. He never said names, but I saw the fear in his eyes. He was terrified, even years after the trial. Whatever it was, it wasn’t just about money or threats. It was bigger than that.”

“Bigger?” Eric echoed, his stomach twisting.

The man nodded slowly.

“Victor used to talk about someone watching him, making sure he kept quiet. He said they’d kill him if he so much as whispered the truth. And five years ago…” He trailed off, shrugging as if that said it all.

Carter’s fists tightened in his lap.

“You think they killed him?”

“I don’t think. I know.” The man’s voice dropped to a whisper, and his hands trembled. “Victor was healthy. He didn’t have no heart problems. One day he’s fine, and the next, he’s dead. You tell me if that sounds natural to you.”

Matthew looked at him, then at Carter, his eyes narrowing.

“Why are you digging this up now? It’s been years. What’s the point?”

“My father’s life was destroyed because of that testimony,” Carter said, his voice breaking slightly. “I need to know the truth. I need to clear his name.”

Matthew seemed to wrestle with something internally, his hands gripping the edges of his chair. Finally, he stood up abruptly, pacing the room.

“There’s… something. A journal. Victor wrote things down—things he was too scared to say out loud. He told me where he hid it, but I’ve been too afraid to even check it out because I… I didn’t want to find out whatever he was hiding.”

Carter and Eric both stood up, their hope reignited.

“Where is it?” Carter asked urgently.

Matthew looked at them both as if they’d grown another head.

“You need to understand… if what’s in that journal gets out, it won’t just be you who’s in danger. It’ll be me too.”

Before Carter could respond, a sharp knock echoed through the house. Matthew froze, his eyes darting toward the door.

“Are you expecting someone?” Eric asked, his voice tense.

Matthew shook his head slowly.

“Stay here,” he said, his tone firm. He moved toward the door, his movements cautious and deliberate.

Carter and Eric exchanged worried glances as they stayed rooted in place. The sound of the door creaking open reached their ears, followed by a muffled exchange of words they couldn’t make out.

And then—

Bang!

The gunshot rang out, deafening in the confined space. Carter’s heart stopped as he watched Matthew stagger back, clutching his chest, blood blooming across his shirt like a crimson flower.

“No!” Carter shouted, running toward him.

Matthew collapsed to the ground, gasping for air as blood pooled around him. The door swung open wider, revealing nothing but darkness outside. Whoever had fired the shot was gone, swallowed by the night.

Carter dropped to his knees beside Matthew, his hands shaking as he pressed them against the wound.

“Stay with me! Matthew, don’t you dare die on me!” His voice cracked with desperation, his breaths coming in short, frantic gasps.

Matthew’s eyes fluttered open, glassy and unfocused. His lips trembled as he tried to speak.

“Carter, we need to move!” Eric’s voice was sharp, yanking Carter’s attention away from the dying man.

“No!” Carter snapped, his voice raw. “I’m not leaving him!”

Matthew’s bloodied hand weakly grabbed Carter’s shirt, tugging him closer. His voice was a broken whisper.

“The… journal… it’s in the…”

His head fell back, his eyes staring blankly at the ceiling. The hand clutching Carter’s shirt slipped away, falling limp to his side.

“Matthew? No! No, no, no!” Carter’s voice broke as he shook the man, his own blood-streaked hands trembling.

“Carter, we have to go!” Eric said, grabbing his shoulder. “Whoever did this could still be out there!”

Carter’s chest heaved, his mind spinning. Finally, he nodded, his jaw clenched tightly as he fought back tears.

“We can’t just leave, we need to call an ambulance. He could still be alive,” he said, his voice resolute.

Eric looked at him, his face grim.

“We will, but we need to leave. It’s too dangerous.”

Carter stood, his hands curling into fists as he cast one last glance at Matthew’s lifeless body.

The air was thick with tension as Carter and Eric burst out of the house, their footsteps pounding against the gravel driveway. As they got away from the house to where they were parked, Carter’s trembling hands fumbled for the car door, but he barely registered the action. His chest was heaving, every breath sharp and shallow as if the air itself was suffocating him.

Eric grabbed his arm.

“Carter, get in the car!” he barked, his voice sharp but not unkind.

Carter didn’t move. He stood frozen, staring back at the dimly lit house where Matthew lay lifeless on the floor. His knees buckled slightly, and he clutched the car’s frame for support.

“This is my fault,” he whispered, his voice barely audible.

“What?” Eric turned to him, his face etched with worry.

“It’s my fault,” Carter said again, louder this time, his voice cracking. “He’s dead because of me! I dragged him into this! If I hadn’t come here—if I hadn’t—” His words dissolved into a ragged sob as he stumbled backward, his hands gripping his hair.

“Carter, stop!” Eric was in front of him in an instant, gripping his shoulders tightly. “This isn’t your fault! Do you hear me?”

Carter shook his head violently, tears streaming down his face.

“It is! I should’ve just left it alone! I pushed too hard, and now he’s—he’s gone, Eric! He’s gone!”

His breathing hitched, spiraling into gasps as panic overtook him. He clawed at his chest, struggling for air, his eyes wide with terror.

“I—can’t—breathe!”

Eric pulled him close without hesitation, wrapping his arms tightly around him.

“Breathe with me, Carter,” he said, his voice firm but soothing. “Come on, in and out. Focus on my voice.”

Carter’s fingers clutched at Eric’s shirt as he buried his face in his shoulder, his body trembling uncontrollably. Eric’s grip was steady, grounding him as he gently rocked them both.

“It’s going to be okay. You’re okay,” Eric murmured, his hand running soothingly up and down Carter’s back.

Minutes passed, though it felt like an eternity. Slowly, Carter’s breaths became less frantic, his sobs quieting to soft hiccups. He pulled back slightly, his red-rimmed eyes meeting Eric’s.

“I just wanted to prove he didn’t do it,” he whispered brokenly. “That my dad didn’t kill anyone.”

Eric nodded, his expression heavy with sympathy.

“I know. And we will. But you can’t shoulder all of this alone, Carter. You’re not alone in this.”

Carter nodded weakly, his gaze dropping to the ground. But before either of them could say another word, Carter’s phone buzzed in his pocket. He took a deep breath, answering it quickly. Then his eyes widened, his heart pounded deeply in his chest and he failed like he stopped breathing.

“What?” He gasped.

***

Carter pushed the door open with trembling hands, his breath caught in his throat as his eyes fell on the figure lying on the hospital bed. His father, pale and fragile, was hooked up to machines that beeped steadily. A thick bandage wrapped around his abdomen bore a faint stain of blood, a cruel reminder of the violence he’d endured. An oxygen mask covered his face, rising and falling faintly with each shallow breath he took.

Carter’s knees nearly buckled beneath him, and his vision blurred with tears. He stepped inside, his movements slow and hesitant as if afraid that any sudden motion would break the fragile stillness of the room. The sound of the machines echoed in his ears, pulling him into a whirlwind of memories—of his father in the hospital bed years ago, fighting for his life.

He reached the side of the bed, his lips trembling as he whispered, “Dad…” His voice was barely audible, a broken cry that seemed to hang in the air.

But before he could sink into his emotions fully, a voice broke the silence, startling him.

“He got stabbed.”

Carter jerked his head toward the sound, his tear-filled eyes landing on Jeremy, who stood in the corner of the room. Jeremy’s face was unreadable, a blank canvas that revealed neither anger nor sorrow. His hands were stuffed into his pockets, but his posture betrayed the tension he was trying to hide.

“I’m sorry, Carter,” Jeremy said softly, his voice calm but tinged with a heaviness that couldn’t be ignored. “I… I don’t know what happened. When I got there, it was already done. Thank God I found him in time and called for help.”

Carter’s lips quivered, his gaze darting between Jeremy and his father. His knees gave out, and he sank to the floor by the bedside, his hands trembling as they reached for his father’s limp hand. He gripped it tightly, his tears spilling freely down his cheeks.

“I’m so sorry, Dad,” he choked, his voice cracking with anguish. “I should’ve protected you. I should’ve been there. This… this is my fault.”

His sobs filled the room, raw and unfiltered, as he buried his face against the hospital bed. His body shook with every breath, each sob seeming to tear through him as he clung to his father’s hand as though it was the only thing anchoring him to the moment.

The sound of footsteps approached, but Carter was too consumed by his grief to notice. Suddenly, a pair of arms wrapped around him from behind, pulling him into a firm embrace. Carter felt the warmth of Jeremy’s body against his back, the steady rise and fall of his chest as he held him close.

Jeremy rested his chin on Carter’s shoulder, his own eyes glistening with unshed tears.

“You’re not alone in this, Carter,” he whispered, his voice steady but soft. “I’m here.”

Carter turned slightly, his tear-streaked face pressing against Jeremy’s chest as he clung to him. Jeremy’s arms tightened around him, his hand gently cradling the back of Carter’s head.

“You don’t have to carry this alone,” Jeremy murmured, his voice breaking slightly as he tried to stay strong for his husband.

For a long moment, they stayed like that, wrapped in each other’s arms, the hum of the machines and Carter’s muffled sobs the only sounds in the room. Carter’s fingers clutched at Jeremy’s shirt, his cries gradually softening into quiet whimpers. Jeremy pressed a gentle kiss to the top of Carter’s head, his own tears finally falling as he held him tightly, silently vowing to protect him, no matter what it took.

*

Laura sat in her grand living room, the dim light from a nearby chandelier casting shadows across her sharp features. Her legs were crossed elegantly, her posture exuding power and control as she swirled a glass of amber liquor in one hand. The other held a sleek phone pressed to her ear. Her lips curved into a sinister grin, and her eyes gleamed with satisfaction as she listened to the voice on the other end.

“Good job,” she purred, her voice smooth and dripping with malice.

She took a slow sip from her glass, savoring both the taste of the liquor and the triumph coursing through her veins. Without waiting for a response, she ended the call with a click and placed the phone down on the side table.

Leaning back in her chair, she tilted her head slightly, her grin widening into something almost feral.

“Get ready, Carter,” she murmured, her tone venomous. She raised her glass in a mock toast, her voice growing darker with every word. “I’m going to hit you so hard, you won’t even realize it. Too bad my son will have to become a widower again.”

The thought seemed to amuse her greatly, as her shoulders began to shake with laughter. It started low, almost a chuckle, but quickly escalated into a full-blown manic cackle that echoed throughout the empty room. She threw her head back, her laughter unhinged and chilling, a sound that would send shivers down anyone’s spine.

“Poor, poor Carter,” she said mockingly, her voice dripping with false pity as her laughter subsided. She leaned forward, setting her drink down and clasping her hands together, her grin never faltering. “You think you’ve won, don’t you? But this game is far from over.”

She stood up, smoothing out the folds of her dress as she walked to the window. The city lights glittered in the distance, a stark contrast to the darkness swirling inside her. She placed a hand on the glass, her reflection staring back at her, twisted with malice.

“Let’s see how long you can keep up with me, darling.”

Turning away from the window, Laura’s grin remained plastered on her face as she returned to her chair. She reached for her glass once more, raising it to her lips with a newfound determination. Whatever she had planned, it was clear that Laura was far from done—and her next move would be devastating.

To be continued...