Chapter 110

Leighton

“Did you hear about the barn party?” I ask Brooks as we sit in the same room we occupied the first time I came here.

“Yeah.” His voice is devoid of emotion. “It was Dad, wasn’t it?”

I nod, I can’t put it into words. Not here, not now, not when I feel like I’m failing everyone by not being able to put the man who raised me behind bars. That’s mostly Holden’s doing though, and not mine. He doesn’t want me involved, but I don’t see how he’s going to prevent it.

“It’s not our fault,” Brooks’ voice is strong in his conviction. “I’ve done a lot of things that are my fault, and a ton of shit I’m not proud of, but this, Lee Lee, isn’t us. It’s time Dad takes responsibility for the lives he’s wrecked, just like I have.”

The phrase is jarring coming from him, and I realize he’s right.

“It’s not going to be easy.” I push my hair back behind my ears, in a gesture that’s more nerves than anything.