The Altar, The Lies, His Penance

Housto

mine, as if seeking reassurance. My work was slow, a quiet lull after the earlier rush, so I picked him up and dropped him off a

felt a prickling sensation on the back of my neck, a phantom feeling of being watched. I' d glance in my rearview mirror, half-expecting to see his sleek black sedan.

ce was apologetic, hesitant. "Mrs. Houston,

r caused trouble. "Is he hurt? Is someone bothering

ickly assured me. "But he' s been quit

keys, the serene calm of my morning shattered. I hailed a cab, gri

es. Today, it was silent, almost unnaturally so. And then I saw them. Carter, stiff and imposing, stood by t

ice a low snarl. "What are you doing here? Is that... is that really your child?" Her gaze flickered to a sma

ked so small, so vulnerable. I turned to th

e to inquire about enrollment for their... future child," she stammered, her cheeks flushing. "And then, L

d-rimmed, his lower lip trembling. He didn't hit her, Mom. I didn't mean to.

he just... she just stepped in front of me! I didn't mean to touch her!" He looked at me

her constant need for attention. And I knew my son.

ver. I' m not mad. I believe you." I straightened, my eyes, cold and hard, fixed o

culous, Emery! It was a simple accident! Boys will be bo

fixed on the autumn leaves outside, flickered. A fleeting shadow of dis

ring. "Now." I gently guided Leo towards the door. "Go

ng one last wary glance at Camilla

out of there, to breathe. But as I reached for the

me

dn't. I kept my back to him,

h an intensity that made my skin prickle. It was a question, but it felt like an a

g. What was he asking? Why did it matter?

years ago. The secret yearning in his eyes. The way he had dismissed me, effort

or, away from his presence. His shadow, tall and imposing, seemed to

y his knuckles were white, blue veins bulging beneath his

of emotion. "His date of birth... it doesn't quite match up with the t