When Love Became A Larceny

hell was that? Th

r, caught up to me, his

e on the sho

there was somethi

poken brother. Co-fo

always saw a manipulativ

dismissed his concern

words wer

Jake," I said, a gr

him eve

the sons who weren't min

ment turning into stunned silen

id, his voice tight. "And t

a raw deal, brother. But you

was unwave

Mom and Dad?

ey loved Bella too. They need to

a's parents, the H

ial standing above all else, was all s

traught. A misunderstanding, su

enderson," I said, my voice firm. "I

tation! Peopl

r concern,

my apartment later tha

fused by the rumors swir

side me, and told them t

er hand flying to

of few words, was visib

my mother whispered, appalled.

was complicit. It was about securing a con

unannounced while my pa

empt to salvage

reasonably," Mr. Henderson starte

She says you' ve made

his voice cold. "My son has told us everything

tled. "How dare you

, her usual warmth gone, replaced by icy disdain.

nited front, looked furious bu

ering threats a

My family knew. They beli

d not trap

smooth things over, to rea

as