The Recording

I returned home and lied.

“I agree.”

Hannah’s attitude changed immediately.

She smiled at me for the first time in years.

Noah looked relieved enough to cry.

For three days, the Bennetts did not come.

Hannah’s temper grew worse again.

Noah came to my room and sat on the edge of the bed.

“Maya,” he whispered, “your sister-in-law went out again.”

I closed my eyes.

“She’s seeing another man?”

He lowered his head.

“I don’t understand. What is wrong with our home?”

I wanted to laugh.

I wanted to cry.

Instead, I asked,

“Didn’t you say you would listen to me?”

“I will.”

“No, you won’t.”

His eyes filled.

“Maya…”

“You never did. Every time I told you to leave, you ran back to her. Every time I tried to save you, you used me to prove your love.”

He could not look at me.

I grabbed his hand.

“You told me once we would have good days after I finished school. Is this the good life you promised?”

Noah pulled away.

For the first time, guilt looked real on his face.

“I’m sorry,” he whispered.

Then he left.

I did not want his apology.

I wanted him to save himself.

But he would not.

So I saved myself.

The next day, while Noah was out, I found Hannah on the phone.

She did not even hide it.

“When we meet in two days,” she purred, “I’ll take good care of you.”

I pressed record on my phone.

“You’re married,” I said.

Hannah glanced at me.

“So?”

“You have no shame.”

She laughed and arched her back.

“This is called skill. Married and still desired.”

She looked me up and down.

“Your face is fine, body too thin. Otherwise I could have sold you for more.”

I kept my voice steady.

“Did my brother know you sold me?”

“Of course not, little sister.” She smiled. “But even if he knew, what could he do? Your brother loves me too much.”

“And the Bennetts? How much?”

“Fifty thousand.” Her smile widened. “But on the wedding day, I’ll ask for another thirty.”

“Eighty thousand?”

“They have no choice. Their son is a fool and no decent girl would marry him. I’m doing them a favor.”

The recording was enough.

That afternoon, I played the second half for Carl Bennett.

His face turned purple.

“Eighty thousand? That bitch thinks she can rob me?”

I lowered my head, playing wounded.

“I only thought, since I’ll be part of your family, I shouldn’t let my sister-in-law take advantage of you.”

Carl slammed the table.

“I’ll settle this tomorrow.”

Good.

Go.

Break everything open.