“It wasn’t their crime.”
“Bullshit!” she hollered. “Everyone knows that bitch Melody poisoned us because we wouldn’t fucking do what she—”
“You never thought it was strange how Big Tillio and his boys were able to come save you just in time?”
“They saw the fire and came—”
“They saw the fire because they set the fire.”
She shook her head. “I see you fit in perfectly with your new family—”
“You sure the poison won’t kill her?” Big Tillio’s voice rang out of my phone as I held it up so she could hear. She froze like she was afraid to breathe.
“Frankie, calm the fuck down.”
At the second voice, Chloe turned to me and nodded, even though she couldn’t see.
“Yes, that is my grandfather. If you remember, Big Tillio used to be Flabby Frankie. I believe your father said he was all fat and no brain? Nowhere close to good enough for his precious daughter. And you had all the guys after you back then. How was he ever going to get a chance—”
“Shut up!” she screamed, rising to her feet. “You’re lying! Why would your grandfather help him over something so—”
“Your father was loyal to Melody. My grandfather didn’t like that. It was a win-win for everyone involved. Well, everyone but you and your family that is.”
She just shook her head. “No.”
“I can play the rest of it for you if you’d like to hear for yourself. My grandfather always keeps records,” I stated. “But all you have to do is think. Would you have ever given a second look at Flabby Frankie if he hadn’t been your savior? If he hadn’t stuck beside you when everyone else was gone.”
Her hands went up to her throat. Her whole body shook violently. “Oh…No…It’s not possible. No—”
I stood as well. “It’s fucked up, isn’t it? You’ve been fucking the man who fucked up your whole goddamn life. He basically broke your wings and kept you in his own personal cage. Men can be such damn bastards.”
She stumbled, and I turned back, hearing the voices as the door began to open. Turning to face them, I watched as the man of the hour came inside. He looked like he ate Santa Claus for breakfast and then went out for IHOP. His bald head shone from whatever grease that was most likely coming out of his pores. Behind him were the three men I had requested.
“Calli girl, what are you doing here?”
“Just came to tell Chloe about herself.” I took my pistol out of my purse and placed the gun in her hand.
“What the fuck are you doing? She can’t fucking see!” He took a step to her, but I spun her toward where he was now standing.
“Was it you?” she screamed, pointing to where the voice was.
“Chloe, put down the gun before you fucking hurt yourself.”
“Was it you? Did you poison us?”
“Chloe—”
“Can you just confess already? I have things to do,” I asked, tiredly flipping over the watch on my wrist.
He shook his head. “Chloe, I don’t know what she told you but—”
“I heard you!”
“Chloe, she is a fucking Callahan. They fucking lie! It’s what they do! I love you, baby, listen to me. Trust me.”
I looked at her, and she paused for a moment, trying to make sense of this.
“What the fuck are you all doing? Stop her!” Big Tillio yelled at the men behind him.