I felt sick. My whole body trembled. “You’re bluffing.”
Jason smirked. “Am I?”
He pulled out his phone, tapped a few buttons, and Jane let out a bloodcurdling scream. “No! Don’t! Amber, stop him!”
The horror in her voice told me it was real. Jason wasn’t bluffing.
My world collapsed. I could not let her suffer. “Stop! I’ll do it,” I shouted. “I’ll do the video!”
Jason grinned, victorious. “Smart girl.”
He shoved a phone into my hand and forced me to sit. My tears blurred the camera as I spoke, my voice hollow.
“My son’s death was an accident,” I said, the words cutting me open. “Chloe isn’t to blame. I forgive her. Please stop harassing her. She deserves peace.”
Jason ended the recording, smiling with satisfaction.
Then, without warning, his fist shot out and smashed into Jane’s face. A sickening crack echoed. She slumped in the chair, blood pouring from her mouth.
“Jason!” I screamed.
“That’s your punishment,” he hissed. “For laying a hand on Chloe.” He stormed out, leaving the door wide open behind him.
I rushed to Jane, my hands shaking as I untied the ropes. “Stay with me, Jane, please… please forgive me,” I sobbed, cradling her limp body.