Her wicked plan, p.14
Her Wicked Plan, page 14
My body shudders as I recall her story. The way she delivered it and her entire demeanor changed while she told me the gruesome events.
No regret flashed behind her brown eyes when she told me she slit his throat. The only moment I saw regret pass through her eyes was when she talked about her sister.
She loves Stephanie. That much is clear. However, her older sister didn’t treat Veronica as she deserved when she was younger. Veronica would have done anything to protect her sister, which cost her everything.
Clicking back out of the current article I was reading, I scroll down the Google home page, growing annoyed that nothing new is popping up. The attitude I’m forming is my fault, given that I spent hours back at the apartment doing all this same research.
Article after article glows purple because I’ve already clicked on them and consumed every word on those pages. I don’t even know what I’m looking for at this point. Something that I overlooked? Information that Veronica is withholding?
With my pointer scrolling up on the trackpad, I reach the bottom of the screen and click on the number 2. The second page loads with more articles, all dyed purple except for one.
The title was mixed between news articles I’ve read, but it is still blue. Amongst the many links that I’ve clicked on this page, I’m not sure how I missed this one.
The title catches my attention immediately.
“The Rollins Family: Using their money to hide the twisted past of daughter Veronica Rollins.”
I click the link and wait for the article to load. The news reporter’s name underneath the title is one I’ve never heard, meaning they are probably unpopular among all the well-known and seasoned reporters.
It starts almost the same as the rest. Talking about her being caught with killing her sister's boyfriend. The court case and how she pleads insanity.
Again, stuff I already know.
Keeping my eyes skimming the words, I finally grasp them when encountering new information.
The Rollins Family were never shy about how much money their family had. They donate to multiple charities, host Galas, and send their daughters to private schools. According to our resources on the last topic, Stephanie Rollins's tuition was being paid for the entirety of her education at the Prep School.
Veronica’s education history, however, was all over the board. Her parents didn’t pay her tuition as they did Stephanie's. The payment was made with Veronica at the beginning of the school year. She was in and out of school because of her behavior, from pulling a pair of scissors on a student in middle school to getting into a physical altercation in high school with another student.
This is public knowledge, given that Veronica’s parents pulled her out of private school after the first incident. The school wouldn’t tolerate that behavior, and every other exclusive school they tried to send her to turned the child down. Veronica spent the rest of her education in public school, separated from her sister. What makes little sense are the hidden occurrences you can’t dig up any dirt on.
For instance, how a male student ended up in the hospital after a date with Veronica when she was a sophomore. The doctors swore it was due to a car accident that night. Was it the truth, or did Veronica’s mommy and daddy pay off the doctors and the boy's family to keep quiet?
“What the fuck?” I curse under my breath.
Other times could have been cover-ups. A man was found dead in his home when the last person he was seen with was Veronica Rollins. That, however, has no further evidence. It was a coincidence, or her parents also used their money to cover it. Does that mean Veronica killing her sister's boyfriend was their last straw?”
I stop reading because this is all too much. My mind wraps around the information I’ve just read, trying to make sense of everything.
I knew Veronica had a rough childhood with her sister and her parents, but I didn’t know the extent. I didn't realize what happened when she was in school, and I shouldn’t be surprised, but now?
Knowing that she comes from money, her parents would have been able to use their wealth to cover up what Veronica did in her teen years.
Were they trying to protect their daughter or their family name?
And what about now? Was the incident with Stephanie’s boyfriend their last straw? Did they finally have enough of the child they couldn’t control and let her face the consequences of her actions?
Veronica and her family are the only ones who know the answer to that, and seeing as I won’t be reaching out to her parents or her sister for the details, that leaves Veronica. I’m sure who will shut me down when I bring it up.
CHAPTER 15
Veronica
I close my journal as quickly as I can when I realize Edith is approaching me. No one can see the things that I write here. Not even Leo.
It would give away everything I am working towards, and then there is the fact that I have written about the filthy thing that took place during one of our sessions.
Once I clicked the little button on the top of the pen, causing the tip to disappear, Edith sat on the couch. She only makes it a point to spend time with me when she wants something.
I hold my gaze on the journal sitting in my lap for a moment longer before I finally lift my eyes to see her mindlessly glancing around the room as if this is her first time here.
When she meets my stare, I narrow my eyes at her in a dumb attempt to scare her away, but it’s Edith. My death glare won’t work on the old woman.
Nothing seems to scare her. She told me she started at Black Lake as a nurse around 30 years ago. Edith has been working for the facility for decades, so who knows the insane things she has seen. Whatever she witnessed in the past must have strengthened her skin.
“Don’t look at me like that, Veronica,” she demands with a shake of her head. “You don’t scare me.”
“What do you want, Edith?” My bored tone is on full display, my eyes rounding out as I give up on the intimidating look. “Can’t you see I am busy?”
I hold up the journal in the air, gesturing that I was in the middle of writing before she rudely interrupted me. Her eyes scan the cover, where there are little drawings that I’ve already made with the silver sharpie, and then she says, “I see Dr. Madden gave you the new journal.”
I inhale a sharp breath before allowing the booklet to fall back into my lap. “Yes. Even though I didn’t ask him for one, he ruined the last book, which means this...” I tap the binding of the book, “was his way of apologizing.”
“I see.”
“What was the reason for your interruption?” I question when my eyes meet hers again.
“There is a… well, it’s sort of an event tonight for the patients and I think—”
“Pass,” I deny her invitation before she can even finish the offer.
“Veronica, you have no idea what I was going to say.” She exhales a frustrated breath.
“You were going to suggest that I go to this event when you know I’d much rather be alone.” I begin to tell her. “You were also probably going to say that being around the other patients would benefit me. Am I wrong?”
A breath of defeat slips past her lips.
“That’s what I thought. Why won’t all of you learn that I am better off by myself?”
“I understand, I do.” Edith flashes an empathic look my way. “I was going to say those things, but you are missing something.”
“What?” I sneer.
“Dr. Bennett insists you show up.”
Why must that man be this way? And why do I have to feel the need to do everything he says? It’s not because he is in charge of this awful place. I could not care less about his position of authority, but I do these things so that he will get off my back.
Now, it seems I have to stop giving in because it isn’t working out in my favor. They keep asking me back to these stupid gatherings, and I only have it in me to agree to a few occasions.
That time is about up.
“I’ll think about it,” I lie, standing from my seat. I tuck the journal safely at my side.
“That’s all I ask.” Edith smiles sweetly, the lie passing right over her head, and joins me on my exit from the common room.
I can sense him as soon as we step foot in the hall. I’m not sure how. His strong presence? Maybe I’ve become accustomed to his scent and can smell him when he is nearby.
You’re not a fucking dog, Vee.
I shake my head at the silly thought. All I know is that whenever Leo is around, and I don’t see him with my eyes. I can feel him. Throughout my body, blood flows like a rushing stream.
Bumps litter my skin, knowing I’m in the same vicinity as him, and my heart dances behind my ribcage.
My head whips to the left just as Leo walks down the hall. He had been talking to a nurse who works in our ward—no one to worry about.
The man was focused on her and then on his feet while descending the vast hall until his head lifts, and our eyes meet. He stops instantly when he sees me, looking almost panicked at my presence.
“Oh, Leo! There you are!” Edith chirps.
He gives her a soft smile before ungluing his feet from the floor and comes our way. Every step he takes sends a shiver down my spine, adding more goosebumps to my heated skin.
The way he walks is so powerful. I don’t know if that is the word I want to use. He stands tall, with broad, square shoulders, causing his chest to puff out a little. He walks with confidence and assertiveness. It’s sexy.
Leo stops before us, eyes meeting mine briefly before glancing back at Edith. “Here I am. What can I help you with?”
“I was wondering if you would be willing to come early to help with decorations for tonight.” Is he going to help set up this event? "You’re still planning on coming to it, right?”
“Yes, of course, I am going. Anything you need, Edith. I’m more than happy to help.”
“Good!” She claps her hands together. “With that being said, I do need a favor.”
“Anything.” He nods, and then they leave me behind without sparing me another glance.
They continue to walk and talk about whatever favor Edith needs, but I can’t hear a word they say anymore as their voices become distant. If Leo is going to this mystery event tonight, which means I’m going.
You have got to be kidding me.
My feet skid to a stop when I pass through the cafeteria door. The tables are pushed off to the side, where they are now flush with the walls, and the chairs are in the center of the room.
They are in a nice, neat circle with patients already in their places.
A doctor sits in a chair, chatting with one girl. They are smiling and laughing, which leads me to believe this doctor oversees this patient, given how comfortable they are with each other.
Over to the left, on a bare, off-white colored wall, is a long table with snacks and drinks displayed on a dull red plastic tablecloth.
This event is a group therapy session.
“Fuck this,” I mutter.
Spinning on my heels, I have full intentions of marching out of this room to return to the comfort of my little bedroom, but when I try to take a step, I’m stopped abruptly by a brick wall. No… a body.
A grunt leaves me at the impact, and I’m about to yell at whoever is blocking my escape path. The fiery words are on the tip of my tongue until I glance up to see the person I collide with.
Leo stands there with a smug smile, his hands in his pants pockets. His eyes search my face for a moment before he speaks, “Where do you think you’re going?”
“Anywhere but here,” I state and attempt to step around him, but he stops me by mimicking my movement. Now that he is blocking my exit again, a frustrated noise sounds in my throat. “Dr. Madden, let me leave.”
“I don’t think so.” He shakes his head. “This will be good for you.”
“So everyone says.” I roll my eyes. “Look, I’ll come to the next one.”
“No, you won’t.” He calls me out on my bullshit.
Holding up my arm, I wiggle the smallest finger on my hand. “Pinky promise.”
A quiet laugh escapes him before he uncrosses his arms, and his hands meet my shoulders. Turning me around to face the others, his mouth comes close to my ear, “Go take a seat, Veronica. You aren’t getting out of this.”
“And you? Why did you volunteer to be here?” My chest rises and falls as Leo touches me, his breath still hitting the shell of my ear.
“I’m here in case someone gets out of hand.”
He pushes me forward, forcing my feet to the other patients. Maybe if I turn around the scenario in my head, it will make this better.
A circle of chairs. Patients sitting with their hands folded neatly in their laps. This could be a ritual of some sort. A sacrifice could happen tonight! Yeah, right, Veronica. That would never happen here.
“If a patient gets irate, I’ll be here to help.”
“You mean me?” I look at him over my shoulder.
“No... maybe.” He gently squeezes my shoulders. “I had no idea you’d even be here, but now that you are here and as your doctor, I believe you’ll benefit from this.”
I step out of his grasp and spin to face him. “Why does everyone think they know what’s best for me? Do you want to know what I think would be best for me right now?”
“What is that?” His brows furrow.
I move closer to him, our bodies almost touching, and I keep my voice low because others are around. “If you took me back to your office so that we can finish our session from the other day.”
Leo swallows hard, eyebrows shooting up, and his throat bobbles at my words. The calm and collective front he was putting up has now dropped. “Sit down, Veronica. Now.”
A playful smirk shines on my lips, and I dip my chin down. “Yes, sir.”
Clasping my hands behind my back, I walk over to the chairs. There are two chairs left, one by the doctor hosting this fine evening, but I do not want to sit beside her.
I’m hoping if I choose the chair further away from her, she won’t notice me and won’t call on me to share.
When I finally have a seat in the other vacant chair, I hear a shuffling sound next to me that catches my attention, and when I glance beside me, Eliza sits.
Great.
I tear my gaze from her, not paying her any more attention because I don’t want her to notice me either. She probably already has, seeing that I’m literally right next to her, but I would hate it if she spoke to me. I face forward and wait for things to start.
Hopefully, it will soon because I want to get out of here.
Does this type of thing happen often, and I just didn’t know about it? If it is, thank goodness Edith has only invited me to crafting sessions or the games they set up for us outside.
This will be the one and only time I join group therapy. A throat clears, pulling the guests' attention. The chitter-chatter stops when everyone’s gaze goes to the doctor.
“Hello and Welcome! I am Dr. Nelson, but you can call me Suzanna.” Everyone collectively mutters their hellos. I remain silent. Slouching in my chair and crossing my arms over myself. “Dr. Madden will join us tonight. Dr. Madden, would you like to take the empty seat?”
Glancing over my shoulder, I find Leo casually standing against the wall with his arms folded neatly across his chest. Hesitant at first, he eventually strides over to the empty chair.
His eyes go around the circle when he sits and lands on mine. He is directly across from me. This will be fun.
I can’t wait to make him squirm.
“Hello, I am Dr. Madden.” It is a short introduction, but his smooth voice attracts everyone's attention. All the women are practically drooling over him.
An uneasy feeling settles in my stomach at how they are ogling him. Why am I feeling like this when I had his lips on mine? When I had his hand between my legs.
None of these other women had the privilege I have, so why am I getting pissy with the way they are undressing him with their eyes?
“Let’s get started.” Dr. Nelson's upbeat tone pulls me out of my thoughts. “We have some new faces here tonight: Eliza and Veronica. Would you two like to introduce yourselves?”
“No.” I don’t hesitate to answer. Leo’s eyes are on mine as I bore into his. I wish he could tell what I was thinking right now. I wish he could see how badly I want him to take me away from here and have his way with me. Hell, I would even let him fuck me right here in front of everyone if it were an option.
“I will.” Eliza shyly offers.
A smile forms on my face at the thought of Leo filling me up. An eyebrow pops up on his forehead as he tries to figure out exactly what I’m thinking.
Cocking my head to the side, I spread my legs further apart, knowing that everyone’s attention is on the girl next to me.
Ever so slowly and discreetly, I drag a hand down my stomach and to my thigh, letting it rest close to the spot where I want him to be. Leo’s eyes drop to my hand as Suzanna drones on, and I don’t miss how his jaw tightens.
His cheeks flush a beautiful shade of pink, and I can tell it is hard for him to peel his eyes away. But he does it anyway and pays attention to Eliza.
“And are you comfortable sharing your story, Eliza?” Suzanna questions.
“Sure.” She responds sheepishly. This is unlike the woman who is always trying to be in my personal space. “Well, there are these voices in my head. I can usually shut them off and force them out of my mind. Over the years, I’ve gotten better at it, but then those voices became too much one day, and I... snapped.”
My eyes leave Leo’s comfort and slide over to Eliza. Snapped? What could this meek girl have done to end up here?
“My mother was dating this abusive man. He would hurt her, and when he tried to hurt me, my mother would stand in the way to protect me.” She sucks in a deep breath, a memory flashing through her mind, no doubt. “One day, he was relentless. He wouldn’t let up, and those voices in my head grew louder. Loud enough to hear over the television and my mother’s screaming.”
