"And if I refuse? What then? Will you hit me? Divorce me?"
He froze.
The question had never crossed his mind.
But Beth was already on her feet, livid.
"She's obviously hidden it with her family! Search the place!"
Seven, eight people tore through the house, ripping open drawers and overturning boxes. Even Rosemary, asleep in bed, woke with a start.
She burst into tears.
"Mommy, I'm scared!"
My mother rushed toward her, arms outstretched.
Then Beth's hand shot out.
She shoved my mother—hard.
"Check her! She's probably hiding it!"
Mom stumbled. Her feet couldn't find purchase.
Crack.
She hit the floor. Blood pooled beneath her head.
"Mom!"
I kicked free of Abner's grip and dropped to my knees beside her.
She was unconscious. Unresponsive.
"You—" My voice shook, raw with fury. "You murderers!"
Everyone went still.
No one had expected this.
Abner stepped forward, but Beth yanked him back.
My father had gone white, his lips trembling.
"H-hospital... we need to... hospital..."
I fumbled for my phone, fingers shaking as I dialed 120.
Beth snatched it from my hand.
"No calls! Not until you hand over that ticket!"
"My mother is dying!" I screamed. "And you're still thinking about money?"