the revelation

Camille Stood outside of Emily’s door while the detectives and the C.S.I. team combed the house. She told her kids to go next door and wait for her. As they walked away, Junior kept glancing over his shoulder with sadness on his face.

Camille began pacing and chewing on her nails. Her body was in full nervous wreck mode. How could she have been so blind? She

let her kids be exposed to such danger every time they let them stay with Emily.

She was jolted out of her self-loathing when the door opened, and Sally stepped out. She stopped pacing and looked at her.

Sally looked at her sympathetically. “How are you doing?”

Camille gulped and then cleared her throat. “As well as I could possibly be... Considering.”

“I understand.”Sally walked over, gently grabbed Camille on the shoulders, and looked into her eyes. And I’ve got to tell you what a hero you were today.”

Camille looked down. “I don’t feel much like a hero.” She looked at Sally. “I feel so stupid. I’ve known her for twenty years, and I never_” She put her hands up and covered her face.

“You’re not stupid,” Sally reassured her. “She just kept it hidden well.”

Camille put her hands down. “How did you find out?”

“Well,” Sally calmly replied.” We got an anonymous tip from some lady who told us to check Emily out.”

Camille had a look on her face like she just guzzled a cup of coffee.

Sally continued. “So we checked into her credit card and saw she purchased from Spirit Halloween on the twenty-ninth.” She paused a moment. “We went to the store, and one of the employees recognized her as the person who bought a Zorro costume.”

“But why?” Camille cleared her throat. “Why did she do this?”

Sally thoughtfully looked at Camille. “Did she ever tell you about the accident that killed her daughter and granddaughter?”

“No?” Camille quickly replied. She took a deep breath and let it out. “ I mean, she told me she was divorced. But she never mentioned having a daughter, or granddaughter.”

“Did she tell you why she got divorced?”

No,” Camille shook her head. “When I asked her, she just said her husband turned into a prick, and didn’t want to talk about it.”

Sally nodded. “Well, anyways, we believe she was trying to start a new family.”

Before Camille could reply, the door opened, and Jake stepped out. “Well, A C.S.I. Member found a box tucked in the attic. It contained a Zorro outfit and a fake sword with dried blood on it.”

Camille Sighed, then brought her hand up and rubbed her forehead. “Do you mind if I go check on my kids?”

“No,” Jake replied. “Not at all.”

Sally smiled at her and nodded towards the house. “That’s probably a good idea.”

Camille walked away. She glanced over her shoulder twice on the way next door. Smiling the second time.

When she entered the house, Cassandra and Junior were sitting at the table. Junior had a glass of orange juice in his hand. Cassandra was putting a glass of milk to her lips.

She stood there a moment and just stared at her kids. She had a mix of relief and sadness in her heart.” Hey guys.” She walked over and sat across from them. “Aren’t you guys being well behaved?”

Suddenly she noticed a bruise on Juniors forehead. She leaned across and touched it. “I’m so sorry hon. How are you feeling?”

Junior rubbed his forehead. “My head hurts.” He shrugged his shoulders. “But I’m fine.”

“Well,” Camille wiped a tear that started running down her cheek. “I’ll take you to the hospital to get you checked out.”

“Mom.” Junior bounced twice in the chair and smiled at her sweetly. “I’m fine.”

Camille reached over and gently grabbed his hand. She gave him a serious look. “I’ll take you to the hospital.” She smiled and retracted her hand.

“Fine,” Junior replied defiantly.

“Mom,” Casandra interjected. “So Emily killed our dad?”

Camille reached over and gently grabbed her hand. “Yes, dear.” She gulped and retracted her hand.

“But why?” Cassandra exclaimed. “Why would she do such an evil thing?”

Camille twisted her lip as she thought of how to answer the question. Finally, she said. “I really don’t know.” A twing of guilt caused her to pause. finally she said. “Actually, that’s not true. She’s mentally sick. Apparently, she lost her daughter and granddaughter. And she was trying to replace them.”

Cassandra gave her a weird look. She began rocking in the chair.” That’s crazy.” She stopped rocking.

“I know.” Camille replied.” As I said, she’s mentally sick.”

She turned and looked at Junior.” So, now do you believe your dad is watching over us?”

“No. Why” Junior looked confused.

“Because. Who do you think jammed that gun that kept it from firing?”

Junior looked at Cassandra, then Camille, then back to Cassandra. “Dad did that?”

Cassandra smiled and nodded her head. “Oh yeah.”

Junior looked at his mom, then faced his sister. “Wow.” He looked up. “Thanks dad.”

He looked at Camille. “And thank you to mom. You’re my hero.”

Cassandra reached over and grabbed his hand with the biggest smile on her face.

Cassandra put her hand on top of Camille’s. “You’re my hero too.”