Most parents will tell you; it doesn't matter whether your children are two or twenty-two, thirteen or thirty, you never stop worrying about them, never stop feeling the need to protect them.

Grant was no different. But her worry, her need to protect Lucas was very real, deadly serious.

When he'd left home for university, when he'd obtained his job as junior Clerk, and when he moved out for good, into his own small apartment, she worried.

Though, thankfully, not since high school had Lucas shown any signs of being found out. He'd lived a normal life throughout his teens, lived a normal life into his mid-twenties, so why was she so worried?

Renée was the simple answer.

She'd dropped his money off yesterday, on the eve of Lucas's 25th birthday. Grant had vowed, one way or another, this would be the last. The blackmail would end before the year was up.

Renée had listened to her pleas, laughed off her threats, sat impassively through her anger.

Then, slowly and deliberately, he'd held up his index finger.

'One little finger. This little finger. All it takes, and Renée resets the database. No happy birthday, just bye-bye Lucas, hello shredders! Surely the boy's life is worth a little payment to Renée?'

'The minute after they come for him, I'm coming for you, you understand that, Renée?'

'And do what? What you coming to do to poor old Renée?'

She left with his laughter ringing in her ears, what could she do? The disgusting worm was right.

So she worried some more.

They'd arranged a small celebration for Lucas's birthday, just a few of his friends, fewer colleagues, and her.

She was grateful to be invited, knew she'd probably leave a little early, let the youngsters do whatever youngsters did nowadays.

Lucas had given her a key to his apartment, she'd offered to prepare the food for them, wanted to sneak a birthday cake into his place, make the flat presentable as Lucas wasn't exactly the tidiest person in Society.

She decided a quick tidy round was in order before she began cooking. Surprised that Lucas had actually kept the place neat, just a few clothes scattered around.

She collected these up and went to the washer/dryer, noting there was already clothing in the drum, waiting for a full load to save electricity and water, like all responsible Citizens were apt to do.

She felt a small surge of pride at that small act, knew that her son was growing up to be a decent man.

She smiled to herself as she opened the door of the machine, pushing the clothing inside.

Her smile vanished, turning to puzzlement, then shock, as she felt the sticky dampness on the clothing Lucas had bundled into the washing machine.

Looking down at her red stained fingers, Grant slumped onto the floor, sobbing uncontrollably as she stared at the blood through her tears.

Freewayriding

01.05.23 Front Page

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