Page 2 of Make You Beg

My twin brother’s dead, carried out now in a body bag. The other victim is unconscious and severely burned. The wounds on her legs and arms look bad. The paramedics wheel her out on a stretcher, while a bald, chubby, brown-bearded police officer approaches me.

My turn to talk.

Correction—to lie.

It depends on my father. He’s the one giving out orders time and time again.

I’m a marionette hanging by the threads on his fingers.

“Kayden A’gosto?” the police officer asks.

“Yes?”

Given I was the only one who came out unscathed from the incident, I’m sure he’s got a lot to ask me.

“I’m Officer McNuty,” he says. “You were inside the house when the fire broke out?”

“That’s right.” There’s no point in hiding it.

“And you were the one to phone 911?”

“Yes.”

“Do you mind if I ask you some questions?”

Before I can reply, my father materializes out of the shadowy night, placing a palm on the officer’s shoulder from behind. His dark hair with sprinkles of gray is styled to the back, and he’s wearing his usual suit and tie, fresh from work. The furrow between his eyebrows hints at what’s to come.

The officer turns to him.

“I’m Kayden’s father, Lucas A’gosto. I came as fast as I could.”

The officer clears his throat. “I’m very sorry for your loss, sir. Your other son⁠—”

“I-I’ve been told over the phone.” He runs a hand over his jaw. “Thank you.” He pauses, composing himself. “I don’t know if you’ve had a chance to talk to Kayden yet. I’ve got no problem with you asking him any questions, but it’s a given that I’ll need to be present, as he’s a minor.”

“Of course.”

“Alright, then. I need to have a word with him first. You don’t need to wait here. We’ll meet you back at the station.”

“Sir, that’s not how it works.”

My dad swings a hand, dismissing the officer, a threat lingering in his eyes.

He isn’t asking, he’s letting Officer McNuty know. My father doesn’t deal well with disobedience.

The officer can’t deny him. There’s an aura about my father that’s threatening, dangerous even. He has connections all over town. I’m sure he knows someone at the station, too.

“I’ll see you there.” Officer McNuty backs away, nodding at us before gathering with his colleagues.

We stand at a corner of the pavement as more firefighters rush into the flaming house.

I don’t know if they’re going to search it. Given the nature of the incident and my call, this was a mere accident, not a crime scene. But you never know with the police.

“Dad, I⁠—”

I want to explain. To tell him what happened. To ask for advice.

“Let’s go.” He cuts me off and ushers me to the car.