“Late From Work Again?” he barked jealously. “I Know Everything.” A Chilling Family Secret, a Moth…

Home late from work again, are you? he barked the second she walked in, not even letting her get her soggy boots off. Thought I wouldnt notice? Ive worked it out.

Helen froze, clutching the cold doorknob. The house was stuffy, reeking of fried onions, and something even heaviersomething like anger that refused to leave, even after three weeks of clinging to curtains, clothes, skin. She exhaled slowly, hands trembling, before turning to her husband.

Andrew was blocking the kitchen doorway, arms folded. His robe was hanging open, a crumpled old T-shirt underneath. The face shed known for twenty years looked strange to her nowdisgusted, almost hateful.

Andy, all the trains have stopped, she started, her voice muffled like talking through a scarf. Its snowed non-stop, traffic was hell on the North Circular

Enough! He slammed his palm so hard against the wall that she thought the paint might actually chip. Dont treat me like a fool, Helen. Traffic? At nine oclock? Out of the city?

He stepped closer, making her sink back against the coat rack. The damp of her overcoat chilled her to the bone.

I called your office at quarter past six, Andrew enunciated, every syllable sharp. They said youd left at five. Where have you been for three and a half hours?

Helens stomach twisted into a heavy knot. She used to be able to fib well enoughwhite lies, little stories to spare his feelings, smooth things over. But this lie felt like someone elsesbig, black, eating her alive.

Ipopped into Boots for some medicine. Then round to Mums, she needed her prescription… She stared at her boots, making a show of tugging at a stuck zip, though her fingers barely worked.

Mums, eh? Andrew snorted. I rang your mum half an hour ago. She hasnt seen you in a week.

The silence that sank into the hallway buzzed in Helens ears. She straightened, knowing there was no more wriggling out of this. All she felt was exhaustion. God, she was so tired. Every night felt like tiptoeing across a minefield. Every text or phone callanother shot of panic.

Youve met someone, havent you? Andrews voice dropped, scarier for being hushed. Some young chap from work? Or that old school mate you mentioned last month?

He closed in again, and she caught the stench of cigarette smokehed taken up smoking again, even after quitting five years ago when his dad had a heart attack.

Andrew, theres no one else. Seriously. Just trust me, please.

Trust you? He grabbed her by the shoulders, making her flinch. Look at yourself! Youve lost a stone and a half. Every little noise sets you off. Youve put a password on your phone. You can barely meet my eyes. Classic behaviour, Helen. Typical cheaters routine. Know whats really sickening?

Her eyes prickled with unshed tears.

The worst part is youre not even trying to keep this family together. You come home like its a prison sentence. You dont care about me, or this house. Youre living a life in your head, with someonewhoever he is.

Thats not true, she whispered. I love you. Everything I do is for us. For our family.

For us? Dyou sleep with him for us too? he spat.

Dont say that! she shouted, shocking even herself. Dont you dare! You know nothing!

At that, the door to the spare room creaked open, and their nineteen-year-old sona wraith of a boy with dark circles and bitten lipspeeked out.

Mum, Dad, please stop shouting. His voice cracked oddly.

Andrew spun towards him. Get back in your room! This is between adults. Or do you also know where your mums been swanning off to?

Sam recoiled, shooting his mum an anxious glance, then slammed his door, locking it with a click.

Andrew turned back, the anger in his eyes hardening into an icy determination.

Im giving you one last chance, Helen. Right now. Tell me the truth. Who is he?

Helen closed her eyes. That same image took over, as it had every sleepless night. The wet road, the blinding headlights, a pink parka, the sick thudand the screech of brakes that bled into her sons scream, three endless weeks ago.

Mum, I didnt mean to! She ran outII cant go to prison, mum! Dad would kill me, you know he would, please, mum, save me!

And so she tried. Or she thought she did.

Theres no one else, Andrew, she said, voice steady as she opened her eyes. Its work. Theres been layoffs, Im scared to tell you, I didnt want you to worry…

Andrew stared at her for a long moment, then let go of her shoulders in disgust.

Youre lying right to my face. I found the pawn ticket in your coat pocket yesterdayyou know, when I tried to get your coat cleaned. You pawned that gold bracelet I got you for our anniversary.

Helen felt the world fall away beneath her feet. Shed forgotten that damn slip. In her panic, scrambling for every last penny…

What, giving money to your lover? Is he a kept man? Or in debt, and youre playing Lady Bountiful?

Its for treatment, she blurted the first excuse that came. A colleagueshes got cancereveryone chipped in…

The pawn shop, Helen? Really? Just leave.

Sorry?

Pack your things and get out. Go to your mums, or a mates, or wherever. I dont want you here tonight. I need to decide if Im filing for divorce right away or giving you time to come clean.

But Andy, its nearly midnight she pleaded.

Out! With a roar that rattled the mugs in the cabinet.

Helen realised it was over. If she stayed, Andrew would keep pressing, and shed crack. Or Sam, trembling behind his door, would finally break, and then the whole tortured cover-up would collapse.

She grabbed her handbag, stuffed with yet another envelopenot cash, but photos shed been handed earlierand walked out without bothering to slip off her boots.

The door slammed behind her with a final thud. Now she was alone on the landing. Her phone buzzed in her pocketdefinitely not Andrew.

Tomorrows the last chance. If the full sums not here, Im going to the police. Say hi to your boy from me.

She slid to the cold floor and stifled sobs with her hand, terrified the neighbours would hear.

Outside, the blizzard raged on. Helen drifted along the icy avenue, numb to the path ahead. She couldnt go to her mumsAndrew would call there first. Friends were out tootoo many questions. Only one place left: the all-night caff by the station, where she could sit with a cheap cuppa till morning.

She settled into a sticky corner table, ordered a tea, and stared at her phone. The background was a family photo from last summers holiday in Cyprus. Sam smiling, Andrews arm round her shoulders, eyes full of warmth. How quickly things fall apart.

It all started that night. Sam had borrowed Andrews car behind his backjust a quick drive for a girl, hed said. No licence, save a bit of practice up at the familys place near the lakes. Andrew was on night shift. Sam came back an hour later, pale, shaking, a headlight smashed.

He fell at her feet, sobbingkept saying it was dark, that he never saw the little girl dart out from behind that bus. He panicked. He fled.

Helen made the call instinctivelythe call all mothers hope they never have to make. Her mind, her morals, even the lawswamped by panic and that terrible urge to protect. Shed known Andrewhe lived by rules, no compromise. Hed have alerted the police immediately, wouldnt have listened to a word.

So she hid the car in a friends garage. Swore Sam to silence. And next day, tracked down the girls father.

Nicholas.

Found him through a mate in the police, lying that she wanted to help as a witness. Council flat, tight with grief and cheap alcohol. He sat at the kitchen table, vodka by his elbow and his daughters picture in his hands.

She couldnt keep up the act. She admitted ither son, young and terrified. Shed do anything, anything for him to avoid prison.

Nicholas didnt scream. Didnt lunge. Just named his price. Astronomicala full years wage. To bury her properly, and so he could leave town, forget the city. He also wanted Sam to suffer. For them to be chained by fear until the last pound was paid.

So now she sat in a grotty caff, her bracelet pawned, her winter coat sold, loans everywhereand still no closer.

She didnt go to work next morning. Called in sick instead. She needed to raise another £2,000 by evening.

She spent the day scramblingpayday lenders, another pawn shop (handed over her laptop), begged from an old school friend, making up some story about a life-saving operation.

By five shed scraped together the lot. A thick, cobbled pile of notes in a tatty brown envelope.

She rang Andrewhe cut her off. Texted Sam: Itll be okay. Stay strong. Dad wont know. No reply.

Helen rode the bus to Nicholass flatan old block that looked like something out of a horror flick. Splotchy walls, dingy bulbs.

She climbed to the third floor. The door was ajarNicholas had been waiting.

The flat was chaos. Bags everywhere; he was clearly packing up. A half-finished bottle on the table. He looked worse than usualunshaven, bloodshot, hands trembling.

You got it? he rasped.

Yes. She placed the envelope on the table. Everything. As we agreed. You withdraw the statement no more blackmail, you go, were done.

He weighed the money in his hand, sneering.

You think you can patch up a hole in my heart with cash?

I dont think anything, she said quietly. I just want to save my son. You promised.

Promised, did I He hurled the envelope back on the table. Well, Ive changed my mind.

Helens breath caught.

What do you mean, changed your mind?

Not enough, he stepped closer, stinking of booze. Saw your husband yesterdayfancy car, looks flush. And you scrape pennies, pawning off old jewellery?

You dont understand, he doesnt know! Thats all we have of value, were barely scraping by!

Then let him find out! Nicholas roared. Let him see what kind of son hes got! My girls in the ground and your kids eating a Sunday roast at home?

Please Helens hands clutched together. Give me more time. Ill sell the car, Ill think of something! Please!

No more time! He seized her arm. You call your husband now, tell him to bring another five grand, or Im on the phone to the coppers!

Just then, footsteps in the hall. The doorshed left it half openbanged against the wall.

Andrew was there. White as a sheet, clutching his phonethe shared family tracker app still on.

Knew it, he muttered, staring at Helen, whose wrist was gripped by a drunken stranger. Family locator. You didnt even think to turn it off, silly woman.

He glanced at Nicholas, then the money on the table.

So, whats a night with my wife cost then? His voice trembled with anger.

Helen wrenched her arm free.

Andy, its not what you think

Shut it! he yelled. I saw you come in. Into this rat hole. With him. He glared at Nicholas. Jesus, Helen. I thought at least youd have taste. A colleague, maybe a boss. But this

Nicholas suddenly started laughing, harsh and ragged.

Lover? You think Im her fancy man?

Shut up! Helen yelled, leaping at Nicholas to clamp her hand over his mouth. Andy, go! Ill explain at home!

Andrew shoved her aside.

No. I want to hear it. Right now.

Nicholas wiped his lips, giving Andrew a pitying look.

You really are blind, arent you, mate? he sneered. Your wife doesnt sleep with me. Shes buying me off.

What? Andrews brow furrowed.

Shes paying for your familys peace. Nicholas shoved a photo coffined with black ribbon in Andrews face. Recognise her?

Andrew took the picture. Stared at it. His eyes went wide.

Its the girl from the news. Weeks back. Killed on the crossing. Driver legged it.

Bingo, Nicholas grinned coldly. So why not ask your precious wife who was driving. Or whose car it was.

The silence that choked the room was deafening. Andrew slowly turned to Helen. His eyes, full of terror, made suspicions of an affair look like a joke.

Helen? His voice was barely there. The carit was in the garage. You said the battery was dead, took the keys

Helens legs buckled beneath her. She dropped to her knees.

Im so sorry she sobbed, It was Sam. He took the car keys It was an accident, Andyhes our son!

Andrew didnt shout, didnt move. Just stood, staringas if not seeing her at allat his wife kneeling like a beggar and at Nicholas, who seemed drunk on both revenge and grief.

Andrews face had gone grey. Hed seen death every day as a paramedic, but now, deaths shadow had walked into his own lounge and taken his sons face.

Sam? he asked, voice eerily calm. My son killed a child?

He didnt mean to! Helen wailed. It was a tragic accident!

He hit and ran, Nicholas interrupted, cold as ice. Left her dying on the pavement. Paramedics got there in fifteen minutes. If hed called, if hed stopped maybe she would have lived.

Andrew swayed, clutching the door frame for support.

And you knew? he stared down at Helen. You let me rage and guess for three weeks?

I was protecting him! she wept. Im his mum! Theyd have locked him up! Hes only nineteen! Hed never survive inside! I tried to sort it, pay, just make it go away

Make it go away? Andrew looked at the envelope. A childs life for two grand? Or what?

I took all I could, Nicholas spat. But I want more. I want your son to pay.

Andrew slowly picked up the envelope. Helen held her breathwould he offer more, or side with them after all?

He tossed the cash in Nicholas face. Notes fluttered across the filthy carpet.

Take your blood money, he said softly, Im not buying my conscience.

He turned to Helen, dragged her to her feet.

Come on. Were going home.

Andy, please she whimpered, barely able to walk.

Not another word, he snapped. Not a single word until were home. I cant be responsible otherwise.

They left under Nicholas silent gaze.

The car ride home was wordless and tense. Andrews driving was sharp, out of character, knuckles white on the wheel. Helen shrank into the seat.

At home, Sam was at the kitchen table, a mug of untouched tea before him. He jumped up when he saw Andrews face.

Dad? Mum? Is everything?

Andrew strode up to Sam. The boy was taller, but just then looked very small, pitiful.

Put your coat on, Andrew said quietly.

Where are we going? Sam shot his mum a frightened look. Helen stood by the stairs, crying silently.

To the police, Andrew said.

Sam buckled, slumping onto the stool.

Dad, please! I cant do it! Mum said youdshe sorted it! Dad, please!

Mum sorted? Andrews mouth twisted. She bought you a ticket to hell. Youve lived three weeks knowing you took a life, and you still eat, sleep, play games?

I dont sleep! Sam cried, tears springing from his eyes. I see her every night! Dad, Im scared!

Scared? Andrew grabbed his son by the collar, lifting him slightly. Wasnt she scared, lying on that tarmac? Was her dad scared, coming home to an empty flat every night?

Andrew, stop! Helen ran to them. Hes just a boy!

Hes not a boy! Andrew roared, shoving her aside. Hes a grown man who fled a crime scene and hid behind his mum! And you He looked at Helen, an unfathomable agony in his eyes. You didnt betray me by sleeping around. You betrayed me by making me a fool. By deciding I couldnt handle the truth. By putting a price on our familys honour.

I was afraid youd turn him in! she yelled back.

I would have, Andrew nodded. And Id have stood by him. Wed have got a solicitor, argued for a suspended sentence, paid compensation properly, through the court. Wed have looked people in the eye. But now? Now were cowards. And worse.

Sam slid to the floor, clutching his head, howling.

Andrew crouched down in front of him.

Look at me, Sam.

Sam met his eyes, red and raw.

If we dont go now, Andrew said gently, youll never be whole again. This fear will eat you alive. Do you want to look over your shoulder for the rest of your life? Want to spend it waiting for the knock on the door?

Sam shook his head frantically.

I cant do it anymore, Dad. I cant.

Then lets go. Ill come with you. Im not abandoning you. But you still need to face up.

Sam struggled to his feet, wiping his face on his sleeve. In his eyes was the beginning of a new, grim determination.

Alright. Lets go, he muttered.

Andrew nodded, turned to Helen.

You stay.

I want to come! she pleaded, grabbing her coat.

No, Andrew said firmly. Youve done enough. You tried to buy back his soul. Now let me try to save it.

Will you ever forgive me? she whispered, knowing full well the answer might destroy her.

He studied her a long moment, like he was committing her face to memory.

I could forgive an affair, Helen. People are weak, it happens. But you watched me unravel for weeks, knowing the truth, and you let me. All so you could patch over your secret.

He held the door for his son.

I dont know how to live with that. I dont know if Ill ever sleep beside you again now I know what youre capable of.

The door closed.

Helen was left alone, in that crushing silence. The pawn ticket lay abandoned in the hallway, fallen from Andrews pocket.

She went to the window. Down below, under the lamplight, two shapesone tall and broad, one slight and slouchedtrudged through the snow toward the car. They didnt touch, but they walked together.

She pressed her forehead to the cold glass. The truth was out. And it was far worse than anything Andrew could have imagined. It hadnt just wrecked their past; it had torched their future as well. But down there, a father and his son were going to try to reclaim at least the right to an honest present.

Helen slid down the wall, and for the first time in three weeks, criednot from terror, but from the deep, heavy knowledge of what could never be undone. Thered be court. Thered be a real sentence. But the harshest judgment had been handed down tonight, in their own hallway. And that couldnt be appealed.