Tainted Skin, Tainted Sin

Chapter 3

Her breathing becomes harsh as she holds the note against her chest, leaning forward crying. She couldn't control her tears as they stream down her face. She rocks slightly, clutching the note close to her heart as she wheezes and cries.

H-how is t-this possible!? Did he know this was going to happen...? What does he mean they had him killed!?

She has to sit there for a few more minutes before being able to stand and collect the mail she dropped. She had to take deep, labored breaths to even be able to see straight as she picks everything up. She picks up the envelope that the note came in and noticed there was something else in the envelope. She holds her other hand open and knocks what was in the envelope into her hand.

Her breath hitches slightly when she sees her father's family ring. It was a simple silver band with a dark blue center and snowflakes engraved onto the outside. She turns it over gingerly in her finger and notices a new engraving in the center, harder to see but she can make out what it says: Protect, honor, & stay true Winters'.

What is that supposed to mean? Why did he leave this for me before he died?

She tries it out on all of her fingers and discovers it fits best on her middle finger, still loose but it fit. She decided to let it rest on her right hand, since it felt most comfortable. She makes her way up the stairs carefully, clutching the mail to her chest as she tries to process everything that just came to light.

I need to find out what he meant. He deserves that, I deserve that.

She creeps in the front door, careful to stay quiet, but notices Joane missing from the couch. Curiously, she walks in and looks around before hearing the sink in the bathroom turn on.

"Kye? That you? Where'd you go girl?" Joane demands in her strict motherly tone as she comes out of the bathroom, her hands on her hips.

"Sorry, I went down to check the mail," Kyra sheepishly says with a small smile at how much Joane cared, "Actually, I need to show you something, Joane."
Curiously, Joane walks over as Kyra sits on the couch and Joane joins her.

"So I know I am going to sound crazy here, but please just go with me on this for a minute?" Kyra pleads glancing over at Joane.

Joane nods her head yes, and reaches out resting her hand on Kyra's leg.

Kyra takes a deep breath before starting, "I think my dad was purposely killed.."

Resulting in a sharp intake of breath from Joane.

"I know it sounds crazy, but when I went down to check the mail I found this," Kyra pulls out the

envelope and note, handing it to her, "That is my dad's handwriting, Joane, he even left me the family ring... "

Joane looks over the note as Kyra continues, "I think he knew he was going to be killed, I just don't know who or why? Why would anyone want my dad dead?"

It takes a minute before either one speaks, but eventually, Joane mutters in a strained voice, "Dammit Rodger, what happened to the plan?..."

"Joane?" Kyra looks at her with wide eyes and a realization, "Y-you know something, don't you!?"

Joane nods and fiddles with the note in her hands, she couldn't look Kyra in the eyes.

"Kye, there is a lot you don't know... Things neither your father or I wanted to surface.. But now there is no choice because now you are in danger too," Joane finally looks at Kyra who is already staring at her with wide eyes.