Love Dies in the Cold

Dickie Duncan had a mistress. And shed given him twins.
He hid them well. But not well enough.
So I took the children.
Dickies retaliation was swift and savage.
In the biting, twenty-three-degree cold, he tied our son, Leo, to a flagpole on a golf course and left him there for four hours.
When I found him, his skin was a mottled, terrifying blue, his lips purpled. His breaths were faint, ghostly little puffs of air I had to press my ear to his chest to hear.
Dickie! I screamed until my throat was raw, the taste of blood on my tongue. Isnt Leo your son, too?!
And what about Seraphinas children? Arent they mine?! he roared back, his eyes bloodshot, manic. He swung the golf club in his hand, bringing it down hard on Leos small back.
I heard the sickening thud, a muffled crack of bone. My sons cries faded into a weak whimper.
If you dont bring my children back today, Dickie snarled, his voice a low growl, Ill make you watch him die.
My legs gave out from under me. I crumpled to the frozen ground, my teeth chattering so hard I bit my lip, drawing blood.
...Northwood, I choked out. The lodge.
He dropped the club and left without a backward glance.
By the time he returned, my son, our Leo, had succumbed to severe hypothermia. He had closed his eyes forever.
I rushed into the hospital, cradling my sons unconscious body.
The hallway outside the ER was sterile and cold, chilling me to the bone. When the doctor finally emerged, he pulled down his mask and shook his head, his expression heavy.
Severe pulmonary infection, leading to multiple organ failure. He was brought in too late. We did everything we could.
I collapsed onto the floor, the air stolen from my lungs.
Just yesterday, he had his arms wrapped around my neck, whispering, Mommy, I won the chess tournament! How could he be a cold, lifeless body today?
All I'd wanted was to use those twins to shock Dickie back to me, to make him see what he was losing.
I never imagined the price would be Leo.
A tidal wave of regret crashed over me, pulling me under.
After arranging for my sons funeral, I was a ghost in my own home. I couldnt eat, couldnt drink, just lay in the darkened room, a hollowed-out shell.
On the evening of the fourth day, Dickie finally came home.
He saw me in bed and strode over, his voice hard as stone. Chloe, because of your little stunt, the twins had an asthma attack. They've been in the hospital for four days! Theyre only four years old, how could you put them through that?
Four?
My Leo he was only seven.
How was he supposed to endure what you did to him?
My chest heaved, but my throat was so raw from screaming and crying that I couldnt make a sound. I could only stare at him, my eyes burning with a hatred so deep it felt black.
Luckily, Seraphina is understanding. Shes willing to let it go this time. In the future, try not to be so petty.
He paused, then pulled a velvet box from his briefcase and set it on the nightstand. His tone softened slightly.
Leos at that winter camp, right? I had to do what I did the other day. I just wanted to scare you, I never meant to actually hurt him. Hes a boy. A little cold builds character.
I bought this for him. Its a limited-edition model kit. Give it to him when he gets back. I have to go be with Seraphina and the kids. I wont be home tonight.
He turned and walked away.
I stared at the box, my heart feeling like it was being sawed apart with a dull blade.
He didnt know. He didnt know our son was never coming back.
With a surge of strength I didnt know I possessed, I scrambled out of bed, a wild scream tearing from my throat, and snatched the velvet box. I hurled it against the wall.
It exploded, showering the floor in a rain of plastic and splintered parts.
A week passed before I could manage to get out of bed and sip a few spoonfuls of broth.
As I held onto the banister, making my way unsteadily down to the living room, I saw him. Dickie, who I hadn't seen all week, was walking through the front door. With him were Seraphina and their twins.
He met my dead-eyed stare without flinching. Since the secrets out, we might as well be open about it.
Ive decided to have Seraphina and the children move in. Itll be easier for me to take care of everyone.
From now on, you and Leo will have to get along with them. I want to enjoy having all my children under one roof.
The words were so absurd I wanted to laugh, but the tears had long since run dry.
My sons body was barely cold, and all he could think about was playing happy families with his illegitimate children.
The incandescent rage cooled into something utterly frigid.
Dickie, I said, my voice a dry rasp. I want a divorce.
His face darkened instantly. Chloe, what the hell are you on about now?
What was I on about?
Yes, when I first discovered his other family, I had been hysterical. I couldnt accept that the man who had once knelt in the snow and sworn he would love only me for the rest of his life had broken that promise just five years into our marriage.
I cried. I begged. I even kidnapped his other children.
And I paid for it with my own sons life.
Never again.
My cracked lips moved, the sound like gravel scraping stone. Dickie, since you have a perfect family with Seraphina now, Ill get out of your way.
Chloe! he roared, his eyes stormy. Who in my circle doesn't have a woman on the side? All I did was have another family, why do you have to be so damn dramatic about it?
Even with them living here, you will always be my lawfully wedded wife. Leo will always be the eldest son of the Duncan family, the primary heir. Nothing can change that! You should be grateful!
Grateful?
The word struck me as so utterly insane that I felt a dizzying sense of disconnect.
I remembered years ago, Dickie and I in law school. Hed pursued me relentlessly for three years, winning me over with countless handwritten letters and breakfast delivered to my door every morning. When he proposed, in a chapel filled with roses, he swore I was the only love of his life, that he would never betray me.
Now, those vows were a punchline. Our love was ash.
And our only son was dead by his hand.
And he wanted me to be grateful?
How could I possibly be grateful?
Sensing the tension, Seraphina spoke up, her voice a soft, gentle murmur. Dickie, honey, if Chloe cant stand having us here, maybe I should just take the children and go. I dont want to upset her
Dont you move, Sera, Dickie snapped, pulling her close. His gentle tone with her was like a knife in my ear. You and the children are staying right here. I bought this house. No one is kicking you out without my permission.
He shot a cold glare in my direction.
I looked away, my gaze landing on the mantelpiece. The twins were on their tiptoes, reaching for the three crystal snow globes displayed there.
A vise gripped my heart. Dont touch that! I shrieked.
Startled, the children jumped back. The snow globes tumbled from the ledge, shattering on the hearth in a cascade of glittering fragments.
The twins burst into loud, wailing sobs.
Seraphinas eyes immediately filled with tears. Chloe, she accused, her voice trembling, if you hate me, take it out on me! Why do you have to scare the children? What have they ever done to you that makes you hurt them again and again?
Dickie was livid. He stormed over and slapped me, hard, across the face.
Chloe, have you lost your goddamn mind? These two have health issues! You already scared them into an asthma attack once. If anything else happens to them, how will you pay for it?
But I couldnt hear them anymore.
All I could see were the three broken snow globes.
I lunged forward, not caring about the sharp edges, gathering the glittering shards in my hands. The glass sliced into my palms, blood welling up, but I felt nothing.
We had made these. Leo was five. The three of us, on a trip to Switzerland, had blown the glass ourselves.
My son had said that every snowflake was unique, just like our family. The perfect combination.
Now, my son was gone. The snowflakes were shattered.
My world had collapsed.
The grief I had suppressed for days finally broke through. I clutched the cold, sharp pieces to my chest and let out a raw, keening wail.
Dickies brow was furrowed in annoyance. What is it now, Chloe?
Seraphina feigned concern. Chloe, dear, are you remembering something sad?
Just leave her, Dickie said, his voice ice as he wrapped an arm around Seraphinas shoulders. If she wants to cry, let her cry it out.
They took the children and went upstairs.
I stared at the broken glass in my hands, my heart a dead, empty cavern.
After a long time, I pulled out my phone and dialed a number.
Yes, police? Id like to report a crime.
After hanging up, I looked around the opulent mansion.
This wasnt my home anymore.
I wanted to leave immediately, but a wave of dizziness washed over me, and I had to go back to my room to rest.
Half an hour later, I had packed a small suitcase with my things and Leos most precious belongings. I was dragging it out of the room when I ran into Seraphina in the hallway.
With Dickie gone, her mask was off. She blocked my path, a smirk playing on her lips.
Running away from home, are we? Theres really no need. Ill be the lady of the house soon, but you could always stay on as one of the maids.
Get out of my way, I said, pushing her hand aside.
I didnt use much force, but she let out a sharp cry and stumbled backward, crashing into a decorative cabinet with a loud thud.
An enraged roar echoed from behind me.
Chloe, what the hell are you doing?!
Dickie strode toward us, his face a thundercloud.
Seraphina immediately scrambled up and limped into his arms, tears streaming down her face. Dickie, its not her fault I just lost my footing and twisted my ankle
But Dickie wasnt listening. His eyes were like chips of ice as he glared at me. You just cant leave her alone, can you? Are you not happy unless youre hurting Seraphina and the children?
At this point, I had no energy left to argue. I picked up my suitcase to leave.
Dickie blocked me. Where do you think youre going?
I took a deep breath, my voice as cold as my heart. Im moving out. I wouldnt want to interrupt your perfect family reunion.
His expression turned venomous.
You have to make this ugly, dont you? What successful man doesnt have a few women? If you walk out like this, whats to stop me from tying your son to a flagpole in the freezing cold again?
A violent tremor ran through me.
My son how dare he mention my son.
I stared at him, rage burning in my chest.
He seemed to remember something. Speaking of which, where is Leo? Winter camp should be over by now. Where did you hide him? First you hide other peoples kids, now youre hiding your own?
Leo.
He finally remembered Leo.
But he didnt know. He would never see Leo again.
The thought of my son was a physical pain, so sharp it stole my breath. Tears streamed down my face.
Leo he I clutched my chest, sobbing uncontrollably. Leos dead! You froze him to death!
Thats bullshit! Dickies face was contorted with fury. No one dies from being out in the cold for a bit! Get your story straight before you lie, Chloe! Cursing your own son youre one sick mother.
I was drowning in tears, with no will to argue anymore. I pushed past him, determined to leave.
But he snatched my suitcase. As we struggled, a piece of paper slipped out of my bag and fluttered to the floor.
Whats this? Seraphina picked it up, her voice laced with curiosity. She read it aloud. Deed of Purchase Cemetery Plot for Leo Duncan
The color drained from Dickies face. He ripped the paper from her hand.
His eyes scanned the document, and a murderous rage filled them. Chloe, youd forge something like this just to get back at me? he roared, slapping the paper against my cheek. Im telling you, my patience has a limit! You keep this up, and Seraphina will be Mrs. Duncan before you know it! And the Duncan Corporation will go to her sons!
The edge of the paper cut my skin, leaving a thin line of blood.
I wiped it away, my heart completely empty. Do whatever you want. I dont care anymore.
Chloe, when are you going to stop this madness?!
Compared to his fury, I was eerily calm. Im not being mad. I just want to leave.
Dickies eyes glinted. He ground his teeth. You are my wife. And youre not going anywhere without my permission.
I tried to push past him again.
Suddenly, he moved. A sharp, brutal chop to the back of my neck.
The world went black.
I came to twenty minutes later, sputtering as a glass of ice water was thrown in my face.
I opened my eyes to find myself tied to a sofa in the bedroom, unable to move.
Awake? Seraphina stood over me, her face a mask of scorn. Look at you, Chloe. Empty eyes, blank expression youre like the living dead. No wonder Dickie fell for me.
Let me tell you a little secret, she cooed. We were together even before you got married. Dickie always said you were too uptight, like a board in bed. So boring. Not an ounce of the passion I have.
Her words didnt touch me. Who Dickie loved was irrelevant now.
She crossed her arms, a triumphant smile spreading across her face. Oh, and by the way, your son really is dead, isnt he? I was the one who told Dickie to tie him up and teach him a lesson. I didnt think hed be so fragile. Just like his mother. Useless.
Soon, Ill be Mrs. Duncan. Everything this family has will belong to my children. And you, Chloe, you will have nothing! Hahaha
Hearing that, the last of my composure shattered.
I glared at her, my voice shaking with rage. Seraphina, you will pay for this.
Pay for it? She laughed. Lets see who pays first.
With that, she bit down hard on her own lip, drawing blood. Then she grabbed a heavy glass ashtray from the table, smashed it against her own forehead, and let out a bloodcurdling scream.
Ahhh!
The door was kicked open.
Dickie rushed in. Sera, what happened?
She threw herself into his arms, sobbing. Dickie, I was just trying to bring Chloe some water she knocked it over and and she hit me with the ashtray! Look, Im bleeding, it hurts so much
Chloe! Dickie roared, his eyes blazing with a cold, murderous fury. Ive been too lenient with you! Youre not going to learn until youre staring at your own coffin!
He raised his hand to strike me again.
Just then, the sound of urgent footsteps and a sharp, authoritative command cut through the air.
Several uniformed police officers burst into the room
Dickie Duncan, youre being investigated for the death of your son. Please come with us.

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