Whispers Turn to Whimpers: Could He Ever Change?

Was Francis really that unfazed as the one in the eye of the storm?

Francis picked up the glass from the table, taking a sip of water.

"I've never really explained it, mainly because it's indefensible. Once I start talking, I'm up against a million other voices spreading rumors. All that matters is that I know the truth," he said with a calm that belied the gravity of his words.

Sherilyn remained silent, her breathing almost imperceptible.

So, there was more to the story? Were the rumors not just baseless fabrications?

Francis set down his glass. "Gilbert and I have always been good to Caroline, that's undeniable...absolutely true. Sherilyn, do you want to know why?"

Sherilyn paused, her heart racing.

She nodded slightly, "Yeah."

"Ah." Francis sighed, as if the words he was about to say were a heavy burden. "We hardly ever talk about it in our family because... well, it's especially painful for Gilbert and me."

He began to recount the past, each word seeming to cost him.

we were kids,

parents were taken as well. The incident had been a

contact with Sylvia Johnson, leading the authorities to suspect that the motive wasn't money

and Gilbert were

Gilbert was being carried on

age, ragged and gaunt, having

them to the hospital. But the girl refused because she had to lead

Francis; he was too big. But with Gilbert safe, she insisted on

lead, the police were able to rescue Francis

it was likely they

within each member of the Johnson family, seldom spoken of, because merely thinking

voice seemed to drift,

her eyes

now. "Caroline, she

Francis nodded, his

knows we treat her well, but they don't know... it's what