The Weight of Blood (94)

Tanya: Ah! So you wanted proof there really is a Santa Claus, so to speak.

Michael: It just seems so unfair that she didn’t get her just dues. People deny it ever happened, continue to tarnish her name and underestimate her capabilities.

Tanya: Couldn’t her living a life on her own terms, without any interference, be considered adequate restitution? Isn’t she owed peace?

Michael: But after everything, I thought she would’ve popped out of hiding and stuck it to everyone who lied about her. Who blamed her.

Tanya: Sometimes . . . the best response is no response at all.

Michael: I guess. But—wait. If she really was still alive, wouldn’t you want to talk to her? Collect the proof you keep referring to?

Tanya: Nope.

Michael: Why not?

Tanya: It’s hard for me to answer that, ethically. Because if she was still alive, aside from the extensive rigorous testing she would have to undergo, she’d more than likely stand trial for mass murder, terrorism, maybe even a hate crime. So yes, from an anthropological lens, there’s so much we could learn. But . . . she’s honestly been through enough. What good would it do, for her or anyone? Like Wendy said, we can shout the truth about what really happened until we’re blue in the face. It still wouldn’t change anything. Maddy will always be the villain. People need to want to see the truth. Comprehension is key, and that hasn’t exactly been mastered by the citizens of this country.

Michael: It just seems like there are no winners here. No justice.

Tanya: So, what? You want her to return and kill even more people just to prove herself again?

Michael: Did I want all those people to die? No! But I mean, you got to admit that the way she snapped seems almost . . . understandable. That bucket of paint was the straw that broke the camel’s back. But admittedly, it also begs the question, did Maddy’s punishment truly fit the crime? Was it fair that other victims, both Black and white, were caught in the crossfire?

Tanya: And I would counter if racism is ever truly fair? There are always consequences, both seen and unseen. In fact, I gather it’s one of the reasons the state worked so hard to brush this under the rug. Because if people knew revenge of this magnitude was even a remote possibility, there would be far less incidents of racial injustice in the world.

Michael: I guess after everything she’s been through, I just want her to be okay.

Tanya: And if she was still alive, what would you want to say to her? In fact, talk to her as if she’s listening to you right now.

Michael: Well, Maddy . . . wherever you are, I hope you find what you’re looking for. And that you’re happy. You deserve to be happy.

From David Portman’s Springville Massacre: The Legend of Maddy Washington (pg. 350)

Prom Night claimed nearly 90 percent of the graduating seniors and over a hundred other Springville residents. Main Street and the country club were never rebuilt, the Barn torn down. Of all things, the high school was spared.

Upon the release of the commission’s final report, the Springville Power Plant permanently closed its facility. No official reason was given to the press, but people suspected it had everything to do with the events that transpired on Bloody Prom Night. Without the plant, unemployment increased by nearly two hundred percent. Many residents relocated to distant cities and states, banks foreclosing on the few homes that weren’t burned down.

After the recovery of Thomas Washington’s body, the ruins of the Washington home were fenced off, the entire block eventually abandoned. No one wanted to live near the strange reminder. Five years later, the city set aside a budget to clear the property and put it on the market, hoping to encourage buyers to consider Springville as their new potential home. During the excavation of the Washington home’s remains, only a few items were left intact.

One of which was a hot comb.





Acknowledgments


These last five years have been nothing short of amazing. If you saw my dedication, you know I still stand in awe at the fact that I’m an actual author with several books. A HUGE thank you to my awesome devoted readers. Bookstagrammers, Tik Tokers, students, educators, bloggers, boozy book clubs, and Grandmamas. I really appreciate how much you have all loved on me. Hope you’ve enjoyed this homage to Stephen King, as he has been one of my idols for as long as I’ve been a reader and lover of horror.

Speaking of which . . . to Mr. King, you are one of my greatest inspirations. Thank you for giving me the books and movies that have kept me company most of my life.

Specifically want to thank Marlene Ginader for helping me with the telekinesis research, Justin Reynolds for the crash course in football, Donald Short for the power plant info, and Linda Jackson (aka MOMMY) for the list of classic movies and TV shows. All these years of watching TCM has really paid off.

Thank you to the copy editors. Despite me wanting to fight you half the time, you are the absolute unsung heroes of our industry. My books would be a hot mess without you.

To my editor, Benjamin Rosenthal, thank you for always standing by my side and having my back. To the entire team at HarperCollins, it takes a village to raise a book and I’m glad to be a part of yours. To my agent, Jenny Bent, I am immensely grateful for your brilliant brain.

To my beta readers Natasha Diaz, Bethany Morrow, and Ashley Woodfolk, your notes on Black Girls took this book exactly where it needed to be. Big shout-out to my twin, Lamar Giles, who while welcoming his baby girl into the world, still took the time to field my anxiety. To Shanelle and Jessica, thank you for holding me down during the height of COVID-19. I loved our bubble and weekly zoom updates. To my family, thank you for being constant supporters and never pulling me away from the TV when I was little, especially when my favorite horror movie came on.