Jerry’s eyes rounded.
“Do you think I was glad when I looked up to see Joseph lying dead in the street? Do you think I felt vindicated, like Erica’s death had been avenged?”
The kid opened his mouth, then closed it again.
“I didn’t. I felt empty, and all I could think was that another life had been pointlessly wasted. I’ve never hated Joseph for what happened, and I sure as hell never hated you.”
“Why?” His voice was so faint a whisper that Aaron more saw than heard the question.
“Because the sad truth is, Jerry, that what happened is nothing more than a terrible accident. I’m not to blame, and neither are you. You were a dumb kid, you made some dumb choices, and you’ve paid for them, but what happened to Erica and Joseph wasn’t your fault.”
“Yes, it is. If I hadn’t—”
“Jerry, stop.
