While Steve and Jaime sped toward the building where Arron's tracker pinged, inside that building the "game" had just begun.
Ashley clapped her hands, pacing slowly around the tied-up group.
"Let's see… who should go first?"
Her eyes scanned Arron, Courtney, Jose, and Jennifer before she stopped behind Jennifer's chair.
"You," Ashley said, grinning. "Jennifer. You'll start."
Jennifer's entire body shook. "O-Okay. Just… don't hurt anyone. Please."
Ron walked behind her and rested a knife lightly against her shoulder.
"No one gets hurt," he said, smirking, "as long as you tell the truth."
He laughed, then asked, "Why did you leave town right after graduation?"
Jennifer froze. Tears filled her eyes. "I… I really don't want to talk about that."
Ashley grabbed a fistful of Jennifer's hair and yanked hard. "If you don't, you WILL get hurt. And we'll tell them everything anyway."
Jennifer broke. The words spilled out as tears streamed down her face.
"I left because I couldn't handle the pain anymore! Arron, you caught me cheating on you… but I didn't want to! John—" her voice cracked, "—John was raping me all through high school."
Everyone stared in shock.
Jennifer sobbed harder. "I told my dad. He didn't do anything. After you broke up with me, Arron… I left so John couldn't hurt me anymore. And because… I… I couldn't stand to see you fall in love with someone else."
Ashley giggled. "Good girl. About time you admitted you're just a dirty little whore."
Jennifer closed her eyes in shame.
Ron walked slowly behind the others until he stopped behind Courtney.
Ashley smiled wickedly. "Oh, I've been WAITING for this one. Courtney… what are you hiding from Arron?"
Courtney's chin trembled. She looked at Arron, her eyes full of fear and apology.
"This… this isn't how I wanted you to find out," she whispered. "Right before your accident… I found out something."
She stopped, looking down.
Ron pressed the knife to her shoulder. "Keep talking."
Courtney lifted her head, tears in her eyes.
"I'm pregnant."
Arron's eyes widened. "What? Courtney… oh my God… this is amazing. But—" he shook his head, overwhelmed, "I don't even know how to feel. First Jennifer tells me she didn't cheat willingly, and now I'm going to be a dad—"
Ron cut him off with a laugh.
"Oh, don't you worry, Arron. There's more."
He stepped in front of Jose and held the knife against his leg.
Ashley grinned. "Jose, do you know why you're here?"
Jose groaned. "Probably. And you can beat me all you want. I'm not telling you anything."
Ron smirked. "Not even to save your son?"
Jose's face went pale.
Arron stared at him, confused.
"What is he talking about?"
Jose whispered, "I'm not saying it."
Ron drove the knife straight into Jose's leg.
Jose screamed.
Courtney shrieked. Jennifer squeezed her eyes shut.
Ashley walked to the table and picked up a hammer, tapping it against her palm.
"Well… since Jose won't say it, I will."
She looked at Arron and smiled.
"Jose is not who you think he is. Jose is actually Keith Jones. Your father."
Arron's jaw dropped.
"WHAT?"
Ashley continued, delighted. "The REAL Jose died in the car accident that was meant for Keith. Keith had surgery to look like Jose. He disappeared to keep his secrets safe."
Arron stared at Jose—at Keith—his entire world collapsing.
"You… you're my dad?" Arron whispered.
Keith—barely conscious—nodded. "Yes. I only did it to keep you and Katie safe."
Arron's voice rose in rage. "To keep us safe? You FAKED your death! I raised Katie! Not you! I took care of her, protected her, loved her! And NOW you show up?! You don't get to take that away!"
Keith shook his head. "I'm not trying to take her from you. I'm sorry. I just… I didn't know what else to do."
Ashley giggled again. "Awwww. How sweet. A family reunion."
Ron stepped forward. "Ashley—hand me the hammer."
She placed the hammer in his hand like she was handing him a present.
Ron grinned at Arron.
"Your turn now."