Page 36 of Bittersweet Revenge

He nodded, burying his hands in his pants’ pockets, his back straight, jaw flexing. He was clearly beyond furious, but was trying his best to restrain himself from exploding into a rage. “If I’m clear, then somebody, other than you, me, and the mystery postman, knows about that journal. So basically, not only have we lost our element of surprise, but the investigation is turning dangerous a lot sooner than we’d anticipated.”

I stopped pacing, my legs still weaker than I’d thought. “I'm sorry,” I said contritely as I sat back on the bed in defeat, trailing my fingers over the soft blanket. “I didn't think it would be such a big deal, but on the plus side, we know that the journal is important now.”

“Because somebody tried to kill you for it?” he asked, his face now red with anger. I knew I had made a huge mistake.

“No, I mean yes... Maybe?” I gave him a sheepish smile. “What's done is done now, isn't it?”

He shook his head. “You're living in a house without protection, and someone has decided to hurt you.” He nodded. “Yeah, things are great!”

“The sarcasm is strong with this one,” I said in an attempt at humor.

“You think?” I didn't think his scowl could darken any more; I was wrong because boy, did it.

He resumed his pacing, cocking his head to the side every so often as if he was having an internal debate.

I stood up. “Well, while you discuss with yourself, I’ll take a shower.”

“Uh-huh.,” He raised his hand.

I took a quick shower, the hot water doing wonders for my bone-weary body and helping me unlock my sore muscles. I was not feeling totally like myself, but I was getting there.

When I came out, Archie was standing with his back to me, looking out of the window.

“Maybe you should tell him,” he breathed.

“Tell what? To whom?” I sat down on the armchair to put my sneakers on.

“Caleb. Tell him what’s happening.”

“Are you high? Since when do you trust Caleb Astor?”

“I know, but…” He looked heavenward before concentrating on me again. “It hurts me to admit it, but he really cares about you. I didn’t think he did, but he’s coming undone over you. Maybe if he knew, he could keep you safe here.”

“He is mad, not upset,” I corrected him.

“With Caleb? It’s one and the same. He is the boy with no feelings – or at least so few that he can’t really express them, but I know what I see.”

I sighed, both at the warmth that filled my chest with this revelation and the Pandora’s Box that could open. “Even if he cares, can you be sure his loyalty lies with us? You know there is still a strong possibility that his father is involved in all this.”

“I know that, Esme.”

I nodded. “Okay, so what then? If we find out his father’s involved, can you honestly say he would choose to side with me?” I shook my head. “He hates that he feels something for me, whatever it is. Are you willing to take the risk? Are you certain he won’t betray us when it matters?” It hurt me to say that, to admit that we couldn’t trust him, but I was done working on blind faith.

He shook his head, crossing his arms on his chest. “No, I can’t.”

I stood up. “You see?” I grabbed my jacket.

“Where do you think you’re going?”

“I almost died last night, Archie.” I pointed to the door. “I want to have a quick word with Caleb because I don’t want him thinking I tried to kill myself. I don’t know why. I just...don’t.”

His eyes softened and he took a step toward me, resting his hand on my shoulder. “I think I know why, but how are you going to do that without telling him at least part of the truth?”

I chewed on my lip, looking at my closed bedroom door as if Caleb was on the other side. “I haven’t figured out the specifics yet.” I hadn’t figured out anything about anything to be fair. “And then I want to go see Tay and go for a coffee and a muffin, anything really. I just need to get out.”

“I’ll drive you.”

I wanted to argue that I could do it, but to be honest, I was not completely certain I could, and I knew my brother would jump at any chance to see Taylor. I stopped by the door and looked at him. Would telling him the truth about Antoine and Taylor really be a betrayal? My brother had put me first on so many occasions and I felt like I was betraying him by not easing his mind about them. If only I knew what had caused all of this.

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