Page 149 of Stalker

“As a wise man once told me,” Zach said in passing, “if you don’t go for what you truly want, you’ll regret it for the rest of your life.”

I had few regrets, and certainly not driving Cain Demarco into hell where he belonged.

However, there was one and that one would haunt me for the rest of my life.

But it had been the right thing to do.

Hmmm… Since when had I ever done the right thing?

CHAPTER35

Cassandra

“Welcome back, stranger,” I said as I threw my arms around Cash’s neck.

“It’s good to be back. In fact, it’s good to be anywhere but that goddamn hospital or the rehabilitation center.”

I was terrified I was hugging him too tightly. He’d had many injuries, including cracked ribs. He was lucky to be alive; the fucking assholes who’d stopped his car under the command of Cain had almost beaten him to death. Thankfully, the two bullets hadn’t hit any major organs.

I’d also experienced zero issues having them arrested since Cash’s memory had been left completely intact and the fuckers hadn’t worn a mask.

They would face a long time in prison, but since I’d been indirectly involved, other attorneys were handling their prosecutions.

I had bigger fish to fry, including the men on Cain’s list. At least he’d managed to do something good in his life. He had kept a detailed list of the men involved, and the women they’d ordered hunted and killed.

“You’re not going to hurt me, Cass. I’m perfectly fine and thrilled to be your second chair.”

“I hope that continues for a long time. Any news on who killed Drew?”

He shook his head and we both sat down, still waiting for the judge to arrive. The room was filling up quickly. I knew every case had turned sensational, the press keeping the men involved front page news, but to open the room to bystanders added extra pressure.

Then again, maybe that’s what the bastards deserved. I could easily handle this with my hands tied behind my back. I remained that angry.

Including with myself.

“I think that’s the least of our worries,” he admitted. “Besides, and don’t tell anyone this, but he got what he deserved in my humble opinion.”

I glanced at my friend. It would seem every one of us had a dark secret or even darker and often brutal desire in our hearts and souls. Had I thought about the role I’d played in being judge and jury for Cain more than once? Yes, but my soul was intact. The man had been the epitome of a monster.

If that made me a bad person, so be it.

I had no regrets.

With a single exception.

Wilder.

He’d insisted I live my life. He’d told me he loved me but couldn’t risk hurting me or my career. My heart still ached. How often had I picked up the phone to call him? More times than I could count. Maybe he was right. I wish my heart would start listening to the logic.

“I heard Mr. Wells finally decided to retire.” Cash loved to tease me, even jabbing me in the ribs with his knowledge of the news.

“Yes, he did.” He’d been pushed into saying nothing years before, the young man he’d been then unable to fight with the power of the men involved. But he’d become an attorney because of them, fighting the good fight, and I continued to respect him tremendously.

“And I heard someone just got promoted to his spot.” He grinned as he turned his head in my direction.

“Shush. No one knows yet.” I laughed. It’s all I’d ever wanted, but the appointment felt hollow. There was still so much pain, so many lives lost and families destroyed.

That had included the Blackwell brothers years before, but at least their lives had changed. I was so happy they were still doing well, their company soaring. Maybe there were additional prosecutions needed or investigations that should be done, but there were certain people who’d be forced to live out the rest of their lives with horrible guilt.

---