Page 79 of Scarred Sins
“You can’t,’’ she says, voice breaking. “You don’t know what he’s capable of doing just to protect that secret. He’ll kill you and everyone you’ve ever known and loved.’’
“Yet I’m here,’’ I take a small step forward. “I’m in his home for the second time. Not once has he managed to get to me or my loved ones. Don’t worry about me. Be selfish, Zoe. Tell me to help you, and instead of taking my finger, take my whole fucking hand. Be selfish, and get yourself out of here. Use me to escape.’’
She shakes her head.
“I can’t. It’s impossible.’’
“It’s not impossible.’’
She backs away, her mind drifting off. I pull out a small phone from my pocket and toss it on her bed. Her eyes follow the movement, then she sets her attention back to me. Zoe’s eyes narrow, ever so slightly.
“What’s that?”
“A phone. My number’s the only one in the contact list. I trust you’ll keep it hidden. Sleep on it, and if you’re ready to use me, just let me know. I’ll be waiting.’’
“You’re putting a lot of trust in a stranger.’’
I sigh. “I know. But I need your help just as much as you need mine, Zoe. It will be a mutually beneficial bargain. I get you out; you give me the information I need.’’
“I can’t,’’ she repeats the words a few times, eyes glued to the phone resting on her bed. She’s conflicted, but I’m running out of time. Somehow, this time, I’m more hopeful. The barrier Nelson has put above her has started cracking. It’s not much, but a single crack is all I need.
“I’ll be waiting for your call, Zoe. Please, be selfish.’’
TWENTY-THREE
Blair and I step into the basement of my home, with Arson jumping out of Blair’s arms. The little menace immediately goes around, scanning the area and finding the best spot to nap. It doesn’t take her long to settle under one of the benches, curling into a ball, ignoring everyone else in the room.
My hand holds Blair’s tightly, our fingers intertwined as I lead her further into the room. Mom and Dad are there, sitting at the small table, waiting for us. Cove’s not too far, as silent as always, almost looking bored out of his mind.
“You ready?” I whisper.
Blair takes a moment, swallowing thickly. She takes a deep breath, determination written on her face. She nods, then gives my hand a small squeeze.
“I’m ready.’’
We walk toward my parents, taking a seat in the empty chairs across from them. Both of them are serious, and I’ve done my best to mentally prepare Blair as much as possible for the conversation that’s about to happen. We can’t waste more time – we need to get this shit going if we want to get to the bastards before they get more power than they already have.
Mom smiles warmly at Blair, but it doesn’t reach her eyes. It’s nothing personal to Blair, but this isn’t a situation where she can smile and laugh freely. With a silent conversation, Mom and Dad look at each other for a while, silence surrounding us.
Dad gives her a small nod, then turns to look at us.
“I won’t beat around the bush,’’ he starts off. “Noelle and I dealt with our fair share of motherfuckers back in the day, even now, but nothing quite this big or quite this serious. One wrong step and not only will our organization go down, our business –our legacy- but also our lives. There’s a lot at stake here, and we cannot afford mistakes.
Blair remains silent next to me, looking straight at Dad. I rub circles on the back of her palm with my thumb, watching as her shoulders start to relax slightly.
“Where’s Aria?” I ask. “She should be informed of this.’’
“Spending the night at Niko’s,’’ Mom explains. “I’ll fill her in tomorrow. She’s still a teenager; I’m trying to spare her as much as possible, but she is one of the most gifted snipers I’ve ever encountered. We will need her later on.’’
I give her a firm nod.
“Now,’’ Mom breathes out. “Blair needs the entire story before we can proceed. How much did Arlo tell you?”
Blair’s response is immediate. “Just that Nelson Adam is responsible for the death of your sister and disappearance of your niece.’’
Mom nods. “Right. I was highly against Jane dating Nelson. Before that, I never encountered the man, but I’ve heard the stories. He went into politics straight out of university, around twenty years ago. His parents were also very influential politicians of their time, so it was definitely a bribed way in. There were always stories of him being a corrupt, shady politician, but aren’t they all?” Mom sighs. “Which is why I didn’t really pay attention to him until he started dating Jane.’’
Mom pauses, then pushes a glass of water to Blair. My girl takes a sip, and Mom patiently waits for the information to settle before continuing. I already know the story; I’ve heard it over a hundred times.
