Page 128 of Keeping Kasey
If the Consolis are a force to be reckoned with, then I’m destruction incarnate. One day, the tables will turn, and I will bring this entire family to its knees.
“We have questions,” James says in a level tone. “Things that don’t quite make sense about when you left.”
Logan takes a remote control from his desk, points it at the TV behind him, and presses a button.
The screen lights up, and my mouth goes dry at the scene.
It’s a live feed of Mark’s hospital room. His eyes are closed, but I can make out the rise and fall of his chest—still alive.
“Fail to answer our questions and, well, you get the idea,” Logan says.
As he says the words, the soldier that stayed behind—Ryan—steps into the camera’s view. He sits in the seat beside Mark’s bed, kicking his feet up like he doesn’t have a care in the world, even as he twirls a knife between his fingers.
“You don’t need to do that,” I say, my voice steady despite the rapid pounding of my heart. “You don’t need to doanyof this. I have no reason to lie to you.”
“You’ll forgive me for not taking you at your word,” Logan says with a haughty grin.
“You’re past the point of forgiveness,” I whisper.
“How will I go on?” he deadpans.
“What really happened the day Brandon attacked you?” James asks, pulling my attention to him.
“He recognized me,” I answer. “He accused me of ‘playing both sides,’ and said you’d kill me for it. I had no idea what he was talking about, but I could tell I was in danger, so I stalled.” I meet Logan’s eye. “I even tried to message Logan to send help.”
He doesn’t react, but I hadn’t really expected him to.
“He caught me sending that message and got violent. He kept asking if you knew who I was. Then, Ford came in, and you know the rest.”
The three of them study me with narrowed eyes, and it’s like taking the world’s most intimidating lie detector test, but I don’t cower.
I have nothing to hide.
I would’ve told Logan all of this in a heartbeat if I had the chance.
“You didn’t know who he was? That he aligned with Mason?” James asks.
“No.”
A slow, menacing smile spreads over Logan’s lips.
He puts the phone to his ear. “Go ahead.”
Ryan stands, takes Mark’s hand, and brings the knife to it.
“What are you doing? Stop him. I’m telling the truth!” I try to stand, but Damon steps forward and grips my shoulder, trapping me where I sit.
“We have proof of a transaction from Brandon to you three years ago,” James says, face devoid of emotion.
Ryan starts to press the blade into Mark’s hand.
“You asked about theattack,” I rush out. “I didn’t know who he was until later!”
“Stop,” Logan says into the phone, and Ryan drops back into the seat with a bounce.
“If you didn’t know who he was, why would you lie about what happened?” James asks, crossing his arms over his chest.
“All I knew was that he knewme, and something about him was familiar. I didn’t know what to think, and then you were asking so many questions. I just needed more time to process it all.”
