Page 78 of Beyond the Darkness
“They kept me waiting ages and then they spent a long time going over everything.Understandable.I did kill someone, after all.”
“You killed her in self-defence, not cold blood.There’s a huge difference.”
Luke nodded resolutely.He’d been putting on a brave face since that night, talking tough, but Hudson knew he’d been struggling with the reality of what he had done.Amber was a fucked-up murderer, but taking another life did not come easily to most people, whatever the circumstances.It could take Luke years to process the mental trauma of his actions.Hudson intended to be there for him and support him through every step on the path to acceptance.
“I’m in the clear,” Luke said at last, looking and sounding relieved.“There will be no charges against me for killing Amber.Even her own family aren’t pressing for it.A clear case of self-defence.”
Hudson let out the breath he hadn’t realised he’d been holding.He gripped Luke’s hand tighter.“That’s great news.And only right.All the evidence backs it up.”
Luke managed a smile, though the tension around his eyes remained.“It doesn’t mean it’s over.I’ll still have to testify in court against Corman.We both will.”
“I know.And we’ll nail the bastard.For Julian.For Rav.For what he’s put their families through.For what he’s done to us.We’ll get him and he’ll never hurt anyone again.”
At last Luke’s smile was genuine, though his eyes were moist.He lifted Hudson’s hand to his lips and kissed.“I love you.”
Hudson moved even closer and put his arms around him.“I love you, too.”
* * * *
It was an afternoon a lot like the first day Hudson had visited the house on the coast.Clear, bright—a perfect summer day.
Only now the house was filled with the wrong kind of memories.
Luke had not spent another night inside the place since the attack.He’d moved into Hudson’s apartment in the city and had stayed there ever since.
Luke’s parents had agreed to supervise the emptying and disposal of the contents, but Luke had insisted on visiting one last time to collect any personal stuff he couldn’t do without.
“You don’t have to do this,” Hudson said as he stepped out of the car.“Tell me where everything is, and I’ll bring it out for you.”
Luke shook his head, getting out.He took off his sunglasses to gaze at the house.Nothing much had changed since the last time they were here, from the exterior at least.But Luke’s feelings about his former home had changed beyond recognition.The tension in his stance was obvious.
“Why don’t we have a few minutes in the garden?”Hudson said, pointing to the patio furniture that stood in front of the house.Luke’s parents must not have got around to selling those pieces yet.
Luke seemed relieved at the suggestion.A tight smile tugged at the corners of his mouth.“That sounds like a good idea.”
Hudson took his hand as they walked across the garden.The still vibrant colours of the garden, together with the familiar scent of the sea and the warm afternoon sun, reminded Hudson of happier times.As they took a seat, the sense of relief deepened as a well-known sight bounded across the garden.
“Molly.”Luke beamed as the cat ran to him.She meowed excitedly, sliding in and out of his legs, rubbing her body against his calves.He bent to stroke her head affectionately.
She purred loudly, rolling onto her back at his feet.
“She’s missed you.”Hudson grinned.It was great to see Luke looking so happy again.
“I’ve missed you too,” Luke said lovingly to Molly, running his hand all along her side.She continued to meow her delight.“I hope you’ll be as friendly to your next neighbours.Welcome them to the neighbourhood and keep them happy.”
After a few minutes, Molly leapt onto Luke’s lap and settled herself while he stroked her head.
When they finally found a permanent place to live, they’d have to get a cat of their own.Luke clearly adored animals.
Hudson gazed at the sea.Such a shame Luke’s time here had ended the way it had.This place had had everything until Corman and Amber ruined it.
“I’ve got something to tell you,” he said at last.
Luke’s eyes flicked over to him.“Sounds ominous.”
“It’s not.At least I hope not.I’ve had an offer to do a TV series.A good one.It’s a limited series.A comedy drama with a great pilot script.”
“That’s fantastic news.Especially after all the shit you’ve been offered.”
