Page 169 of The Persistence of Thornes
“Mom,” Casen says softly. “I swear it was us. Halle didn’t tip off the cops. We did. Someone had to do something, and Halle always protects you, so we did it.”
“Boys,” Halle gasps behind me. “I can’t believe you’d do that.”
“You cared too much to do what needed to be done,” Quinn says, eyes full of silent apology as he focuses on his sister.
Halle sniffles behind me, her fingers flexing against my arm.
Freya sways, the gun wobbling in her hand.
“Let’s put the gun down,” Thayer says gently. “All of this was a mistake.”
Freya cries, her face wet with tears. “I thought… I thought…”
“Come on,” Thayer says, taking a slow step in her direction. “Just give me the gun and?—”
A sharp crack echoes off the walls, so loud my ears ring.
It’s followed by screams.
“Oh my God.” Freya drops the gun, looking at… looking atmein horror.
“Caleb!” Halle screams, shoving in front of me.
As she looks down at my abdomen, I follow, only now noticing the blood staining my abdomen.
“Halle,” I whisper. I touch the wound, my fingers coming away bright red.
My vision gets blurry, and then Thayer and Laith are grabbing my arms and laying me down.
“Caleb,” Halle sobs, her hands cupping her mouth. “Oh my God. Caleb, please.”
I reach for her, my movements sluggish. “I-I’m okay.” My teeth start to chatter.
Halle kneels at my side.
“Y-Your dress. Don’t g-get blood on i-it.”
She brings a hand to my cheek.
Why does it feel so cold?
I try to put my hand over hers, but I can’t seem to get my limbs to cooperate.
In the background, there’s a muffled “someone call 911.”
“They’re already on the way” is the response.
“Caleb,” Halle begs, her eyes full of tears. “Stay with me.”
“I love you,” I tell her.
I want her to know that.
I love her, and that makes everything worth it.
It’s the last thought I have as my vision goes dark.
CHAPTER 43
