Page 244 of Ruptured
“What attracted you to him at first?”
“Nothing of substance,” Meggie admitted. “He was always there. He was funny and kind and oh-so-charming. He eased the hurt of Christopher’s desertion. What attracted you to Christopher?”
“His love for you,” Kendall said. “I wanted someone to love me like that. I wanted to know what it was like to have that type of intensity and devotion. Now, if he treats you the way he’s supposed to, I admire the love you two have. I’ve made peace that I’ll always be second in Johnnie’s life, behind you, and committed myself to being a devoted wife and mother, a good friend and sister-in-law—”
“You’re all the above, Kendall. Don’t let Johnnie undermine all your strides. If he’s doing more harm then good to you and the kids, why is he back on my No-Kill List?”
Panic entered Kendall’s eyes. “No! No, I-I didn’t mean I…he’s going through a lot—”
“I’m not rescinding that,” Meggie swore. “I’d never do that to you.Unlesshe becomes a threat to Christopher or my kids, especially CJ and Rebel.” Who he hated most of all.
“I know,” Kendall whispered.
“Let me text Gypsy so the three of us can grab a bite to eat, then you and I will come back to the office. Our only shot at protecting Christopher—and keeping Johnnie alive—” For the time being— “is the forger.”
“Do you want to read the letters?”
“I do not. If they are horrible enough to worry you, I don’t want to know more. The less I know, the less burden I’ll carry for deceiving my husband.” Closing her eyes, she shook her head. “I’m so tired of all the drama.”
“We’re closing in on a solution, sweetheart. Just hold on a little while longer.”
Meggie opened her eyes and smiled. “Diesel texted me that he’s back and asked if I’d cook.” She lifted the hand with the cast. “I do miss cooking, but his favorite meal is so labor intensive.”
“Fuck him,” Kendall spat.
“Hopefully, Bishop is free. Christopher has been giving him so many extra jobs to do.”
Standing, Kendall stalked to her executive’s chair and sat. She
grabbed her eyeglasses from her desk and shoved them on. “On purpose.”
“Of course,” Meggie said morosely. “Another reason I refuse to dock Kaia. He’s crap at cleaning, but he’s become my chauffeur, while I’m paying Bishop for nothing thanks to Christopher’s schemes.”
“You have to out scheme the schemer,” Kendall decided. “You’re too new at this. This is my forte. I have the perfect revenge. Those motherfuckers need a taste of their own medicine.”
“I’m listening.”
“We round up our sisters-in-law and our daughters and run away. Say…over the weekend?”
“I beg your pardon? I can’t–” By then, she and Christopher would’ve made up.
Kendall’s eyes lit up. “Just for two days, sweetheart. But here’s the kicker. We don’t tell those swinging dicks our destination. Let them stew in their own fuckery.”
“I’m not sure. I’m ready to sit and talk to my husband.”
“How about this? If one of those fuckheads don’t come clean to you about Rule or Father Wilkins, we do it my way. If someone, ChristopherorMortician. Or even Diesel or CJ–”
“You think CJ knows?”
“Of course.” Kendall held out her hand. “Do we have a deal?”
Reluctantly, Meggie leaned forward and grasped Kendall’s hand. “Deal. If we go, I won’t pack too much for Gunner–”
“Absolutely not. Those fuckheads need to get a taste of their own goddamn medicine. That means leaving the little ones with them. Now, order lunch for us. I’ll summon Wilt to forge the letters. Just trust me.”
“I do. Just remember the letters, and protecting Christopher, are more important.”
March 14th
