Page 108 of Faith
“Gwendolyn.”
“No. No. Hell no. Why would you even think that?”
“Because this doesn’t end until I do. I know she’s there. I can feel it. But she won’t be for long. She’ll have an escape plan. If the FBI get there before I do, people will die.”
“She’ll kill you, Nina.”
Nina surged to her feet. “I need to do it, anyway. I need to go.”
“Then I’m going with you,” Monty said, standing with her.
“No. I can’t have her hurt you.”
“I’m not going to sit here and watch TV while you go off and face her alone. I’m going. If you’re going, I’m going.”
Nina wanted to tell him no, but she knew there was no way he’d let her leave alone. If she was honest, it made her feel better to know he would be there with her. She would protect him. Trade herself for him if it came down to that.
“Are you sure about this?” she asked.
Monty shook his head. “No. But I’m doing it anyway. I’m not going to risk you sneaking out and going without me.”
“Let’s go.”
Monty nodded and followed her to the door.
Zeke’s house was still dark when they walked outside. A part of Nina wanted to see him before she left, but it wouldn’t change anything.
Monty drove the city streets like he knew exactly where he was going. Nina assumed he did as they drew closer to the house she’d once called home.
Monty parked a block away, tucking his SUV among dozens of other vehicles where it wouldn’t be noticed right away. He made a move to open his door, but she stopped him with a hand on his arm.
“I love you, big brother. I know I haven’t shown it in the best way, but I do. I love you so much, and I need you to do one thing for me.”
“Anything, as long as it’s not staying put.”
Nina breathed a laugh. “No, I know you won’t do that.”
“Okay, then what it is?”
“I need you to tell Zeke I love him.”
“No. Don’t do that. You’re going to tell him yourself.”
Nina shook her head. “I don’t know if I’ll have the chance to.”
“You can’t walk into that house thinking you’ll never walk out, Nina.”
“I know what she’s capable of, Monty. I know how she operates. And I know my odds are not great. So, please, promise me you’ll tell Zeke I love him. I’m in love with him. I wish things could have been different, but I have to do this.”
“Fuck, Nina.”
“Please promise me you’ll tell him.”
Monty nodded and dragged her in for a hug. He held her tight for several moments, then kissed the top of her head. “Let’s go stop this bitch so you can have that happy ending you deserve.”
Nina smiled. “Let’s do it.”
23
