Page 96 of Forged in Rain

I’ve been a shitty human being, and it’s time I pull myself up and figure out how to get out of this situation. If I’m lucky, Cyn will be waiting for me on the other side, but either way, I’ve got to get my shit together.

It’s time to decide. Until now, I’ve let Iris choose our direction. I need to start digging on my own. And I need to figure out what Pam’s endgame is.

Maybe I’m stuck in this mess, but if so, who do I want to be affiliated with?

I don’t have the answer, but I better figure it out quickly. Suddenly, there’s a sense of urgency to get this sorted before it’s too late.

My phone buzzing by my head rouses me, and glancing at the screen, I open a message from an unknown number.

When you sleep, dream of me

I respond with a small smile before closing my eyes and sleeping soundly for the first time in weeks.

Always

Chapter Eighteen

When I wake, it’s to a message from Cyn.

I dreamt of you, beauty

With a smile, I tap out a response before stepping into the shower. My thoughts spin to the mess I’m in, of course, but I set it aside and think of Cyn and the last time we were together until I step from the steam feeling somewhat refreshed.

There’s no response from Cyn and with a sigh, I trudge downstairs for some coffee, only to pause when I find Iris and Pam sitting in the living room. With a tepid smile, I head toward the stairs, pausing when Pam says, “Come sit with us, Rain.”

I close my eyes with a grimace before collapsing in a tufted chair that faces the couch. My stomach roils with memories of John, and I look away to keep my head in the game. The man may be a small piece in this wretched puzzle, but I can’t regret his outcome.

Wherever the fuck he is.

Pam sits ramrod straight across from me, with Iris slumped beside her. I recognize the blank look on Iris’ face and silently sigh. Something’s coming, and once again, I’m trapped with no way to avoid it.

“We need to discuss a few matters, Rain. I assume you are aware of John’s illegal activities?”

She eyes me shrewdly, and I shrug, avoiding Iris’ gaze. “I know enough.”

“Hmm,” her mouth curls in a grimace. “Well, with him missing, we must show a united front.”

“To what end?”

“What?” she asks, gazing at me blankly.

“Why? What’s going on? How do you even know Cyn’s dad?”

She tsks, “It’s not important.”

Raising a hand, I say, “You’ve been masquerading as someone named Cue and making teenagers do your criminal bidding, and it’s not important?”

“You don’t understand.”

“Enlighten me.”

Her eyes narrow, but I raise my chin. I can’t afford to be the shrinking miss, even if my heart beats painfully in my chest. The Pam I thought I knew doesn’t exist, which means I don’t know how she will react.

For all I know, she’s murdered people. This does nothing to comfort me, by the way.

“I did what I had to do to protect this family. And you should be thanking me for saving you from that asshole.”

“Which one?” I grumble.

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