Page 2 of Bed of Thorns

I shoved the picture inside the box then grabbed my diploma, sneering at the words written in script. Yeah, I had a Bachelor’s Degree. But who the hell was going to hire an ex-con, especially one who’d committed murder?

“I’m going back to Port Christy.”

“Whew,” Adam whistled. “I don’t think that’s such a good idea. You can’t end up back here, my friend. You know that. We’ve talked about your need for retaliation dozens of times. I thought you were over that part of your life. I’d hoped that you could walk away from this place a new man. Nothing good is going to come from killing your father. He will get what’s coming to him. The Lord will provide.”

I laughed halfheartedly, the sound just as bitter as I felt. While I realized he meant well, his belief in the greater good helping to ease his pain and time spent behind bars, I had no such belief. But I respected the man and everything he’d taught me.

Spanish. French. I was fluent in both. He’d provided lessons about the world. I’d been lucky enough to experience beautiful tropical locations through his eyes, his words so vivid that I was taken on a virtual trip by his words alone. I also felt like I’d visited Tahiti and Spain, Italy and Portugal, all the locations he’d been to while serving his country, protecting people he didn’t even know.

See where that had gotten him.

An ugly memory swept through me, the same one that had burned a hole in my mind over the years.

“Edmond Montego. You’re under arrest for the murder of Damien Ryker.” As the police officer jerked me toward him, slamming me against the wall, I turned my head, glaring at my father.

“Why? Why? You know I didn’t do this, Father.”

He sneered at me, backing away. “Get him the fuck out of here.”

I pitched against the firm hold, managing to lunge toward the man. “You know I didn’t kill him. You know it!”

As other officers worked to prevent me from wrapping my hands around my father’s throat, finally snapping the handcuffs around my wrists, I spit at him.

He laughed, daring to walk closer. “You’re no longer my son. I never want to see you again.”

And he’d kept that promise after all these years, never once entering the courtroom or visiting me in prison. He managed to poison everyone in town, people I believed to be friends turning their backs on me. I had no one. No one.

Except for Mercedes.

I’d barely looked at her twice before our parents had started dating, the age difference enough I thought of her as a kid and nothing more. Then we’d become friends. I’d become her protector. She’d shifted from my friend to the only person I considered valuable in my life.

But now, she was gone, lured by the same greed that had dragged my father into purgatory. It was my right to seek retribution. My right.

“Maybe so, but I got nowhere else to go.” I didn’t want to look him in the eyes. I knew I’d see disappointment.

After a few seconds of silence, I noticed his huge grin out of the corner of my eye and turned my head toward him.

“That’s not true, my friend. I have a place on Chincoteague Island. It ain’t nothing special, but it’s all yours until you get on your feet. My brother took care of it for me. There’s a key hidden under the front deck. It’s furnished, although not sure what condition the stuff is in.”

“I can’t let you do that.”

“Why the hell not? I’m not using it. I got at least three more years inside. Why not let someone enjoy the beautiful island?” When I said nothing, he squeezed my shoulder. “You need to get your life back. That girl isn’t going to help you get over the pain.”

That girlwas the only person who mattered to me. She wasn’t just some fantasy. She was a living, breathing person who’d allowed me to feel almost normal. She’d shown me her vulnerability, exposing her pain of being tossed aside just like I’d been. She’d showered me with adoration, the few good memories we’d shared providing comfort for both of us. Then she’d forgotten her promise.

I closed the box, thinking about his offer. “I don’t have any money. I just need to do something.”

“Don’t worry. I have that covered too. There’s a man, an old friend of mine that will get you what you need. He’s my financial advisor and has taken pretty good care of me. Call it a loan, but no need to pay it back. I have plenty of money. Here. Don’t forget your book.” His eyes remained full of concern.

I learned something new about the man every day. I’d thought he was dirt poor, but he had a financial advisor. The man had many secrets. I’d always wondered why no one had ever come to see him in prison. The single time I’d asked he’d given me a hard glare, which was rare. I never bothered to ask again.

As he handed me the very book Mercedes had sent me years before, my throat seized. I’d read dozens of books over the years, hundreds, all under the tutelage and encouragement of Adam. At least the shitty library in the joint had decent shit to read. I’d studied every aspect of business and marketing, financial control and did what I could to keep up with the new developments in technology. But none of those held a special place in my heart except for the small paperback she’d sent me. As I placed it in the box, I thought about his offer. “Why would you do this?”

“Because you’re a good kid. Because I like you. Because I think you got shafted. You deserve a break.”

There was sincerity in his eyes, the same kindness I was used to. “I’ll pay you back. I promise. I keep my promises.”

“All I need as repayment is your promise that you’re not going to do anything stupid.”

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