Page 24 of Revenge

"Dougal put that gun down. This is your son." My mother screams from the kitchen door. It's a few seconds before my father reacts. "What is going on here?" I can hear my mother’s tears. I look at her. She has fear written all over her.

"Ask him." I turn around and start walking to the door.

"I have not dismissed you." If my father adds anything, I don't hear. I don't look back. It's obvious my father has made his choice.

"What now?" Oliver asks outside.

"War."

Chapter Fifteen

Viktor

“I can’t take any more bad news today. I need results.” I slam my fists on my desk.

“It’s not my fault the Irish have been difficult. There have been more fights this month with the Irish than all year combined.” Oliver sits.

“My father is going to be our downfall. We have to find a way to stop this madness. Between Manarch Industries, Fiona, and this never-ending spree of violence….” I trail off. I’m exhausted. Lately, all I face are problems.

“I do have some good news.”

“Anything is better than the crap you are telling me.”

“I found Ava.”

I stop to look at him. I was beginning to think he was never going to find her.

“I thought you said you had good news.” Even though I trust Oliver I don’t know who could be listening to us. I need to continue with the pretense that I don’t care about Ava.

“I thought you would be happy.” Oliver looks at me confused.

“We are in the middle of the biggest war our clan has ever faced. I can’t distract myself by carrying about Ava. I have moved on.” He gives me a questioning look. I hate lying to him.“What?”

“Nothing. I’m glad you came to your senses. I never thought I would hear those words out of your mouth.”

“Just forget about Ava. She is my past. We have bigger problems. You were right when you told me to let her go.” I run my fingers through my hair. I have accepted she won’t be safe with me. For now I have to love her in silence than love her in a coffin.

“Good. How are things in the house with Fiona?” I sigh.

“Insufferable. Infuriating. She tries to come to bed almost every night. She won’t take no for an answer. I barely stay at the house anymore.”

“And the child?”

“Fine as far as I know. The doctor came over and checked her. She has been impossible. Not wanting to go to her doctor's visits. I think she is drinking. Back to her old ways now that she got what she wanted.” I pinch the bridge of my nose.

“What does that mean for the child?”

“On her last visit, the doctor mentioned to her the dangers of drinking while pregnant. She swore to stop. But I’m not sure she cares.” There are so many moments I wish the child I am expecting was with Ava.

“Do you need me to do anything?”

“I need you to set up a meeting with my lieutenants.”

“That wasn’t what I was asking.”

“But that is what I am ordering. I need to get back to work.” His cue to leave.

I turn my chair and face the city. The day is beautiful. The kind of day I would take Ava for a stroll. I’ve missed her feistiness and smart mouth. The house is bitter without her. She made the house a home. It doesn’t feel like home anymore. I dread being there. Lately, I have been staying in the city. Away from Fiona. I’ve been claiming I’m working. Not entirely a lie. She sees right through me. But I don’t care. There isn’t anywhere I can go where there is peace. The peace and solace I found in Ava. My phone beeps.

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