Total pages in book: 85
Estimated words: 76812 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 384(@200wpm)___ 307(@250wpm)___ 256(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 76812 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 384(@200wpm)___ 307(@250wpm)___ 256(@300wpm)
Instead of demanding she not return to New Mexico, she was welcomed with open arms.
Kincaid managed to buy the land around the Cerberus property over a mile in every direction, including the road that runs through the middle of it. Before we made it back, construction on the fencing had already started.
With Wren's help and expertise, the perimeter will be fit with the latest technology so we'll know if anyone tries to enter the property.
Cerberus doesn't have the power to keep things from flying over the property yet, but I know my boss is working diligently to get the dispensation.
We're waved through the gate on the road when we approach. The gates were the first things built on either end of the road, and the property can now only be accessed through the rough terrain until the walls are complete. There are patrols happening twenty-four-seven, and I haven't caught one single complaint from the others.
There have always been whispers about Cerberus being some sort of cult, and it was always argued when someone would call the property a compound, the word carrying with it a negative connotation. We can no longer argue those opinions.
Every person connected to Cerberus has been urged to the property, and surprisingly, no one has put up much of a fight. The only person not present is Kid's son Landon who is currently on active duty in the Marine Corps, but I heard in less than a year and a half, he'll be back as a member of Cerberus. He joined to fulfill the requirement to follow in his father's footsteps. Rick, Landon's husband, is staying in Landon’s childhood room with Khloe and Kid.
Although we've stood against worse men than Nathan Adair, he might be the first willing to risk his life and freedom to get what he wants. Most criminals are after money, and revenge usually comes after.
When Brielle squeezes my hand, I realize I missed most of the ride back to the clubhouse. I turn to look at her, giving her an easy smile.
"Thank you for encouraging me to go today," she says, comfortable enough around Oracle driving the SUV that she doesn't worry about speaking out loud around him.
"Therapy isn't a miracle drug, but it has helped me a lot."
She dips her head in acknowledgment. It took me over a week of asking before she finally agreed, and even though she easily got in the SUV to head to the office, it took thirty minutes to convince her to get out and go inside. We're both works in progress.
I climb out of the vehicle and offer her a hand. She takes it easily, allowing me to pull her against my chest and press my lips to the top of her head before we make our way inside the clubhouse.
I assume she's going to want to go back to the bedroom and take a few minutes to unwind, but instead of turning left to go down the hallway, she makes a right and walks into the kitchen.
I have no clue what's going to happen when she walks right up to Beth.
Chapter 38
Brielle
My hands are shaking uncontrollably as I step up beside Beth who is washing dishes at the sink, but I know I have to do this while I still have the courage.
I don't know what it was about meeting with Dr. Alverez today, but it gave me a little hope that maybe my life doesn't have to be a tragedy.
I've been back here for two weeks and although Beth hasn't exactly avoided me completely, we still haven't talked. If we're not going to be friends, I'll have to accept that, but I need to air all this shit out. Dr. Alverez urged me to put to rest the things I do have control over and to try to worry less about the things out of my control. As far as I'm concerned, whatever this ill mood is between the two of us is one of those things I can control. At least I can say my piece and then move on if nothing else.
"I need to speak with you," I say, wincing a little when it comes out more demanding and forceful than I intended.
I fully expect her to insist I take a step back, but the woman simply nods in agreement as she turns off the water and grabs a hand towel.
I follow her from the room and have to accept that she's choosing to have this conversation in the living room rather than someplace a little quieter.
I look over my shoulder knowing that Beck won't go far, and as much as I know I use him as a crutch, I also know it won't end anytime soon. I pray that a day comes when I'm whole and can face things on my own, but we're a long way from that.