Total pages in book: 49
Estimated words: 46926 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 235(@200wpm)___ 188(@250wpm)___ 156(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 46926 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 235(@200wpm)___ 188(@250wpm)___ 156(@300wpm)
“Yeah, because he’s rich and those guys think the laws don’t apply to them.”
For the first time in my life, I know Jay is lying to me. “What does Damien have to do with this?”
“Nothing, I swear. I mean, I don’t know other than he also lived at Hope House.” His eyes are begging me to believe him, but my conscience is telling me not to believe anyone as easily as I did five minutes ago. “I didn’t keep anything from you that would impact the case.”
“Except you did because you know who was staying at Hope House and you probably have a good idea why those men are dead.”
“There are about fifty different reasons those men could be dead considering all the shit those kids got up to, but nothing specific comes to mind Frankie. I swear.”
I want to believe him. He’s been at my side since my entire world came crashing down. Twice. But right now, all I see is a liar and that’s the last thing I want or need to deal with. “I need some space.” I stand and shake my head. “I need to get out of here.”
“Come on Frankie, let’s talk about this.”
“No Jay, there’s nothing to talk about. You know I hate lying and you’ve been lying to me for months.” Possibly years.
“I did it to protect you. You’re pissed at me and rightly so, but I hope you save up some of that anger for your husband who also lied to you.”
It’s a truth that’s been kicking around in the back of my mind for a few hours that I’ve been reluctant to address. Damien lied to me too and I’m not ready to face that just yet.
I leave the precinct and walk around the city to clear my mind. When that doesn’t work, I take a drive up PCH and hope the shoreline does for me what nothing else has been able to.
Give me clarity.
Give me guidance.
Ignoring calls for six hours isn’t the adult way to handle things but right now I have to look out for myself since no one else does.
CHAPTER FOURTEEN
Damien
Where the fuck is she? I pace the length of the penthouse, wondering where Francesca could be. Jay called me hours ago and said she flew out of the precinct in a rage when he told her about our connection.
I verbally tore him a new asshole before he reassured me, he didn’t tell her everything. It’s small comfort considering I don’t know where the hell she is or what’s going through her mind, but I need to know.
I don’t live my life leaving unknowns lingering. I need every loose end tied up and burned so they never unravel again. Right now, Jay is a big fucking loose end, but getting rid of him would create more problems than it solves. “Fucking Jay.” Why did he have to open his fucking mouth?
More importantly, why did she ask him about any of this today?
It’s a question I need an answer to, and fast. The penthouse door opens and I’m there in an instant. “Francesca, thank God. I was so worried about you.” I gather her in my arms and hold her close. “Where the hell have you been?”
She slowly pulls out of my hold and her gaze slams into mine. “I’ve been out, Damien. Or isn’t that allowed anymore, either?”
Whoa. “What the fuck is going on?”
“Nothing.” That one word is so heavy it literally weighs her down as she tosses herself onto the sofa. “It’s been a long, terrible fucking day Damien and I just want to relax if that’s all right with you.”
Shit, this is worse than I thought. Frankie being angry and defiant is one thing, but this defeated version is almost unbearable.
I need her to get away from the city. Away from any reminders of my alter ego and the secrets all around her. “I’m sorry you had a bad day,” I tell her and drop beside her, holding her until all the tension leaves her body.
“Yeah, thanks.” Slowly, her breathing returns to normal and she gives me more of her weight. “Why are you home so early?”
“A night of sleeping without you has turned me into a grouchy bastard, apparently.” It’s an easy half-lie that should make her forget some of her suspicions.
“I’m glad you’re here,” she whispers.
“Me too. Want to talk about what’s bothering you?”
“Not at all,” she replies quickly. “I don’t want to talk about anything right now.”
Good. My plan is taking shape, but I need to get her to relax enough to talk to me and spill her secrets. “Let’s get away for a few days.”
She laughs and the sound is slightly crazed. “No offense Damien but I’m not really in the mood for a luxury getaway.” She groans. “I can’t even believe I just said that.”