Page 65 of Xavier

Unable to keep my mouth shut, I blurt out, “Is Dad planning for a zombie apocalypse?”

The laugh that comes out of Xavier’s mouth is genuine and carefree. “No, he’s planning for anything and everything to keep you safe.”

I roll my eyes. “A little too late for that. It would have been nice if he was honest and upfront the entire time.”

Xavier walks toward me. “Sometimes people keep secrets to protect the ones they love and care for.”

Something in his voice tells me he’s keeping secrets, so I ask, “Are you keeping secrets from me?”

His gaze moves to the floor for a second before returning to mine, telling me everything I need to know. My heart constricts as he whispers, “Yes.”

As I turn to leave, he reaches out and grabs my hand.

My body melts at his touch despite my mind telling me he is just as bad as Dad.

“Wait. Let me explain.”

When I don’t look at him, he pulls me until my back is pressed against his chest. “Please, let me explain. I promise to answer whatever questions you have. Just don’t walk away. Please.”

His voice is full of pain, like he hates that there are still secrets between us.

Well, he’s had plenty of chances to come clean. Five whole days and not one word.

Xavier leads me over to the microfiber couch and tells me everything, starting from the beginning.

The phone call from Hudson telling him about the bonfire and asking him to keep an eye on me.

The meeting at the bar with Hudson the next day, where he told Xavier about the death threats my family was getting.

The bar fight where he conveniently skipped over the reason he got so upset about the way the woman was treated.

Not that I condone verbal abuse, but there’s an underlying reason for his aggressive reaction, but I’m not going to push him to tell me about it right now.

He goes into detail about the conversation he overheard at the bait and tackle store, how he followed the mystery guys to the warehouse, how Hudson told Dad what was going on, and how he followed the guys to Uncle Zach’s restaurant.

He knew.

This entire time, he knew more than I ever could imagine.

More than I’ve known.

I even gave him some of the information, like how the killer stole the tiny box off Everett’s dead body.

Even then, he didn’t trust me with the whole truth.

Was I just another source of information for him? An inconvenience in his summer plans?

Before he can see the tears form in my eyes, I dart upstairs, needing to be alone to process everything he just told me.

Chapter Sixteen

XAVIER

It’s been weeks and still no news from John. Or Isaac. Whichever name he plans to go by now that his secret has been revealed.

We don’t leave the house. We don’t even sit on the porch anymore.

Brianna is isolating herself from me, and I don’t know why. It’s not healthy, and a part of me is worried about her mental wellbeing.

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