Page 97 of Absolution

The next day I read in the paper about Evan Linden arrested on a no bail warrant for involvement in seven murders in what appears to be a war between criminals. I quickly push the newspaper into the garbage bin, hoping Mom will never learn of it. Christian didn’t kill him! A shudder runs through me. Has he really changed?

Then I remember Chloe.

He can change, but some things can’t be undone.

With my heart in my throat, I text him.

Thank you.

I stare at the screen as it sends, is delivered, and read. I hold my breath as I watch the little dots indicating that an answer is being written. It takes forever. Typing. Then nothing. Typing. Finally:

I’ll stay away. It’s for the best. Take care of yourself.

My stomach plummets as I stare at the message. No.

I’m just about to answer, I don’t know what – something, when Lucas’ words ring in my ears.

He was one of the worst.

My knuckles whiten as I clutch the phone. This is for the best. I recognize the gift he’s giving me after all the pain and drama. He just wants us to live and be happy. And happy for me has to be without him.

Right?

I end up staying with Mom two more days. I can’t attend my classes at the university. I can’t let Cece out of my sight. I just can’t.

My house feels so empty. At night I keep listening for a knock, and Christian’s absence follows me into my dreams. There’s a hole where my heart should be, as if he’s taken it.

After a week, I come to the realization that I need to work if we’re gonna eat, I need to attend school if I’m ever going to get my exam, and one sleepless night I come up with the perfect solution. The next day, I call Carmen.

Carmen’s response has me crying with relief. Of course she’ll look after Cece.

The only place on earth that would feel safer would be with her locked up in Salvatore’s mansion and in Christian’s care. But that’s not happening.

One afternoon when I come to pick up my daughter Carmen looks different, stiff, her jaw clenched. She tosses back her long curly hair and gestures for me to follow.

“There’s someone here who wants to see you.”

My heart leaps to my throat. Christian?

In the living room, with Cecilia by his feet and David next to him sits Salvatore. I take in the scene. It’s surreal seeing this dark and dangerous man surrounded by children in the bright afternoon sun that shines in through impeccably cleaned windows. He belongs in the shadows, not here.

When he sees me, he stands and spreads his arms. “Kerry Jackson, my favorite person on earth.”

I curl my lips as I cross my arms over my chest. “What do you want?”

He tsks. “Can’t I just come by on a friendly visit?”

“No,” say both Carmen and I at the same time.

Salvatore rolls his eyes and throws up his hands. “What have I done to deserve these women in my life? Anyway. Business, then. This little treasure,” he strokes Cecilia’s head, “will be having her second birthday on Friday, and you’re invited to my house for a birthday party.”

I stiffen. I was going to my Mom’s. “That’s… very kind, but no thanks.” I swallow nervously, someone once told me that you don’t say no to Salvatore.

His eyes darken a shade. “I wasn’t asking. Four p.m. Good day.” He nods to Carmen, gives David a quick kiss on the head and whispers in his ear, then he brushes past me and leaves.

Carmen and I stand in silence until we hear the front door slam closed. I spin around, about to ask her what to do.

“You go,” she says before I have a chance to get a word out. “You don’t say no to Salvatore.”

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