Page 62 of You're the Reason

Seth didn’t say a word, just shoved his hands deep in his pockets like a wall blocking her.

“Are you going to deny that you killed?—”

“Gabe.” The word came out harsh and laced with a warning as Seth took a step toward him.

Gabe had always tried to pull her into his lies, but he was going too far this time. She waited for Seth to defend himself. But he didn’t say a word. She stepped out from behind him. His face had gone pale, and he eyed the front door as if it were calling to him.

“Seth?” She took a step toward him, but he backed up as his gaze shifted to her, empty and vacant.

“It can’t be true.”

He opened his mouth, but nothing came out. He seemed to draw a breath to try again. “I was there the night Gregory died.”

“You were there? You were more than just there. It was your fault,” Gabe finally filled in.

Her eyes darted back to Seth, but he wouldn’t meet her eyes. If possible, his face had gone even paler. Like the life had been drained out of him.

“I don’t believe it.” Grace took another step toward him, but he retreated again.

“It’s true.” The words were ragged, as if they shredded his throat on the way out. “I thought you knew. And then I sort of figured that you might not know—probably didn’t know. And I didn’t know how to tell you. But I was going to tell you ...”

She closed her eyes a moment as the last several weeks fell into place. How nervous he was the first time they met. The way Hammond had questioned her at the stop. “When did you realize I had no idea?”

“In Chicago I began to wonder. I mean, certain things you said didn’t seem to add up.” He stepped toward her and lifted her hand. “Before that, I thought... you’d forgiven me. Giving me a new start. I didn’t?—”

She pulled away and stepped back. “Why didn’t you bring it up in Chicago? Or on the three-hour ride home?”

“At first, I didn’t see how it could be. I couldn’t imagine your parents not telling you. But as I replayed some of our conversations, things didn’t add up. I didn’t really figure it out until last night. Then it was late, and I couldn’t call you. I needed to look you in the eye. I came here today to do that very thing.”

“Convenient.” Gabe’s snicker jolted her. How had she forgotten he was here?

Seth took a step toward her. “That was what I wanted to talk to you about. Then you wanted me to lift you and then the kiss?—”

“So this is my fault?”

“No.”

She shook her head and held up her hand. “I need to be alone.”

“I’m not leaving you with him.” Gabe’s face twisted as he leaned against the wall.

Seth sent him an icy stare as he squared his shoulders and tilted his head that pretty much telegraphed Back at you.

“I need to go think, and I need you both to leave so I can lock up.”

Which didn’t make sense at all because Seth had a key. But Gabe seemed too high to notice. He waited for Seth to turn toward the front door then he followed him out. The glass rattled as he slammed it.

She stood there in the empty studio and wrapped her arms around herself. What had just happened? None of it made sense. She’d seen Seth’s disdain for his mother’s lifestyle. The stories of what that life had stolen from his childhood. She couldn’t imagine him like Gabe.

How had he become like that?

“The first time my mom kicked me out for the night, I was eleven.” That might do it. But Gabe had been the one to help him. What happened? Part of her wanted to go to him. Hold him and try to right every wrong his mother had done to him. But one word stopped her as it echoed around her mind.

Gregory.

Was he really responsible for Gregory’s death? The idea sickened her. How could she ever be with someone who had done that to her family? To her brother?

Grace pressed her hands against her temples as a headache began to form. She had to get out of here. She had to think. Grace slipped on her shoes and hurried to the door. She flipped off the lights, then went outside and pulled out her key, her hands shaking as she shoved it into the lock.

---