Page 19 of Claiming Charlotte

In an awkward attempt of comfort, he held his arms out, offering a hug, but I shook my head. I don’t want to be touched by anyone, and the fact it was coming from someone who doesn't normally show affection in the slightest, is laughable at best.

“We have to go back Charlotte, so I can answer your question, and hope my own brother is still alive.”

I was being harsh to him; his own brother went into the trenches to save us and somewhere deep he was worried too.

“I need time Thomas; are you against taking the reins until I gain back my strength? Then, I want Richard Walker's head on the trophy shelf in my father’s office.”

He nodded and I followed him out. The thought of going back sent fear coursing through my veins, but I needed to know Rowan was alive, then I would rest and try to work through everything.

Rowan

I took slow, quiet steps through the hallway, searching for Walker and Jason like a tiger hunting its prey. Thomas, Arthur, and Charlie had overtaken the house before our escape, and I could hear the distant gunfire as the bullets ricocheted off the walls. A hand clamped down on my shoulder and I spun around fast, trapping them against the wall in a vise-like grip.

“Relax Rowan, it's just me” Arthur choked out before I released him. “You don’t have to speak, let's just finish this.”

We walked silently around the house, and I started thinking about the younger Davies brother. Our relationship was terrible to say the least, and I never really understood why, but as I sit here now in my time of need, he was the one who came to find me. He was the only one here while Thomas tended to Lottie.

“I killed Lacey,” I told Arthur, unable to keep the sense of satisfaction out of my voice.

He nodded, a proud smile on his face. “You escaped at just the right time to join in the leg work,” Arthur replied, and then we began our hunt.

As I stepped toward the kitchen, I could see the light from the refrigerator appear and then fade away, signaling that it had been opened and closed again. I peeked around the door and saw Jason sitting at the table, two cups of coffee and the creamer set out in front of him. I signaled for Arthur to go on without me and he took off down the hall.

It appeared that he was waiting for someone. Does he know I’m coming? Is he meeting someone?

He smiled when he saw me and motioned for me to join him. “I was hoping you’d come find me,” he said, pushing a mug of coffee across the table.

I didn’t let him distract me. The anger I felt toward his betrayal cut deeper than I could handle, and I’d be damned if I let him sweet talk me.

“Why is that?” I humored him.

“So, we can handle this like men.”

“You missed that chance, Jason. You could have handled it like a man years ago when Walker told you his plan,” I said, hoping to bring any guilt he may have to the surface.

His expression softened. “Rowan, in the beginning, I was focused. I did what was asked of me because I needed the money and hurting people brought me pleasure. But I never expected that our friendship would take the turn that it did. I love you like a brother, man, and I’m sorry for everything. The last few months have been solely because Richard threatened Nicole and I couldn’t let them hurt her,” Jace said, a pained look crossing his face.

Instead, he traded Nicole for Lottie. But I would have done the same, without question. Yet, I hesitated. It was the same speech that Benny had given me before he’d sacrificed himself in the explosion. I could tell that Jace truly felt guilty, and I didn’t know how to handle that.

“Did you hurt Charlotte?” I asked, my tone cold. “After the office.”

Jason shook his head. “I did choke her once, but I swear it was to get her to move that’s all. I would never hurt her, man, not the way they did. At least, I don’t think I did, I blacked out . You have to believe me. If you let me go, I’ll leave and never come back. I’ll never bother you again, I promise.”

“Stop using your blackouts as an excuse man. There's a part of you that always knew what you were taking part in.”

Jason looked like he was going to cry. This was a cold man, forced to shove his emotions down in order to complete what was asked of him. I had seen him cry only twice in all the years I had known him. He wasn’t lying.

My judgment was skewed by Jason’s double life. The entire time I knew him, I’d confided in him and told him things nobody else knew. And he’d ended up turning that against me. How could I trust him? I just wanted this to be over with.

I opened my mouth to speak, but I felt something wrap around my neck, and was suddenly yanked backward, cutting what little breath and energy I had left.

“You cost me a lot of money, you stupid piece of shit. All for some cunt.” Walker said viciously in my ear.

I struggled to breathe against whatever he was choking me with, and it brought me to my knees. I didn’t come this far for nothing.

I had one hand trying to claw at my neck and a hand reaching out toward Jason, who took off out the door of the house without a second thought. He solidified things just then, choosing to run, instead of doing the right thing. He better run far enough, if he steps one foot in this city again, he won’t get a second chance.

Growling out my frustrations, my mouth opened wide to suck in a lungful of air.

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