Page 109 of Free to Fall

Kalie replies, “Yes. I called my father. If they need you in person for a statement, we’ll be able to go to a local precinct or fly you back for all the evidence and processing they’re going to need to do.”

Grace squeezes my fingers even as she snaps, “Kalie!”

Kalie has the good grace to blush. “Right. Sorry.”

But I appreciate her update, her lawyer’s mind trying to ensure my safety by arresting as many of the Tiberi family for attempted murder and kidnapping as possible. Still, I can’t think about it too much because if I do, I’ll be forced to recall what happened.

Then I’ll end up a broken shard of nothing on the floor.

Captain Hastings announces we’re in position one for takeoff. Seconds later, we’re racing down the runway, defying gravity as the plane lifts and climbs through the clouds.

After ordering only a water from the steward, I stare out the window at the puffy clouds as the heavy silence tries to push the plane back down to earth. As I look out over the cumulous clouds dotting the bright blue sky, I’m surprised there’s not a tailwind of red behind the jet—my lifeblood draining away.

More to myself than them, I wonder, “Maybe the gods didn’t believe I paid my price for what happened at the ER.”

Kalie hisses, “Don’t. Do not let him take you back to where you were when this all started.”

Grace chimes in, “He had no right to hurt you, Laura.”

“Didn’t he? After all, if it wasn’t for me—well, me and my father, Bailey wouldn’t have been caught in the crossfire.”

Their anger over my words is so enormous it fills the confined space, likely suffocating the steward, who warily approaches to deliver their drinks. Grace’s voice is filled with an unusual venom. “He said he loved you.”

“And?”

“Did you mean the words when you said them back?”

My throat closes. “Yes.”

“Then you damn well know love in this family means promises of respect and trust. It means passion, fidelity, and faith.”

I smile sadly before reminding her, “That’s just the problem, Gracie.”

“What’s that?”

“He’s not a member of this family. For a short time, I wished he was. Now, I wish I’d never met him. At least Bailey would have been safe.”

Kalie unbuckles her seatbelt before leaning forward to wrap her arms around me. Within seconds, Grace’s arms join her. Their murmured assurances they won’t let Liam hurt me anymore are just words. They can’t get to where it really hurts—my heart.

I know this pain is going to last forever because I love him. The wound he inflicted is raw and bloody. But as devastated as I am right now, the emotions I’m feeling will scar over.

I know it.

So I don’t worry my cousins, I reach for my purse. Fumbling around, I feel inside it for a container, extracting a small green pill. In my head, I repeat a mantra I haven’t needed for a while.

Inhale. Exhale.

Every breath feels like it’s choking me even as my heart thunders against my rib cage. Laying two fingers against my wrist, I shudder at the racing of my heart. It’s not getting any better. There’s logic knowing it’s panic and the emotional pieces of my heart galloping out of control. Any second, I expect I’m going to scream because the spaces between my heartbeats are being eliminated as it pounds more rapidly ... again ... again.

I toss the pill in my mouth and swallow it with a swig of water.

That stops Kalie and Grace immediately. Grace’s fingers slide upward and I slap at her. Tucking my wrists beneath my armpits, I reject her capable hands from checking my pulse, which I already know is out of control.

“Maybe this wasn’t such a good idea,” Kalie whispers.

“Laura, how bad is it?” Grace asks bluntly.

“I just took breakthrough anxiety meds for the first time since the shooting. I’d say that’s a good indicator of how bad it is.”

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