Page 104 of Ruthless Intent

“Their story is a heartbreaking one.”

“I didn’t do it.” I can’t stop the words from breaking free.

He doesn’t miss a beat. “I know, son.”

My laugh is tinged with bitterness. “Do you? How?”

His smile is warm when he looks at me. “Because you don’t have a dark soul, Zain. It burns like fire.” He pats my arm. “Everything will work out.”

“You don’t know that.”

“But I do.”

“How?”

“Because I have faith.”

I snort. “I had faith too, once. Then I was arrested for murder and caged like an animal.”

“Sometimes things happen for a reason.”

“What possible reason could there be for that?”

“I’m sure when God is ready, he will let you know.”

“No offense, but I think that’s bullshit.”

He laughs quietly. “Do you believe in heaven, Zain, or do you think once you’re dead that’s the end?”

I frown. “Does it matter?”

“I think so. Surely, you prefer to think that your friends are in heaven, together and happy?”

“That doesn’t prove the existence of a god.”

“No, I don’t suppose it does. But it proves that you aren’t the monster full of hate people tried to paint you as, and it means that there is good in you. You wouldn’t wish that for your friends, otherwise.”

“I could be a monster and still want my friends to be happy.”

“You could. But I don’t think you are.” He stops. “Here we are.”

I look around. We’re back at my car.

“Thank you for the company.” He turns and walks away.

I stare after him. He doesn’t look back.

My cell’s ringtone shatters the silence and my eyes snap open.

Disoriented, I look around. I’m in my car, my hands still resting on the steering wheel.

What the fuck?

My heart is pounding against my ribs, and it takes me a second to figure out that I dreamed the whole encounter.

Scrubbing a hand down my face, I grope around in my pocket for my cell.

“Hello?” My voice is rough and croaky.

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