Page 36 of Ruthless Intent

My stomach churns.

How am I supposed to sit down to a meal with the man I saw standing over my brother, covered in his blood, with a knife in his hand?

Order something that’s easy to swallow. They’ll probably have soup on the menu, wherever we go.

Assuming we go somewhere public, and he doesn’t try to take me to wherever he’s living for privacy.

I close my eyes, and rub my temple with my fingers. There’s a tightness behind my eyes, a knot in my stomach. If I get through the night without a migraine hitting me, it’ll be a miracle.

I sit down in front of the mirror on my dresser, and open my makeup bag. I need to put some color in my cheeks. I look like death. And I won’t give him the satisfaction of knowing that my appearance is his doing.

I’ll go for this meal. I’ll act like he doesn’t scare me. I’ll do whatever it takes to get his agreement to leave my mom alone. And then I’ll leave Whitstone and never come back.

Laughter echoes around my skull.

Yeah, because that’s how it’s going to go.

CHAPTER TWENTY

ZAIN

The front door is open, and Sondra is standing on the steps talking to my mom when I return to my parents’ house. Both of them turn to watch as I park the car and climb out, but neither of them speak until I’m up the steps and in front of them.

“Have you actually stopped and taken a breath since you were released?” Sondra asks.

“What do you mean?”

“It’s barely been twenty-four hours since you walked out of court a free man. You’ve been back in town less than six hours, and you’ve been out doing who knows what for half of them. Don’t you think you should take a couple of days just to relax and spend time with your family?”

My first instinct is to snap at her and remind her about life in prison, but logic prevails. She’s only expressing concern and trying to help. I count to five in my head before I reply.

“There are things I need to do that can’t wait. Once it’s all done, then I’ll take time to enjoy my freedom.” I lean past her to kiss my mom’s cheek. “I’m going out for dinner tonight. Do you have any suggestions on somewhere to go?”

“Oh?” A frown creases my mom’s brow. “Wouldn’t you rather stay at home and let me cook for you?”

I hesitate. I’m not sure how she’ll react, but at the same time, I have no interest in lying about it. “I’m taking Ashley Trumont to dinner.”

“What?” Sondra screeches before my mom can say anything. “I saw that smug bitch yesterday.”

“Did you?”

“She was outside her mother’s house. Why the hell would you spend any time with her?”

I arch an eyebrow. “What did you say to her?”

Sondra’s cheeks turn pink. “I just told her the truth.”

“The truth,” I repeat softly. “You know, everyone keeps talking about the truth of what happened, but you all have a different version to tell. So, what is your truth?”

“What do you mean?”

“Ashley’s truth is that she saw me kill Jason. My truth is that I didn’t kill him. What about you?”

“Well, obviously you’re the one who’s been right all along, or you wouldn’t be standing here right now.”

“That’s not what I mean.”

She frowns at me. “Don’t speak in riddles, Zain.”

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