Page 36 of Tactical Revival

“That’s it!” Matty explodes, planting both hands on Chad’s chest and shoving him back.

He’s caught off guard and stumbles back into a church pew. By the time he recovers, his cheeks are crimson. “You disrespectful little—” He starts toward Matty, and I yank the kid behind me, stepping right in Chad’s path.

All of the anger I’ve carried with me since I was a kid boils to the surface, and I have to clench my hands into fists at my sides and actively force myself not to use them. “Touch him. I dare you. There isn’t a force in this world that will keep me from tearing you apart if you put your hands on that kid. I will end you.” I snarl the words, hoping Margot’s ex-husband sees the threat of violence clearly enough.

Chad glares at me, then looks around me to Matty and Margot. “This isn’t over.”

“I think it is,” Pastor Redding says as he comes to stand beside me. “You can leave now, Chad. Violence is not welcome in God’s house. Certainly not against a child. You’re more than welcome to return when you can respect the boundaries of those who come here to worship.”

Chad continues staring up at me, then turns on his heel and leaves.

“I am so sorry,” Margot says.

I turn to see her with her arms wrapped around Matty, who is visibly shaken. Without responding to her, I bend down to get on Matty’s level. “No one gets to treat you or your mom that way, you understand? You just stood up to him like a man would, and you should be proud of that.”

He sniffles, then uses the back of his hand to wipe his eyes. “I’m sorry for the scene, Pastor,” he says.

“Don’t be.” Pastor Redding pats him on the back. “You’re always safe when you’re here. Remember that.”

“I want to go home, Mom. Please.”

“Of course.” Margot offers me a tight smile.

“Let me walk you to your car. Make sure he isn’t waiting for you at the B&B.”

“Can I come in?”

I glance over my shoulder at Margot as she stands in the partially open doorway of my apartment. I’d left it cracked just in case she needed me. Though it seems silly now given I’m right upstairs and she has a B&B nearly full of people.

Matty ran to his room as soon as we got back, and seeing how upset he was made me want to go hunt his father down just so I can drag him here and make him apologize. Even if seeing his dad is what put him in the tailspin in the first place.

I just want to do something, anything to help.

I feel so absolutely helpless on all fronts right now.

My feelings for Margot.

Matty’s pain.

Lanetti’s disappearance.

I’m failing all the way around, and I desperately need to get this figured out so I can revisit what I’m feeling for the woman currently standing in the doorway of my apartment.

“Sure. Come on in.”

She smiles and pushes in further, then offers me a mug of steaming coffee. “I thought you could use a jolt.”

“Definitely wouldn’t hurt. Where’s yours?”

She laughs. “I’ve had more than my fair share of caffeine for the day.” Her gaze lands on the pages scattered on top of my bed. Images taken, notes made, a timeline of all the cards I’ve found so far as well as Kleo’s supposed hypoglycemia.

I can’t help but feel like it’s all tied together. Even though the facts are saying otherwise, and I’ve yet to find the ace of hearts card, my gut tells me it’s all connected. And I’ve learned to listen to it above the noise.

“So, listen. About today.”

I take a drink of my coffee, remaining silent as she begins to pace around the room, toying with her hands. She’s so stunningly beautiful.

“You defended Matty, and I can’t even begin to thank you.”

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