Page 124 of Deck of Scarlets

I got close to his face, never breaking eye contact with those shameless blue eyes. No matter how I felt about him on the inside, my hatred grew tenfold, knowing he was the sole reason my best friend was kidnapped, and nothing would change my mind. “I hope you fucking rot.”

Josh recoiled just as our pagers went off, his grip loosening from my shoulders. I shrugged off his touch, stepping back as much as I could in the limited space provided.

He reached into his pocket, checking the message. “We’re ordered to gather in the church.”

I never gave him a chance to follow as I stormed out of Father Benedict’s office, leaving all Grams’ belongings behind and ripping off my scarlet cape. Every step I took became heavier with sorrow, the dyspepsia settling in my stomach. Eventually, I heard him catch up, but I refused to give him any attention, and judging by the silence he projected, it would have been a wasted effort to interact anyway.

I hope you fucking rot.

My cruel words ricocheted around in my head, but I refused to feel an ounce of guilt, not after the bullshit Josh spewed moments ago. The fact that he assumed I was the one targeted, as if this was all my fault, kept the fire inside burning bright, and if anyone crossed my path, it wouldn’t end pretty. Did he not understand that he was her boyfriend? That he was just as much to blame for bringing her into this mess as anyone? Heather’s situation shouldn’t matter either. She was invited and went through the Blessing willingly, and she would have done it with or without me. If Josh wanted to play the blame game, then by all means, we could play it, but I’d be fucking damned if I would let him pin it all on me.

We continued in silence through the halls and winding staircase that led to the exit into the church. Most of the pews were filled with Scarlets and Saints from different sections of the city, along with our own. Luckily, there was an empty seat next to Chloe, and I snagged it before Josh could follow. He took a seat on the opposite side of us next to Baron, his head down, the bruise vibrant in the fluorescent lights.

Father Benedict stood at the altar with Collin, the other Aces gathered just off to the side in chairs, watching from their prestigious pedestal. I’d never heard silence quite this loud, and the eerie sense of doom looming over us didn’t snuff the flame of my rage, rather it kept it lit, almost burning me from the inside out.

Because my best friend and roommate were gone, and if I had to burn everything in my path to get them back, I would.

Collin handed Father an off-white scroll and started to light some type of incense, cleansing the space around him. He began a prayer, reciting it with a voice so deep and commanding that not a single person turned away. He signed the cross to us and then to the Aces, who returned it without hesitation.

“I know these are hard times, and with the recent events of two kidnappings, one of our own and a civilian, it is best if we let the Lord guide us to salvation,” he said.

“Bullshit,” hissed Chloe.

A glance in her direction was enough to witness her jaw clench like she was holding in her fury. “You think?” I whispered back.

“The Lord himself, if he truly cared about his children, wouldn’t have let two innocents get captured,” muttered Chloe.

Father Benedict now moved to the center of the altar. “As you are all aware, my annual meeting with the Order is slated for Christmas break. I believe with my attendance, we will be able to find answers for the cruel outcomes and a possible breakthrough to our new enemy.” Sweat glistened off his forehead while he adjusted the neck of his robe, almost as if he were struggling to get the next words out of his mouth. “I have chosen two from our Order to accompany me in my travels. The other sanctions outside were notified of my upcoming departure and will offer two of their own to assist with training and patrols.”

I already knew Father had slated for me to attend, I just hoped he would choose someone I didn’t want to murder.

More sweat dripped off his temples, I’d never seen Father so nervous before. “Remi and Josh will be accompanying me on the trip.”

My teeth clenched, holding back the scream I so desperately wanted to let out. Chloe nudged my shoulder and said, “Dude, did you give Josh that bruise?”

“He fucking deserved it,” I grumbled.

“I’m guessing he told you his theory?”

My eyes darted in her direction. “You knew?”

“He mentioned it briefly, but I brushed it off. I thought he was losing his goddamn mind.”

As quickly as the meeting began, it ended. The others scattered, including the Aces, who showed no empathy for the stolen. Their blank expressions did nothing to help ease the tension of the others. Chloe claimed they had their private meetings downstairs to discuss the events and didn’t want an audience.

I called it cowardice.

I said my goodbyes to Chloe and went straight to Father Benedict at the altar, where he started the clean-up process of the incense. “Why did you choose the vilest person to accompany us?”

“He is your guardian. It would be reckless to not have,” he mused.

“He will only cause more problems,” I retorted.

“Wow, Remi. Tell me how you feel.” Josh’s voice was like nails on a chalkboard. I couldn’t believe how blinded I was by his sincerity, his good looks, his fucking everything.

It was time for me to grow up and face the reality of the situation.

“I believe I showed you with my right hook,” I snapped, refusing to look at him.

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