Page 104 of We Are All Sinners

I can’t help but sob when I feel a cold hand softly touch my face. It’s only the slightest feeling, but I know it’s my perfect little witch. She is letting me feel her one last time as the song changes to, “loml,” by Taylor Swift.

I close my eyes, picturing the love of my life standing next to me, “I will love you until the heavens crumble, Genevive Hope LaBlanc.”

“Till we are ghosts my love.” The faint whisper of her voice hits my ear, letting me know she loves me even in the afterlife.

The song ends and the speaker turns off. I feel a cold chill filling the space, pushing out what’s left of Evie’s scent, letting me know she is gone once again.

I relish the gift that she was able to give me of her presence one last time, trying to will myself to do what needs to be done. I know I can’t live here without her.

I finish the letter, letting my tears fall and stain the once pristine, white paper. I address the envelope to Liam and shove it in my jacket pocket, knowing that he will understand, eventually.

I walk back over to the bed and allow myself to crumble, covering myself up once again to shut out the impossible truth.

“Hey Alexa, play, “In The Stars,” by Benson Boone.” I sob, trying to let Evie hear how my soul feels so lost without hers.

“Brixon, ya gotta get up brother. Dr. Cowan was in the neighborhood and came to see you.” Liam nudges my arm.

“I’m not asleep. Give me a minute.” I reply flatly.

I wait until I hear the door shut before I throw the blankets off my head and see it’s still dark outside. I haven’t slept. Every time I close my eyes, I see a replay of what happened in my head continuing on repeat.

I’m numb now. I feel the pain, but I can push through it and somewhat function. I keep thinking I’m going to wake up. That this has to be a horrible nightmare. But time just keep going. It’s not a dream. This is my new fucked up reality.

I will myself out of the bed, put sweats on and head downstairs. I walk into the living room and see Dr. Cowan sitting on the couch where the girls were both sobbing earlier.

Liam and Noah stand by the fireplace, both obviously still upset.

“Can I get a bourbon?” I ask as I enter the room, catching them all off guard.

“Yeah, of course. I’ll get it.” Noah replies, leaving the room quickly as he tries to hide the tears falling down his face.

“Brixon, I can’t imagine what you are going through right now, but I can help. Have you slept at all?” the good doc asks, looking at me with concern. Or maybe it’s pity, honestly, I don’t care.

“No, can you give me something to make the images of my dead wife go away? We were close enough to being married. I think I’ve earned the right to call her my wife.” I look at him expectantly, sounding like a man I don’t recognize.

“You know I can’t, but I can give you something that might help you rest. I can give you something to knock you on your ass if that’s what you need.” Dr. Cowan is as honest as they come and I’m grateful he is the one Liam called.

I nod, “Thank you. Where are the girls? I’m sorry that they had to see me like that. Have you notified Devereaux?” The questions fall out as I peer out of the fog that has become my personal hell.

“The girls are next door. Lily is blaming herself for forgetting the wine, and Emily wanted to feel closer to Evie. She lost it man, we all did. Christian lost his mind. He has some connections in NOLA PD and was able to get both of the men who lived. He has them in his caves. He said that he will give you twenty-four hours before he rips them limb from limb.” Noah replies, handing me a tumbler half full of bourbon.

I sip the spicy liquid, trying to numb the pain, only feeling the burn as I swallow down the urge to scream.

“Evie’s body?” I ask before I take another sip, getting choked up saying her name.

“Taken care of. She will be delivered to the crematory in the morning by six a.m., where the witches will be waiting. They willhave full reign with Cami leading the blessing in the cemetery.” Liam explains.

“No. She wants her bones consecrated at her grans in the bayou, not the cemetery. Part of her ashes will go with her mama and gran in their crypt after her consecration ceremony, and the rest will go in an urn on the fucking mantle with the rest of our family. She will have the grandest parade to celebrate the beautiful little witch she is. She gets her parade.” I reply, feeling the lump in my throat grow with every word as more tears threaten to spill over, but I tame it down with another long pull from my glass.

“We will do whatever you want done, just say the word.” Noah replies.

“Take me to the caves.”

Chapter 35

Brixon

Noah pulls away from the curb, turning the music off quickly.

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