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"I don't like any of this."

"I know. What about your parents?"

"Mom knows something is going on, but she knows I'm safe. She won't tell Dad for now because he works for Lincolns."

"That's good." I look at my watch. "I have to get changed."

"I'm going tonight, Bea. I'll stay out of the way. But I have to see him."

It's on the tip of my tongue to tell her no, but I don't. "Okay." I squeeze her hand. "I'll see you downstairs."

In our bedroom, Essex lies back on the bed. I dig through one of my bags and grab a pair of jeans, a T-shirt, and a pair of Converse. I throw them on the foot of the bed.

I watch Essex as I pull off my dress and watch as his eyes heat while roaming over me in my lacy bra and panties.

I grin and wiggle my finger at him. "Save that thought for later."

He moans, his eyes staying on me as I shimmer into my clothes. When I sit down to fasten the Converse, Essex kneels at my feet and takes over.

His forehead falls to my knees. "I love you," he says softly.

Tears stream into my eyes as my fingers run through his hair. "I love you too, Essex Drake Redd."

He lifts his face and smiles. "It sounds really hot when you say it like that—all whimsical."

I laugh as we both stand. "Whimsical, huh? I really like that word."

"When this shit is over, I'm going to whisper lots of pretty words to you."

"Oh, something to look forward to." My smile fades as we reach the study.

Ed hands me the phone as I slip my arms into the leather jacket Jesus is holding out for me. I see the surprise on Maggie's face as her eyes fill with tears.

My eyes roam over Jesus' face and I see sadness staring back at me. He clears his throat. "This belonged to my youngest son. Joseph Jeddah Drake. He was killed. I know he'd be honored if you wore it tonight. I would be too."

I step forward and hug the tall man. "Thank you. I'll bring it back to you in one piece. I promise."

Someone clears their throat rather loudly. Joker. "We have to go."

Jesus holds me at arm's length. "You’ve got this." The man winks.

We hurry out of the house, and I take my place on the back of Essex's motorcycle.

41

BEATRICE

Essex dropsme off at the entrance to the development and I walk the rest of the way. It’s unnerving to know there are a lot of eyes on me. As I walk up the deserted driveway, I suddenly wonder about Judge. My grandfather will be inside with Richard. I'm angry at myself for not even thinking about him before.

The old coot will be expecting me to tremble in my shoes. Well, he'll be disappointed because I won't show fear. I'm sure Richard won't hurt me. I mean, he raised me, so there must be some feelings there.

As I approach the front door, I don't see any movement. Even the light above the entrance doesn't come on. I pull Joseph Wilders' jacket around me, proud to wear it, and enter the house I once called home.

A man sits at the bottom of the stairs. Another at the top. Both look casual as they watch me.

Two more men hover in the shadows as I hesitate. A light goes on in Richard's office, and then the door opens... And there he is. His eyes make a quick assessment of me.

As I stand in front of him, I notice that his mouth twitches, perhaps in frustration. He looks at me and his lips curl into a thin line when he notices the jacket I wear.

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