Page 88 of Volatile Vice

“You have learned, you have contemplated, but now…” His eyes shine with a mix of pride and urgency. “You stand at the precipice of transformation. You’ve reached the limits of what this place can offer you. I have given you all the wisdom I possess. It is time.” He gestures to the temple gates. “Go now, with the strength of your spirit. Embrace the unknown. Continue your journey, and live your life to its fullest potential.”

* * *

Present Day…

Turns out the guilt was never truly gone. It was just on sabbatical. And as for my fullest potential? I doubt the monk—whose name I never knew—would consider what I’m doing to be living to my fullest potential.

But it’s what I have to do.

Sometimes, you’re faced with a choice, and you choose protection of your loved ones.

Sometimes, you confront yourself and find that your morals aren’t what you thought they were. You’re more morally gray than you ever imagined.

And sometimes, when you listen to your intuition—and your grandfather—you find out things you don’t want to know.

I need to speak to Austin Bellamy.

And I need to speak to him today.

29

RAVEN

Waiting is the worst.

I have new respect for my parents and brothers and sister. All the waiting they did when I was stuck in the hospital, whether it was in my room sitting with me or eating the crappy hospital food.

“I’m hungry,” I tell Jared.

“Let’s get you something to eat, then.”

I bite my lip. “I was thinking maybe you could bring me something. Like a turkey sandwich. That sounds good.”

“I’m afraid you don’t understand how this works yet, Raven,” he says. “I’m paid to protect you. Which means I don’t leave you alone. I’m a bodyguard, not an errand boy.”

I blink. “You really think I wouldn’t be safe in a hospital waiting area?”

“Especiallynot in any kind of public area. There was no security at the entrance to this hospital. People can come in here with guns and pepper spray and anything else.”

“But Jared, really? You think someone is going to try to harm me here?”

His gaze darkens as he stares me down. “Right now, Mario Bianchi is in this hospital, so there’s no way I am leaving your side.”

I rise. I have to admire his devotion to his duties. Or to his paycheck, whichever is guiding him. “Fine. Let’s go get something to eat. But as long as Vinnie is here, I’m not leaving this hospital.”

Jared rises. “Okay. Let’s go to the cafeteria.”

All eyes are on me—or maybe Jared, because he has such an imposing figure—as we walk to the elevator and go down to the first floor where the cafeteria is located.

We walk in, and I head straight to the sandwich section. I suppose I should ask Jared if he wants anything. Thank goodness I have a trust fund. It will take lots of money to feed him.

“May I help you?” The woman behind the sandwich counter asks.

“Yes, please. I’d like a deli turkey on rye with some avocado, please.”

“Bacon on that?”

I stop myself from licking my lips. “Bacon? Of course.”

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