Page 142 of Forgiving Fate

Adjusting his beanie, he continues, “Well, it is also a place where we hold meetings for Reslience. You know how each team has roles? The ones that hold the same as Wes and Noah need a place to carry out the extermination task. So the Playhouse is the place where that is executed. We keep it locked up and only members of this division of Relisilence have access. Plus Logan.”

Wow. I knew it was a little twisted sometimes, but I guess I never thought of the logistical side to the execution piece of the job.

I should be terrified, but I’m not. Landon has never held back on giving me information or answering any questions when it comes to Reslience. I can’t help but to let my mind wander to what it must look down there.

Luckily for me, Leo speaks up. “So, is it like a dirty basement or padded room? I just want to get a good image of what to picture the next time Noah comes to me because he accidentally let a knife slip while he was going all ninja on some dumbass.”

We all laugh, and Landon taps my leg, momentarily taking my attention away from the group. His brows furrow, and I see the concern on his face. I know he is trying to ask if we are okay, so I lean forward and he meets me in the middle for a soft kiss. When he pulls back, he gives me a small smile before turning back around and resting against my legs.

To my surprise, Wes is the one to speak up. “It is a sterile environment that houses tools to deliver slow or fast punishment. A large metal door keeps the prisoners in and cameras line the entire room so we can watch them suffer.Depending on the person, we might leave them hanging from chains for days and it would be rather boring sitting down there for that long, so connect the cameras to our phones or any TV in the house. I just installed a speaker last week to add a new element.”

We all stare at Wes in disbelief.

This man is…different.

An odd silence settles between all of us until Harper shakes her head. “Nice delivery. Now everyone knows you really are a sociopath with a good conscience.”

Wes’s head snaps to her and he gives her a glare that sends shivers down my spine. Anyone else would run scared or look away, but Harper just rolls her eyes and takes a sip from her wineglass.

Small talk fills the air, Noah throws in silly little comments that have us all laughing our asses off until Shelly calls everyone in to eat Thanksgiving Dinner.

Chapter Fifty-One

Landon

We are all backoutside after the best meal of my life. Having Allie here for Thanksgiving this year has made it better than any year before because, let’s face it, having Allie anywhere makes everything better.

I am not ashamed to admit that I am completely in love with this girl and maybe a little obsessed. She is my quiet amongst the chaos and on days like today, I definitely lean on her for support. Especially since holidays were always the time I could hide my addiction the easiest.

At that thought, I curl my arms tighter around Allie, who is sitting on my lap, snuggled under a blanket. She glances back at me and searches my eyes to see if I’m okay and I nod, but she furrows her brows, questioning my answer.

A smile spreads across my face and I kiss the tip of her nose while looping my pinky through hers beneath the blanket we are sharing.

“Promise,” I whisper so only we can hear, followed by a quick kiss to her lips.

Allie turns back to face the group and Leo leans forward from his spot next to Noah. “Hey Allie?”

“Yeah?”

“Noah usually plans these kinds of things, but it is a no Hayes brother zone, so I am taking it upon myself to host. There is no date set yet because of Lo, Harper, and I’s hospital schedule, but I was wondering if you would want to do a night out at The Handle, drinks on the house, and I will be the responsible one of the evening.”

“Ooo! Yes! You should come! We try to do one night every month or every other month! It’s so much fun! We sing and dance and forget all responsibilities for the night!” Lainey chimes in.

“Yeah Allie. You really should. The Handle is safe and if you feel uncomfortable, don’t worry. I’m not afraid to punch some asshole in the dick if they even look at you wrong.”

“H! You are on one tonight! You have been hanging out with Noah too much,” Logan exclaims.

I watch as Allie just sits back against me, laughing and shaking her head. I knew once she had Logan back in her life, it would make a difference, but it’s amazing to see the rest of the group bringing her into the fold, just like Logan and Harper were.

Allie looks back to me before answering and I give her the go ahead. Anytime anything involves her drinking, she has been very persistent to make sure it is okay with me before partaking in any sort of alcohol.

She is about to answer when Noah interrupts. “Shit. Sorry Lan. I didn’t think to bring it up beforehand. Leo mentioned it and it didn’t even cross my mind that you may be the one picking her up if she drank. I’m so, so sorry.”

I am caught off guard by his apology. Why is he apologizing? Why does it matter if Allie goes out with her friends?

“Landon. I think you may need to share your boundaries regarding alcohol. I know Al knows and so do your father and I, but I think, especially with Noah owning the bar, it would be helpful for everyone to hear,” Mom says, flashing me a knowing, but sympathetic look.

My mind finally catches up and I kick myself for not thinking about doing this before. My family has always been my number one, but the moment I figured out what was truly at the root of everything, it never crossed my mind.