Page 87 of Watercolor Skulls

“We’ll find a way,” I say, feeling exactly the same way.

“I’m ready to go.” She tucks her hair behind her ear shyly. “Thank you for coming here with me today.”

I drink her in, my beautiful little fairy. “I don’t think you see it.”

Her brow wrinkles as she tries to decipher my statement. “You are a splash of color in a dark world. That’s why they want to keep you. It’s why I want to keep you.”

She tips her head to the side, pondering my words.

I reach out and trail a finger down the side of her face, over the bruise that bastard left behind.

“They don’t deserve you.”

“Do you?” she smirks.

“No,” I answer honestly.

Her eyes soften. She places her hand over mine as I cup her face. She turns her face and presses her lips to the center of my palm. “This hand would never hurt an innocent human being.” Her eyes lift to mine. “But it is strong enough to hurt those who are evil. When you came for me,” she pauses, blinking back tears, “when you came for me I thought I was dreaming.” She closes her eyes. “I feel safe with you, Dan.”

We leave the bridge behind. A chapter laid to rest. From here on out we are together. There is more to discuss, much more but I think I understand her better now. She didn’t want to die; she just didn’t know how to live.

We stop for lunch before heading back to the hotel. I watch her carefully as I bring up the next topic for discussion. “Raffe contacted Jenny’s family.” She freezes, a french-fry paused mid-air. “They sent her medical records to the county. He has a meeting with the coroner at four today.”

She sets the fry down before slouching against the booth.

“He wanted me to ask if you’d like to go with him.” I comb my fingers through my beard as I wait for her response. The click of silverware and soft murmurs of other patrons the only thing breaking the silence.

She scratches her head and leans forward, then back again. She wants to say something but doesn’t know how to say it.

“Lily, just say what you’re thinking.”

“I’m scared,” she leans forward, whispering, her eyes dart around the café. “He…” she shakes her head. “He is very powerful.” She makes a fist, banging it on the table. “I don’t want to see you or anyone in the club get hurt.”

I lean forward too, our faces inches apart. Her eyes search mine as I speak. “You listen to me. I made a choice and so did the club. We chose you, Lily. This isn’t the first time we’ve faced a threat and I’m sure it won’t be the last. We get mean, Lily. We get mean and we protect what is ours. It’s our motto. Never forget that.”

She felt that.

I felt it.

We definitely understand each other now.

I close the distance, stealing her breath. When I pull back I give her a final warning. “I will kill for you. I will die for you.”

Her bottom lip trembles. “I love you,” she whispers.

Chapter Thirty-Five

Lily

???

I’m shaking all over, a bead of sweat slowly rolls down my spine. Looking to my right, I watch Raffe’s knee bounce. We haven’t had a chance to really talk but he isn’t angry like the last time we were together.

A man with grey hair combed over a bald spot takes the seat across from us. He pushes his glasses up on his nose as he opens the folder he brought with him. “I’ve had a chance to compare the dental records of our Jane Doe to your friend, Ms. Jenny Martin.”

He tips his head slightly, peering at us over the rim of his glasses. When neither of us say anything, he continues. “They are a match. Please accept my sincere condolences. I hope this at least brings you and her family some peace. I see she has been missing for many years?”

My head turns towards Raffe. He glances at me before focusing on the coroner. “Yes, she was fourteen when she went missing.”

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