Page 5 of Havoc

Turning down the hall, I headed toward the office. The door was cracked open, so I prepared myself for a fight but when I saw who sat in the chair, a glass of whiskey in her hand, I relaxed. Sonora looked comfortable in the big leather chair.

“I was looking for you up there.”

“I couldn’t stand the idea of being around everyone right now and pretend to be the cold-hearted ex-wife.”

“Why not play the grieving ex-wife then?”

“Presley, we aren’t all as strong as you.”

I moved over to the spot where Gideon had expired. “Did he actually ever spend any time in here?”

“Yes, from time to time, when he was condemning those who wronged him.”

“Or when he was asking me to give up Lennon for something he didn’t do.”

Sonora straightened. “You didn’t.”

“I did.”

“I assume Lennon didn’t kill Manville then.”

“Nope, your pride and joy did that. Gideon couldn’t have his eldest son going to prison, could he?”

“And Lennon didn’t say anything because he loved you.”

“No,” I said quickly. “He didn’t say anything because he wanted to do what Gideon wanted.”

Sonora smiled but there was no humour behind it. She was sad. “You underestimate how much Lennon truly loved you. That’s what your father was so worried about.”

“Where is he, by the way? I assumed I would see him at the funeral.”

Sonora sighed. “We lost contact when he was released from prison. I have no idea where he is, or if he’s alive.”

Lennon was resourceful, he would be alive and probably thriving in whatever he chose to do. Good for him. I pushed my feelings for him back, back to where they belong— away from my heart.

“Where’s Hendrix?”

“No idea,” she said, finishing her drink. “But if he hears about Gideon’s passing, he’ll be back, I’m sure of it.”

“I’ll be ready.”

“Presley, why must you take over? I know you wanted to prove yourself all those years ago but this business is ruthless. It’s not living.”

“It’s what I want and I’ll do whatever it takes.”

“Presley, he’s your brother.”

“Is that a problem?” I asked her.

“Don’t go down this road, sweetheart. Don’t be who Gideon wanted you to be.”

I smiled, finding it funny Gideon wanted me to be this way when it was he who had caused his own death. “Oh, I’m not afraid of anything anymore. I’ll be the one everyone fears, and the one people scream about in their sleep. The mere mention of my name will bring fear to everyone who crosses my path. Gideon had something to lose. I don’t.”

Lennon

I dropped my phone down on the table and sat on the edge of my bed. I didn’t expect to get news like this when I woke up this morning. I’d been waiting for ten years and now it was here, yet I had responsibilities. I couldn’t just up and leave.

She was back.

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