Page 109 of Seducer

He tossed his napkin on the table and sat back, reaching for his wine. “Even though I lived with several different families, I always felt very much alone and learned to enjoy it.”

“I’m so sorry you grew up in foster families.”

“Sometimes I am too. However, I also learned to rely on myself. I think you did that when you were forced to raise your brother.” His eyes were imploring.

I looked away, staring into the darkened night. Soon it would be dawn, but what I’d told him had been true. Time meant nothing in his world. “It was hard. I can’t lie. Kyle was so angry after our parents died. I was certain the kid would end up in prison. Somehow, he turned out okay. He’ll graduate from college in a couple months. I can’t believe he’s turned out to be a responsible—well, for the most part—young man.” I laughed, but admitting anything about my family was tough for me to do.

“All because of your love. Love can see a family through so many things.” There was sadness in his eyes, something I would never have expected.

“Something you don’t know about. I can tell. I don’t know your story and I’m certain there are rumors flying about who and what you are, but I don’t care. You’ve shown me your true side and you’re a good man. Whether you like to think so or not.”

“Don’t look too deep or you won’t like what you see. I did what I had to so I could survive and there are some not so nice people out there claiming to care about children who are thrown away.”

“I’m so sorry. That’s what I worried about with Kyle. I was fearful he’d be put into the system. I was so young and inexperienced, but I pushed hard so I could become his guardian.”

“How did your parents die?”

“My guess is that you already know more about me and what happened than perhaps even I do. Right?”

Zach didn’t deny anything, but he leaned forward. “It’s your story to tell.”

“The long and short of it was that my father was forced into working for some very bad people. When he learned what they were capable of, my mother convinced him to go to the police. They offered being placed into the witness protection program in exchange for his testimony. At first, my father refused, but something happened. I don’t know what. He changed his mind. At that point, we were suddenly removed from our lives and sent to live in another state going by another name.”

“How terrible for younger kids.”

“For a little while it was okay. I made friends and graduated high school. I was accepted into college and everything was normal. Until it wasn’t. I was home on a school break and my parents were killed outside our house. Their car was riddled with bullets before it exploded. While I tried to shield Kyle, he saw the whole thing. Anyway, we were removed again, placed into a safehouse. I knew quickly that I’d need to adapt to becoming his guardian. A new city. A new life. And everything has been tough, but calm and safe.”

“Until recently.”

“Maybe. I just don’t know. I guess I thought the entire thing was all about the game.”

“Part of it was. However, I kept a watchful eye and yes, learned about your past. Let me ask you a question. Do you have anything you kept that was your father’s? A box or a computer? A notebook? Anything?”

“I have a couple boxes, but the Marshals went through everything. What are you thinking?”

“That there could be something they believe your father kept.”

“Incriminating information.” I’d thought about that once, but hadn’t wanted to revisit my past.

“Yes.”

“Is Kyle in danger?”

He shook his head. “I doubt it at this point. However, I’ll make a couple calls and have him surrounded by security if you like.”

“Yes. No. Maybe. I don’t know.” I laughed nervously. This wasn’t something I was used to being involved in.

“Why don’t you call him in the morning. I have someone who can be very discreet. However, if he hasn’t been contacted or threatened, I think they’re concentrating on you at this point.”

“They,” I whispered. “Whoever they are.”

“Think about it. You would have access to your father’s things.”

“I guess it’s possible.”

“At some point, you need to find out. I can help you.”

“Why? Why would you risk your life to help me?”

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