Page 39 of The Silencer

He didn’t touch Clodagh like that, but I have no doubt he would have if he wasn’t such a drunken bastard.He caused that girl enough pain to last a motherfucking lifetime.He’ll never see her again.Not as long as I live.The second he tries to, I’m taking him out.

For the first time, I see a flicker of uncertainty in my father's eyes.But it's quickly replaced by a calculated look that sends chills down my spine.

"Fine," he says slowly."If I can't see the girl, then I want something else.My freedom."

I laugh incredulously."You're insane if you think that's happening."

He leans forward, his eyes gleaming with malice."Am I?Think about it, Emmanuel.With what I know, I could bring down your entire operation.Is my continued imprisonment really worth risking everything you've built?"

I open my mouth to retort, but Jer cuts me off."We'll consider your request," he says smoothly."But we'll need time to...arrange things."

My father sits back, a smug smile on his face."Of course.Take all the time you need.But don't take too long.My patience isn't endless."

As we stand to leave, my father calls out one last time."Oh, and Emmanuel?It really was good to see you, son.We should do this again sometime."

I don't respond, forcing myself to walk out of the room without looking back.My hands are shaking with barely contained rage as we make our way out of the prison.

Once we're back in the car, I turn to Jer."Tell me we're not actually considering his demand."

Jer's face is grim as he starts the engine."Of course not.But we needed to buy some time to figure out our next move."

I nod, taking a deep breath to try and calm myself."So what do we do now?"

"First," Jer says as we pull out of the parking lot, "we need to find out how he got that information.There's a leak somewhere, and we need to plug it."

"And then?"I ask, already dreading the answer.

Jer's eyes meet mine, his expression hard."And then we make sure your father can never threaten you or anyone else again."

I feel a chill run down my spine at his words.I know exactly what he's implying."You want me to take him out."

It's not a question, but Jer nods anyway."It's the only way to ensure our security.And after what he did to Clodagh, to you and your mother...he deserves it."

"Of course he does," I say quietly."I'll do it.But not here, not in prison.Too many variables, too much risk."

Jer nods approvingly."Agreed.We'll need to arrange a transfer, create an opportunity.It'll take some time to set up, but we'll make it happen."

As we drive back toward the city, my mind is racing.I'm going to kill my father.The thought should horrify me, but all I feel is a grim sense of resolution.This is what needs to be done.

"One more thing," I say as we near Jer's house."I want you to check on Clodagh.Make sure she's safe, that he hasn't tried to contact her."

Jer considers this for a moment, then nods."Alright.I’ll check in and make sure she’s doing okay.We don’t want to disrupt her life.The last time I checked in, she was healing and doing well."

I agree, knowing he's right.Interfering in her life will only cause her more pain.

As I get out of the car, Jer calls out to me."Emmanuel.Remember, whatever happens next, you're doing the right thing.Your father made his choices.Now he has to live—or die—with the consequences."

I nod grimly, then turn and walk away.There's work to be done, and I need to be ready.The Silencer has a new target.My father.

FIFTEEN

clodagh

Today has been hard.I’m still in therapy, and while it’s helping, I don’t feel healed.I doubt I ever will be.How does someone get over someone killing their family?You don’t.But I’m trying to find a way to live, to move on, and I’m finally at that stage.I think.But some days are harder than others and today is one of those days.It’s been six years and it still hurts to think and talk about my family.At school, we’ve had to do a project on our family and it’s broken me.

So here I am, at a party, something I had slowed down on doing but I needed the distraction.I’ve been lost, so utterly lost recently, and I just need a break.

I lean against the wall, the bass of the music thrumming through my body.The party is in full swing around me, people dancing, laughing, drinking.But I feel disconnected from it all, like I'm watching through a foggy window.

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