Page 18 of What's Left of Me

Hazel came in with Phoenix, and they sat in the love seat—which, thankfully, had been left open for them.

I took a deep breath and addressed the room. “Hey, everyone. So we’re gathered here today?—”

“This isn’t a wedding, numbnuts,” Angel shouted, earning a laugh from everyone except Phoenix.

“Thank you, Angel. That brings me to the first order of business. What I have to discuss with all of you today is sensitive. It could be hard to hear—and for some, painful. I ask everyone to be respectful and just listen to what I have to say. If you have to add anything, do it at the end, and gently.”

The room got serious real fast. I glanced at Aziza, who offered a soft smile and a nod.

“Right. Here goes.”

CHAPTER ELEVEN

Phoenix

When Hazel came outsideand said there was a family meeting, that Noel needed to talk to everyone, I knew it had something to do with Adonis. Otherwise, why would I be included?

I kept my head down and sat where Hazel told me to. Noel was facing everyone, and it occurred to me that once upon a time I’d liked the spotlight. I’d wanted everyone looking at me, seeing me dance. It had filled my heart with so much joy. I knew now it had been selfish vanity of an unworthy person.

Noel didn’t appear comfortable as he shot me a quick smile and told everyone to be sensitive. He was very handsome, though, unlike me. He deserved to be seen.

I listened as he explained how he’d “not so legally” hacked places he shouldn’t have. He did his best to glaze over the dead people, but time slowed as he described how they’d died, what he’d done to them after that…how they’d been frozen for months.

Hazel had her hand in mine, her grip tightening as Noel oh, so carefully described it all. I knew he’d killed them. I was told as much…but…the how…that there were some in a freezer now…

I closed my eyes, trying to push away the thoughts that always threatened to suck me into the dark places.

“Phoenix.” Noel said my name so softly. “You still with me?”

I looked up at him; his sunglasses were perched on top of his head, a tender expression directed at me.

“Yeah,” my throat cracked out.

“Good. JJ and I believe that Agent Rose will likely ask you to listen to some voices. As they track down the men that purchased the embalming fluid, knowing a voice is all you heard, it’s likely their next avenue.”

“I’m not subjecting my brother to ever hearing that fucking monster’s words again; no way!” Hazel argued.

“And it’s a horrible thing to ask of him but, Hazel…” Noel crouched in front of her. “It’s not your choice.”

She huffed and hung her head for a second before turning to face me. “Nixy, you don’t have to do a damn thing you don’t want to.”

Noel stood and stepped back. My hand was still trapped in hers, and the room was horribly silent.

“It’s okay, Hazel.”

“It’s not, and you know it. You don’t have to say that just because you think it’s the right thing to say or do.”

“Fine. It’s not okay, but I’ll do it.”

Her mouth was agape. “What?” She turned to Aziza. “Is any of this a smart idea?”

Aziza had her hands folded on her lap; she was only a few feet from us. “I think whatever Phoenix feels he wants to do should be encouraged.”

“What if he spirals?”

Aziza shrugged. “What if he does? Hazel, Phoenix is the first to admit his head is a mess. His words, he told me. If he’s making a decision about anything, from this to what he wants to drink, I absolutely support that, and if he has any problems, he’s never alone.”

“Hazel, it’s fine. If they need me to listen to voices, I will.” I sighed and squeezed her hands.

---