Page 79 of Splintered Memories
“Tristan,” Alex said tightly. “I wasn’t expecting you.”
Tristan stiffened, his eyes narrowing on the bloody gauze taped to his forehead. “What the hell happened to you?”
Alex grimaced. “I fell.” He wasn’t even trying to be convincing.
Tristan’s hands balled into fists at his sides. “I was wondering if I could come in and speak with you.”
Alex’s jaw tensed. “About what?”
“Something I’ve been meaning to bring up to you for a while.”
“I’m sorry, but I’m not feeling very well right now.”
Alex tried to snap the door shut, but Tristan moved. He was faster than I expected, shoving his foot through the small gap between the door before he pressed his whole body weight against it. Alex hadn’t been prepared, or maybe he was woozy from whatever happened to his head, but he stumbled back as Tristan pushed his way inside.
I was on his heels, ready to back him up, but Tristan shoved Alex up against the wall. Hatred burned in Tristan’s eyes as Alex’s head cracked back.
“Tell me where my daughter is!” Tristan snarled, baring his teeth.
Alex winced, his blink slow as he stared at Tristan. His eyes were slightly unfocused, as if that bump to his head had disoriented him.
“What are you talking about?” Alex grumbled, his words slow.
Tristan was not messing around. His whole body trembled with pent-up rage as he wrapped both his hands around Alex’s neck. The man’s eyes went wide and wild as his windpipe was slowly constricted.
“I know what you’ve been doing to Emersyn. Now tell me where the hell she is.”
Alex’s face turned red as Tristan’s fingers tightened around his neck. Alex shook his head, but he didn’t seem to have the strength to put up a good fight. “I don’t—I don’t know where she is,” he gasped.
“Liar!” Tristan roared.
I took a step closer to the two men, ready to separate them. As much as we needed to find Emersyn, I couldn’t stand here and watch Tristan murder a man for the information.
Alex’s mouth gaped as he tried to pull in air. The veins in his neck strained as he clawed at Tristan’s hands. “I didn’t take her,” he wheezed. “It wasn’t me.”
Tristan stilled at that, his fingers loosened slightly. “Then who was it?” Tristan demanded.
Alex’s eyes focused on Tristan’s. His nostrils flared. “Why don’t you go ask your brother?”
Tristan let go of Alex as if he’d burned him, jerking back.
Alex collapsed against the wall, gasping and coughing. He grabbed at his neck where angry, red bruises from Tristan’s hands were forming.
“What are you talking about?” Tristan’s body shook so much, he looked like he was vibrating.
Alex choked and coughed as he sucked air into his lungs. When he could finally speak, he glared at Tristan. “I was with your daughter,” he rasped. “The last thing I remember is getting bashed in the head by your damn brother.”
Tristan’s face drained of all color. His eyes widened as he stared at Alex. Something seemed to click in his mind, and the terror in his expression had my stomach souring.
Tristan pointed a finger at Alex, his lip twisted with rage. “I’m done with you,” he spat. “Never come near my family ever again. If you knowwhat’s good for you, you’ll turn yourself in. Because I will tell you one thing—I am not going to rest until you are put behind bars for the things you have done. You don’t want me as your enemy, Alex. You know that.”
Alex’s face hardened, but there was fear in his eyes as he stared at Tristan. He didn’t reply, and Tristan turned to me.
“I think I know where to find Emersyn.” He didn’t wait for me to reply before he headed out the door.
I ran after Tristan as he flew back to the SUV. He was in the driver’s seat and revving the engine before I reached the passenger side door. I cursed as the vehicle began backing out as I yanked open the door and jumped in.
Tristan floored it the moment I got the door shut. Panic built behind his eyes, raw and unfiltered as he skidded out onto the main road. I hastily secured my seatbelt, trying not to let his blatant anxiety ignite mine.
