Page 46 of Resilient Rhythms
“What was he doing on campus?” Mav asks.
“Just walking across the quad before entering the law school. But…”
“What?”
I frown, tucking my hair behind my ears. “It’s the way he was walking. Like he’s God’s gift to humanity. He didn’t shirk away or duck his head or look anything but entirely confident. So sure of himself,” I bite out. “It was…infuriating.”
“You’re angry.”
“And…I’m ashamed.”
Mav’s eyebrows pull together and his fingertips brush over my knuckles. “Mckenna, you have nothing?—”
“I’m not ashamed about what happened. I’m ashamed that I didn’t say anything. No one knows the truth and the fact that it’s hidden allows Bran to continue living, walking around, like everything is fine. It’s not, Mav. What if he does something to another woman?” I shake my head. “I’m more than angry. I’m…vengeful.”
Mav smiles.
“What?” I snap.
He shakes his head. “I’m just happy, fucking relieved, to see some of your spunk again. You want revenge on Bran? Let’s fucking get it.”
“It’s not that easy.”
“No,” Mav agrees. His expression sobers and his palm covers the back of my hand. “But anything worthwhile is rarely easy.”
“True,” I sigh. “I feel ready though. When I first saw Bran, panic took over. I’m so grateful Drew was there. But then, the realization that no one knows the truth slammed into me and…everything changed. It’s a total perspective shift.”
“I’m glad, Mckenna. All I want is for you to feel like yourself.”
“I’m getting there,” I admit. “Want to take a walk on the beach? And, on the way home, can we stop at my dad’s?”
“Of course.”
“He should know the truth. I need to talk to a lawyer. I need to understand whatever my dad’s deal with Bran’s father is.”
“That deal is moot now.”
“I know.” That deal died the moment I discovered Bran’s first note. “Mr. Burton told Dad he has no clue where Bran is.”
“Do you believe that?”
“No.”
“Me neither.”
“Someone is helping Bran. He’s been all over Boston. Our street, the supermarket, campus. I find it hard to believe that the police have nothing on him.”
“Unless the police are being paid off,” Mav muses.
“Exactly.”
“Who has the resources and political clout to make that happen?”
“Well, Bran’s family is wealthy…” I trail off as a detail shimmers on the edges of my mind.
“His cousin ran for office,” Mav supplies.
And there it is. “Eric!”
