Page 45 of Destroy (Deadly Hearts 2)

ChapterTwenty

David

Fifteen minutes have passed since Layton told Ruby to go into the wardrobe. I know there’s a joke about Narnia in there somewhere, but I can’t summon up the amusement. I hover at the bottom of the stairs, but then make the decision and start going up. I feel Layton’s eyes on my back, but sod it. I’m just as much a part of this as he is.

Stopping at the wardrobe, I hear her say, “David.”

“How did you know it was me?” I ask with a smile.

“Layton and Ramsey aren’t as light-footed as you,” she says with a snort.

I chuckle and slide the door open. “Do you want to come out?”

“Nope.”

“Can I come in?”

“Yup.”

I sink to the floor and crawl into the wardrobe with her. She is lying down now on her side, her hands under her head. I stick my feet at the opposite end to hers and lie down facing her.

“Are you okay in here?”

“Yes,” she says. “It’s quite peaceful.”

“Okay, good,” I say with relief. I was dreading it being the opposite, especially if she had a panic attack.

“Do you forgive me?” she asks.

“There’s nothing to forgive,” I say lightly.

“There is. That’s why I’m in the closet.”

I can’t help the burst of laughter. “Sorry, but come on. You’re in here with me.”

She giggles. She seems fine. “I can think of a few more jokes about being in here.”

“Narnia?” I ask.

“Yes!” she cries and snorts with laughter but then she goes serious again. “Do you forgive me?”

“Rubes…” I sigh in exasperation.

“David, look. I know you don’t get this whole absolution thing. And I don’t expect you to understand it. When I come out of here, Layton and Declan and even Ramsey will have seen it as penance. I’m not sure you do. And that’s fine.”

“Well, you have me there,” I mutter. “I don’t fully understand it. I’m trying to and I will eventually wrap my head around it. So if you need to hear the words from me, then yes, I forgive you.”

“Thank you,” she whispers, almost breaking my heart.

We sit in silence for a while.

“I think I want to go home,” she says quietly.

“Are you ready for that?” I ask carefully.

“I think so.”

“What about Cillian?”

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