Page 18 of Killing Me Softly

“I called you here to tell you how your father died,” he says. “Sit.”

It’s not a request, but an order somehow, and even though I’m just fine standing, I sit on the sofa in the spot Lily just vacated. It’s still warm from her body. He sits on one of two matching armchairs facing me.

“Your father was killed was found dead by the side of the road near the border of Road Knights MC territory,” Cross says. “He was stabbed and left to bleed out. As soon as we know who did it, we will avenge him.”

I was already low after everything that’s happened and now this ton of bricks has crash has finished the job of burying me.

“You are welcome to join us when the time comes,” he adds.

I already knew I’d be called to avenge my father. Knew it from the moment I heard that he died. And I knew I’d do it too. I just didn’t want to face it. Killing for personal revenge goes against everything I stood for in the last ten years. Truth, values and freedom. But what did all that mean in the end? Fuck all, that’s what.

“Thank you,” I say. “It means a lot to me to hear that.”

He gives me an appraising look, his lips curling into a small grin as he leans back in his seat. “But you’re also preoccupied by this girl’s problem. Fucking kids, man.”

Cross is well in his fifties, but he looked like a man half his age until right now. The lines have somehow deepened and the stern look in his eyes is marred by concern now. “Have any of you considered she might have done what they’re saying she did.”

“No way, impossible,” I say. “I saw her come out of that room. She was scared to death. No way was she just acting. No way. Sir.”

A rap on the door is immediately followed by the door opening. A tall blond man with an exceptionally chiseled jaw walks in. Followed close behind by Lily who has an expression on her face that suggests she just won the lottery.

“What now, Hawk?” Cross asks with an air like he wants to be completely done with all of this.

“Lily’s friend, this Beatrice—” Hawk says.

“I’ve had it with this shit,” Cross snaps. “I already said we’ll wait and see how it plays out.”

“Yeah, well, you might change your mind after you hear what I got to say,” Hawk says slowly then pauses for a few seconds until he has everyone’s complete attention, even Cross’. “She’s Trigger’s daughter.”

The room falls deathly silent and I think it’s all emanating from the stark look of shocked surprise on Cross’ face.

“Trigger, Dad,” Lilly says triumphantly. “He’s the man who took a bullet meant for you. He died so you could live. I heard the story about a thousand times. Are you just gonna let them lock up his daughter for something she didn’t do?”

Lily’s not the only one who heard this story, I heard it a bunch of times from my dad too.

“Never,” Cross says and I just know the word came straight from his heart. “As far as I can tell, she doesn’t know,” Hawk says.

“Of course she doesn’t, else she would’ve told me,” Lily says. “I’ll go tell her now.”

“No,” I say standing up. “I think I should be the one to tell her.”

They all turn to me, but no one argues, not even Lily, which is amazing all in itself.

“Maybe that’s for the best. She might not believe it coming from me,” she says. “Eagle will give you a ride to her house. Hawk says the cops let her go.”

Hawk nods. “You’re Bone’s son, right?”

I nod and he offers me his hand. “My condolences. Your father was a good man.”

The news of how my father really died and the urge to avenge him rears its raging head inside me, but all that will come it good time. Right now, I need to make sure Bea is alright and I need her to know she will be when all is said and done. I can’t explain why this is so important to me. But it is, and that’s all I really need to know. Everything else is just window dressing. But my need to protect her is real.

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