Page 100 of No Saint

“I have a daughter,” He admits, staring down at his hand, threaded together atop the table, “It terrifies me to think she would ever have to live through it.”

“My pleas were ignored, chief,” I say, “I was discarded. I hope no personeverhas to live through it, despite their predecessors’ crimes.”

“I’m sorry.”

“I’m here to identify my stepfather’s body,” I sigh, suddenly tired, “Not to accept apologies for the wrongs committed. Let me confirm the bastard’s dead and send me on my way.”

“I am sorry, Mrs Saint, for how we failed you.”

“You should be,” Gabriel threatens as we are guided into a cold room. Ahead of me lays a body.

“Mrs Saint, there is no pressure here. His body… well it isn’t going to look like what you remember.” The chief says professionally, “Take your time.”

I don’t.

I stride towards the shape hidden beneath the white sheet and rip it back. Seeing my stepfathers face before me.

Pale.

Drained of life.

Eyes wide open.

I feltnothing.

I was glad he was dead.

“Is everything intact?” I ask, knowing even just a small percentage of my husband.

“Um,” The chief shuffles nervously, “No, half ofitwas cut off.”

I smile, knowing he suffered and when I look to Gabriel, I find him smiling too.

38

We didn’t talk about my stepfather on the drive back, not until Gabriel is pulling the car into the garage.

“Thank you,” I say quietly.

“I’ll make you a promise,leonessa,one I need you to remember.”

I look over to him, finding him already staring at me. He reaches across and tucks a piece of hair behind my ear. The same hands that had mutilated my stepfather, touch me so gently, a whisper of fingers, a caress.

“What?”

“No man will ever touch you again.”

“I believe you.”

His hand cups my face, “You are safe with me.” He repeats the words he spoke this morning.

I nod and turn my face to kiss his palm.

My stomach was a knotted mess of nerves and anxiety. I stare at the pool, the calm water and how deceptive it is. I could imagine it would feel good to wade through it, to feel the coolness against my skin right before it dragged me down and sucked the life from me.

It wasn’t possible to simply forget.

Gabriel sits on the edge of the pool, legs dangling into the water.

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