Page 88 of About Last Knight

I’ve spent my entire life thinking of myself above all others. I wasn’t there for my daughter, I wasn’t there for my brother, and I wasn’t there for Darian and my nieces when they needed me.

I don’t want to do the same to Melissa. I don’t want to drag her and Jade into my dark world. I need to save everyone I love from me. I know what I need to do.

I leave her a goodbye note and head into the elevator for the final time.

When I get to the lobby, I see Jerry. I’ve grown pretty fond of the old guy.

He looks up and smiles when he sees me. “Leaving so early, Mr. McGinley?”

I shake his hand. He doesn’t know it will be for the last time. “Yes, Jerry. I need to take a little stroll down memory lane this morning.”

I pause before I head out onto the street. I turn around to him. “Take care of her. She’s very special.” I see his smile turn into a confused look, but he nods. He’ll eventually understand.

Melissa

I knew he wasn’t okay last night. I should have insisted on talking when we got home. Instead, I let him use my body as an outlet.

I quickly unfold the note.

Melissa,

I’m sorry, but I can’t do this anymore. I’ve let everyone I’ve ever loved down in one way or another. I’m selfish and I’m toxic. I love you too much to bring you into my world. A world where I self-destruct. A world where I let down and hurt all of the people I love. I want to save you from the inevitable pain I’ll cause you.

Know that I do love you. I’m doing this for you. Find someone who can give you everything you deserve. It’s not me.

Declan

I pick up my phone and call him, but it goes right to voicemail without ringing. His phone’s off. I’m not surprised.

I’m pacing, unsure of what to do. I dial Jade’s number. She answers. “Hello?”

“Hi, Jade. It’s Melissa.”

“Oh, hi, Melissa. What’s up?”

“Is your dad with you by chance?”

“Um, no. You don’t know where he is?”

I don’t want her to worry. “He left his phone and I couldn’t remember where he said he was going. No big deal. I’ll catch up with him later.”

“Okay. If I hear from him, I’ll let you know right away. Please do the same if you hear from him.” She’s smart. She knows something’s off.

“Okay sweetie. Don’t worry. Have a good day.”

“You too.”

I should go check his apartment. I’m afraid he’s going to hurt himself. I quickly throw on clothes and head down to the lobby. Jerry looks up at me. “Good morning, Mrs. Knight.”

I quickly move past him and give him a small smile. Before I leave, I turn back. “Jerry, did you see Mr. McGinley this morning?”

He nods. “I did.”

“Did he say anything out of the ordinary?”

Jerry slowly nods, as if in thought. “As a matter of fact, he did. He said something about needing to take a stroll down memory lane. He also told me to take care of you. Seemed a bit off to me.”

I nod as my eyes fill with tears. What’s Declan doing to himself? I choke out, “Thanks, Jerry.”

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