Page 41 of Brutal Sinner

I peer at him anxiously. “The reverend. What will happen about that? He’s dead.”

I am so worried because it’s obvious Jonny killed him. I saw it in his eyes when he stepped from the church, but Jonny merely shrugs.

“He took the coward’s way out. His wives’ deaths will be investigated and when they discover he was a serial killer, nobody will care how he died, just that he did.”

Arthur says angrily, “You got that right. I knew he was trouble, and my one regret is that I did nothing about it.”

“You did enough.” Jonny says kindly and as we fall silent, I notice that the car has reached an airfield where a shiny jet is patiently waiting.

“Where are we?” I say in confusion, and Jonny grins.

“I told you. Home.”

“In that?” I’m amazed and excited because I have never been on a plane before.

“Yes. This aircraft belongs to the Reapers.”

“You have your own plane. Bikers are that rich?” I say incredulously, and Albert whistles. “Man, toss me some leathers and fire up a Harley. I’m in.”

Jonny bursts out laughing.

“Anytime, Albert. Just give me your size.”

I stare in awe as the aircraft is surrounded by tattooed bikers, dripping in leather and banter. Their bikes are being loaded in the cargo hold and I feel the nerves shaking my fear back in place.

I stare down at my daughter and wonder what to do. This is no place for a child. Not surrounded by testosterone and men who kill for a living. I’m in no doubt about that because I’ve witnessed it first-hand, and that’s the man I’m heading there with.

Suddenly, Heaven is looking like a better proposition, and I hate myself for that. Surely, I’m safe with Jonny, aren’t I? Aren’t we?

Jonny has become a memory that has grown in importance in my life. I love him but am Iinlove with him? Would I knowingly put my daughter’s well-being behind my own? How will this work and yet how can I stop it?

As we step outside the safety of the car, I’m edging toward staying right where I am and asking Mr. Gaston to drive me home. Perhaps he will let us stay with him. That could work, couldn’t it?

I grip on tighter to Hope and fluctuate between doing what I think is right to what my heart wants.

I stare at Jonny as he hugs Mr. Gaston and I swear every part of me wants him. But is it enough?

Jonny steps back and throws me such a loving look, it brings tears to my eyes. He appears happy he has a daughter, but is this fair to expect him to take us both on? He was a single man when he came back into my life because I made it that way. Why is he even trying? It must be for Hope.

Mr. Gaston smiles at me with an encouragement I really need right now and as he steps into his car, I’m on a knife edge. One word is all that’s needed. Tell him to stop, or to wait. I’m not ready for this. I’m a coward, and nothing like my best friend who couldn’t wait to leave with a stranger.

“Breathe, Faith.” Jonny slings his arm around my shoulder and whispers, “Trust me, darlin’. Please, for once in your life, trust me.”

It’s like a cool jet of water on an inferno, bringing calm and clarity to a volatile situation and, with a deep breath, I smile at him shakily. “Okay.”

He leans down and presses a light kiss on my lips and the memories that spark remind me of how good we were together. Good until I ruined everything and ran away from him. I want to run now, so badly, but this time I have no choice but to face my fear and trust him. That’s what he said, and I need to believe I can. Surely, wherever we’re going can’t be worse than Heaven. Can it?

The aircraft makes me stare in wonder as we step inside, and I see rows of seats set in lines. There also appears to be a communal area and as we pass through, I see a small kitchen.

Jonny explains, “We use the plane to move around the country. I’ll tell you why another time, but first we need to settle in. When Ryder gets here, it won’t be long before we’re airborne.”

“Is he your boss?” I say in awe, and he grins.

“He’s our president and yes, that also means boss in our world. He’s our commanding officer and we go against him at our peril. He calls the shots, and you will be in the safest hands in the world when you are under his wing.”

He nods to the men; all ripping rings off beer cans as they chat loudly and rolls his eyes.

“You get used to them. They are rough and loud but have golden hearts. They are loyal soldiers who need to let off steam occasionally.”

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