Page 28 of Absolution

“Gideon?”

“Who the fuck is this?” He snapped.

“It’s Leo, you piece of shit.”

He laughed in response.

“Ah, yes, I should have expected you. I thought you’d be dead and buried in some lonely Army grave by name. When a friend of mine told me you were alive, I couldn’t believe it. Actually, that’s not true. I could. You always did lead a charmed life.” He sneered the last.

“What the fuck is that supposed to mean?”

“It means you always thought you were too good for everyone. You and that little bitch of yours.”

“Watch your fucking mouth,” I snarled.

“Or what? Did that little whore tell you I stopped by the other night?”

“Don’t threaten me or her. You don’t fucking scare me. You’re coming for us? I’m ready, and I will destroy you.”

Not wanting to listen to any more of his bullshit, I ended the call. I tossed the phone on the dashboard with a curse.

“Take me home, please.”

My gaze darted to Gina. Her face was still pale, but other than that, she seemed calm and composed. Maybe a little too much.

“You don’t have to worry about him. He’s not going to hurt you. Not if I can help it.”

She didn’t acknowledge my vow. “I just want to go home.”

“Okay.”

Gina was quiet the remainder of the drive. When we got back to her place, she withdrew into her bedroom. The call from Gideon had shaken her, so I wanted to give her a little room. I figured she might be hungry, so I went to make something to eat.

Once the food was done, I knocked on her door. “I made you some dinner. Whenever you’re ready, it’ll be out here for you.”

She didn’t answer, so I went back to the living room and opened my laptop to get some work done. I kept my eyes on the clock, but hours passed and she still hadn’t emerged. I closed the lid on my computer and was ready to barge in regardless of how angry it made her when the door to Gina’s room opened.

She’d changed into pajamas, and it was obvious from the red splotchiness of her face that she’d been crying. She grabbed the blanket off the back of the couch and curled up in the corner of the sofa. Her eyes were unfocused, but at least she was where I could see her. I rose from the chair to head to the kitchen.

“Why don’t I warm you up something to eat.”

She shook her head. “No. I’m not hungry.”

Her voice was scratchy.

I lowered myself back down and stared at her. Seeing Gina so despondent made me nervous. Hoping she’d talk to me, I merely sat with her in the quiet, silently letting her know that I was here if she needed me.

“I’ve been seeing Madeline for eight years now.”

Finally. I slowed my breathing, not wanting anything to disrupt her.

“I should know by now that she’s usually right. She’s told me time and time again that you need to know, but I’ve always refused. It’s been my crutch to hang on to. My reason to hold onto this bitter hatred I have for you. It’s been easy hating you, you know. You’re here. A constant reminder of the hell you left me in.”

With every word Gina spoke, a razor sharp knife sliced my skin open, and blood seeped from each wound she made. The pain was like nothing else, but if it meant bleeding to easeherpain, I’d do it over and over. No hesitation.

“There’s another reason Gideon is coming for me besides the fact that I testified against him at his murder trial.”

“What is it?” I whispered.

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