Page 71 of Slayer

“Yes Sir.” Porter drops his head to the bed.

“Oh.” I wouldn't say my dealing with this was the best, Dad is going to flip out.

“Look, I went to the house for the girl, but as soon as I laid eyes on my Porter I knew he was the one. I just needed to convince Porter of that.”

“By letting his sister go?”

“Yes. Sometimes blood is worth more than the family.” I can't hide the bitterness in my tone. “She was my sister, Dad.”

“I told the absolute truth,” Porter informs my dad. “And in return, you said that you would tell the truth too. So, now's your chance.”

“I didn't realise you meant now,” Dad replies to him.

“What are you talking about?” I hate being kept in the dark.

“Knox, I didn't have your sister killed. I would never have harmed a hair on her head. It was Vince who got to her first.”

I recognised him as soon as I entered the room. Vince was the man my sister fell for, although time hasn't been kind to him. Freezing almost cost me my life, it could have cost Porter his though.

“I'm sorry I froze. I could have gotten you killed.” I take Porter's hand. “I'm so sorry.”

“Did you hear him? Your dad didn't kill your sister. This isn’t about me, it’s about you.”

“Everything is about you, Porter.” I promise for the rest of my life, I will be devoted to him. “Why didn’t you tell me it wasn’t you, Dad?”

“He didn't want you to want retribution. Who is the one person you wouldn't go after?” Porter looks at me accusingly.

“Stop acting smart. You didn't know this much before me.”

“I nagged him into telling you,” Porter pouts.

“I'm so very glad you did.” If he wasn't here for me to focus on, I'd be trying to kill Dad for making me hate him.

“Can we have a fresh start?” Dad asks. “I only want you to be happy.”

“Yes please,” I whisper.

forty-eight

Porter

I'veneverfeltmoreawkward in my life. Knox and Eddie Thayer are having a heart to heart and I'm just sitting here. I couldn't leave if I wanted to, and it's not just the handcuffs stopping me. Somehow, I'm getting all the credit here, not just for stopping Vince, but for reuniting father and son.

Knox clearly hates the fact his dad lied, but a lie is better than a murder.

“Mr Thayer, can we please get you discharged now?” The doctor returns with an optimistic smile. “I run a legitimate business and people are asking questions.”

“Yes please,” Knox begs.

“You need to take it easy. Strict rest.”

“Don't worry. I'll handcuff him to the bed if he tries to get up.” I give my most reassuring smile and give the cuffs a shake. “I've been practising.”

“You didn't tell me you were unsuitable to take in public,” Knox hisses at me.

“You never asked. It was all sex and horse dicks.”

Knox opens his mouth to protest, but I am too awesome for words. For the first time in my life, I feel comfortable to be myself, and I'm surrounded by killers.

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