Page 111 of Vicious Deception

I’m glad we’re killing their dad,I realize. Unlike Thomas, Richard still has the ability to harm his kids. I don’t want Benny to have to go back to living with a man who makes him think that forgiveness is something he has to thank someone for.

Quietly, I slip out of the room. Benny said I could stay, but I feel like I’m intruding. I have my sweater, and that’s the reason I came up here, anyway.

“You’re sure?” Benny asks right before I close the door softly.

With an aching heart, I tiptoe down the hallway. Yeah, Richard definitely deserves to die, and I can’t wait to watch the life fade from his eyes tomorrow night.

Chapter thirty-two

Rhett

“Doesthiscountasa date?”

Despite the circumstances, I smile at Wren’s question. This is the first time the four of us have gone out together since we escaped. It’s far from romantic, but . . . well, weareall here.

“I guess,” Elliot says. He’s trying to stay serious, but some amusement still creeps into his tone.

Oliver snorts. “A murder date. Who would’ve ever predicted that?”

“It’s actually kinda fitting,” Wren says. “You know, given your professions.”

Elliot slows the SUV to a stop and glances over at me. “You ready?”

The air here feels thick—almost heavy. Or maybe it’s my coat and the way it’s zipped all the way up and constricting my throat. I nod silently, feeling around for the door handle and opening it. Cool air rushes in, but it does little to help.

“Hey.” He grabs my arm before I can get out. “You’re not alone.”

When I pull free and my feet hit solid ground, Oliver is already waiting for me. I didn’t notice him and Wren get out. He places a hand on my shoulder, and I’m just able to fight my gut reaction to shove him away.

Closing my eyes, I breathe deeply. I focus on the warmth of his palm radiating through my clothes and the scent of woodiness and vanilla.

“What if I can’t do it?” I whisper.

“Then we will,” he replies without hesitation. “For Sammy—andfor you.”

“Masks,” Elliot says. “And everyone’s got their gloves?”

Oliver pulls his mask over his face. “Ready to go.”

Logically, I know I have no reason to be afraid. It’s four against one, and three of us are highly skilled in eliminating threats. Since we left home, though, my thoughts have run rampant.

What will he say to me? Richard never let a chance go past to put me down in front of the guys. They know better than to listen—so does Wren—but it doesn’t change how humiliating it is.

Wren grabs my hand as we begin our walk. We aren’t entering the neighborhood by vehicle so we don’t get caught on any security cameras. Thankfully, my father’s house is on the border, so we just have to deal with getting over the stone wall around the perimeter of the neighborhood.

It’s close to eleven, so darkness shrouds us as we pick our way through the property on the other side of the wall. Once we’re directly behind Richard’s house, we stop.

How will Benny feel about this?

Will he care? Will he blame himself for this somehow? Or will he just be relieved? I suppose I just have to hope that he’ll be happy about it—or that he’ll at least come to terms with it when he gets older.

“Do you need a minute?” Elliot asks.

I realize I’ve been staring at the wall for a solid minute. Wren’s hand is still in mine, and I realize I’m holding it rather tightly. With an apologetic smile, I loosen my grip.

We’re in no rush to get back home. Meredith showed up at the house before we left to watch the boys. It’s not like they need a babysitter, but they still don’t know where everything is. If they need something, it’s easier this way. And . . . well, I don’t fully trust Andrew yet. This is different than keeping quiet about Ludo’s death. Richard is hisfather.

“We can take as much time as you need,” Oliver says.

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