He welcomed the oblivion.
Chapter Twelve
Lights flashed behindhis eyelids. He didn't want to open them; didn't want to face the truth he’d discovered. It was more than he could mentally and emotionally handle. It was simply too much. He wanted to hide under the blankets from the monster he now saw when he looked into the eyes of the man he’d known for so fucking long. Clearly, no amount of loyalty, brotherhood, or love had mattered to him when he’d done it.
People said Devon’s name. Their voices grew frantic with every repetition, but he liked it there in his void. It welcomed him, held him, and offered succor to his shattered heart. He used to think he was strong. He’d had his entire life planned in a way which made him happy. He worked hard to fulfill his dreams, only to have them cruelly snatched away. No, he didn't want to wake up. He wanted to remain where he was with his corroded soul and heart of stone.
Pretty soon, the realization hit him that he didn't have the luxury of hiding as he heard more and more voices calling to him. He couldn't let his mother suffer because he wanted to retreat from reality. He couldn't imagine how she had taken the news. He heard Lori, teary-eyed and apologetic as usual. He wished she would realize he didn't blame her. John was talking, telling them to back off and give everyone space. Devon remembered the phone call he’d had with John earlier in the day and felt a fresh wave of agony. He moaned, doubling over as the kick-in-the-stomach feeling grew more pronounced.
“Come on, Devon, everyone is worried about you.” Devon recognized Chief Hemsworth’s voice.
“Has he been arrested?” Devon croaked out.
“As we speak.”
With a last goodbye to the life he once knew, he opened his eyes. The muted light of the overcast day was a blessing. He blinked several times and focused on Rebecca Hemsworth.
“I couldn't let him get away with it. I couldn't.” Even to his own ears, he sounded like a petulant child.
“I know, Mr. McMillan.”
Devon wiped his face as he realized he was crying. Sitting up and discovering he was still on the muddy ground, he zeroed in on the deputy speaking to the traitor as he stood there in handcuffs.
Chief Hemsworth walked away to speak to the crowd, and John remained with Devon. It didn't go unnoticed by Devon that John blocked his view. “I can’t believe it was him.”
John snorted. “It’s always the ones closest to us who we least suspect.”
With those words, Devon realized his entire foundation was shaken. Who could he trust?Howcould he trust? “What did he have to say for himself?”
John sighed. “Look, Devon. You need medical attention. Let us load you into an ambulance and transport you to the hospital. Your family wants to talk to you, and I know you want to get back to Hailey.”
“No. No ambulance, no treatment. No family.”
“No family? Devon—”
“I said no family!” he shouted. He didn't have it in him to face any of them. What would they say? Would they blame him for not seeing it coming? Was it his fault?
