What is normal? “I will.”
“Then it will all be worth it.”
Will it? Will a world without her be worth anything?
Present Day
“And that is when I failed her. I got her the knife. But I also got one for myself. I was determined to help her. To kill him and save her life. So the three of us could escape together.”
If only I did what I said I would do. If only I wasn’t a coward.
“But when the time came, I froze. I couldn’t bring myself to fight. To save her. She knew. She understood. Sweetums forgave me even though I will never forgive myself. Right before she went at him the last time, she mouthed, ‘run’. And something snapped inside of me. I picked up Daria, and I ran. We never stopped running until we ended up here on Willow Street.”
Regret eats me up inside. “That’s why I need to be the one to help save her.”
No! Just NO!
Max
What did Fiona just say?
If she thinks she’s getting anywhere near The Spider—
No.
Just NO!
It’s never going to happen. I’ll lock her in my bedroom if I need to.
“Even though I’m not sure Sweetums is still alive.”
“WHAT?” The kids can probably hear Vex’s roar down the block.
Payne loses the battle, holding Vex back as he storms towards Fiona. Dad is by my left, and Maddox is at my right. Hopefully, the four of us can hold him back without bloodshed.
“Is she alive or dead? Answer me, woman.”
I should just knock him out, not strain every muscle in my body trying to hold him back.
Mom walks up holding a phone in her hand. Like there isn’t a wild man set to destroy anything in his way right here. “Vex, I know you’re angry, but this isn’t helping. Fiona is innocent in all of this. She’s trying to help your sister. And you’re scaring her.”
Nothing scares Fiona.
The door opens up, and Louisella strides right in. “Did I miss the invitation to a fight?”
Vex groans.
“I didn’t think so. Now you boys sit down and behave yourselves like gentlemen before I get irritated.” Lulu walks over and whispers in my ear, “Emilia thought you might need a little help.”
Nonna wasn’t wrong.
Lulu takes a seat near Fiona but across from Vex, like she’s watching him…daring him to try something while she’s here.
No sane man would try anything. On the other hand, only a fool would think that Vex is sane.
Fiona steps around me and back into the center of attention. She clears her throat and stands up straight. “I thought Sweetums was dead because no one survives a fight with The Spider. But I was wrong. And I know I was wrong because her daughter Gemma showed up. Gemma claims to be five years old even though she looks closer to three due to malnutrition.” Fiona pauses to stare at Vex in the eyes.
My woman is brave. A little crazy standing up to a man like Vex, but brave.
