“Shut up, both of y’all!”
“Okay. Okay,” Tammy surrendered.
When the laughter died, Victoria studied her friend. She was struggling to stay in the conversation. It was as if she wanted to do anything but think of what she’d been through. Victoria knew the signs because she faced the same struggles from time to time. But she also knew that what Tracy was feeling couldn't be avoided. Victoria placed her hand on top of her friend’s, wishing that she could make the pain and fear evaporate. When Tracy jumped from unexpected contact, tears welled in Victoria’s eyes.
“I’m sorry, Vic,” Tracy whispered.
“Don't you dare apologize. I’m sorry. I’m so sorry this happened to you,” Victoria said through tears.
Tracy removed the wall, finally revealing her true emotions. She let out a painful grunt and…cried.
Victoria climbed into the bed next to her, careful not to cause her more pain. She held her friend close and allowed her to release the hurt, fear, and pain of being brutalized and violated.
Tammy placed a gentle kiss on Tracy’s shoulder and left the room, leaving Victoria to comfort her best friend. They were all friends, and they were all family. But before there were the Storms, before there was the Savellis, there was Tracy and Victoria. That bond was impenetrable. And as Tracy cried in Victoria’s arms, Victoria was determined to pass the strength of that bond to her best friend.
“Shhhh,” Victoria whispered into Tracy’s hair. “You’re gonna be okay. I promise.”
“I-I know,” Tracy whimpered.
Tracy sniffed and wiped away tears with the back of her hand. She looked up at Victoria with sad red eyes. “I thought of you,” Tracy whispered.
“Huh?”
“I-I thought about you, about all of the shit you've been through. I tried to be strong like you, but I couldn't. I can't fight, Vic. I can't shoot. I’m just not strong like you,” Tracy admitted through tears.
Victoria’s mouth flew open. She couldn't believe what Tracy was saying to her.
“Tracy, what the fuck are you talkin’ about?! You did the exact same thing I did. You survived!”
Tracy pressed her face to Victoria’s breast and closed her eyes. She took a cleansing breath and exhaled.
“I think Francis killed him,” Tracy revealed.
“Francis? Why do you think that?”
“When Paolo, the really big one with the scary blue eyes, took me out to the car, I heard Will screaming at the top of his lungs. Then I heard a gunshot. That blood that’s all over Francis ain't all mine.”
Victoria shook her head. Francis?
“Tracy, maybe one of Luca’s guys were in there with him.”
“No, Vic. It was Francis. He was alone. He tortured Will. Then, he killed him.”
Victoria was somewhat shocked. Francis was a gentle soul. He read the classics, he appreciated the arts, and he never raised his voice. But…he had strong feelings for Tracy. And shewascarrying his baby. Victoria then realized that Jack would have done the same…in a heartbeat.
“Good,” Victoria whispered. “He saved me the trouble.”
