“You did so good today, Em. You’re so brave. I love you, turd.” They pressed foreheads and Seven kissed her nose. “Go get some junk food. I’m good. Promise.” There was absolutely no hesitation as soon as Greg led them out of earshot. “Long story short, Dad…I made a side business outta cleaning dead bodies for bad men. Bad men got me and Bridge last year. Malek and Declan saved our lives. No, I don’t do it anymore, and no…I don’t wanna talk anymore about it.”
Vernon’s jaw set, and I saw the question settle in his mind as soon as he turned his attention towards Mal. “Were you the villain before you were the hero?”
“Dad—”
“I’m talking to Malek.”
I really don’t know what I’d say if this question were directed at me. Callum Byrne would have slit throats and asked questions later. I almost think it would be easier than answering to a father like Vernon Grey. Somebody this devoted to their kids. I feel for Mal. I really do. I lowered my head and stared at my feet.
“I don’t think I’ve ever been a hero, sir. I’m just a guy with unbelievable luck that found my savior with a mop and bucket…and a perfect right hook.”
Smooth, dude.
The corner of my mouth subtly raised, and I hid it as best as I could manage. I heard one of the chairs groan with movement and looked up to see the doctor finally coming through the door. Impeccable timing. That fuckerislucky.
“Grey family?” Sev and Vernon nodded earnestly and he sat us all down. He’s an older dude. Nice-looking. Makes me wanna buy skin care products.Fuck him. “Mrs. Grey is in recovery. Heart rate is steady, blood pressure on its way to normal. She did extremely well. Dr. Grey did amazing work, otherwise I think we’d be having a much different conversation. We were able to remove the bullet, and I have to say…someone up there was looking out for her. Just a quarter-inch farther in either direction and I’m sure we would have lost her. As it stands now, nothing vital has been compromised and we expect her to make a full recovery.”
Thank Christ.
“Can we see her?” Sev asked, her lower lip wobbling.
“We can allow one person at a time while she’s in recovery. We’ll bump that up to two visitors once she’s admitted into intensive care. I’m happy to take one of you back now, if you like.”
“Go, Dad…it needs to be you.”
Vernon stood, about to follow the doctor back, then stopped and turned to look at her again. “This conversation isn’t finished. The rest of you still owe me answers.”
“We’ll be right here, Vern…” Malek’s expression was firm, but honest. He’s changing a little more every day. We were left alone again, and Seven looked over at Dan, who looked like he was trying to make himself invisible.
“I want answers too,” she started, crossing her arms. “Who the fuckareyou?”
“My name is Dan. The short version is that I’m a friend of Declan’s and he called me up to help. I sniped a few of the guys surrounding the house. That’s why they stopped fucking around and chose the harsher execution in your home. Funny thing, panic.”
“Bridget said this money came from her. That this is her fault and she wanted me to hate her. I’m upset, but I know there’s more to this, Declan. What do you know that we don’t? She’s been dancing around shit for weeks. She’s been at our house more than she’s been home. Start talking.”
I sighed, choosing not to look directly at her. Malek knows some of it…but not all of it. I told them everything. Every detail I know.
“So…now I have to figure out where they took her and what she offered these pricks. I’m pretty sure I have a good idea, but this’ll be tricky.”
I couldn’t help but notice that Seven was staring a burning hole through Malek’s face. It took him a second to catch up, but when he did…
“You killed a guy?”
“I just killed several a few hours ago, Viper.”
“No…before this. You killed one of these Russian dudes and pissed off his dad?That’swhy they came after us?”
Uh-oh…
“Technically…all I did was relieve him of a couple of fingers. You know how much I enjoy that. Declan killed him. Not me. I kept my promises, Sev. I only killed for protection. I’m gonna go ahead and use the same excuse for brutal torture where it concerns your safety or Bridget’s. And to be fair…he’d already tried to shoot her in broad daylight. As soon as I knew you were safe, I’d already decided he was gonna die. One way or another.”
“They didn’t come here for Vikter’s justice, Seven.” She pointed that stare at me next and I bristled. “Bridget was trying to rid herself of Jonas and everything he left behind. She thought she was doing something selfless by donating that money. I don’t think anybody would have guessed that it would go the way it did.”
“What did she mean…fifteen grand?That’s not enough to buy that property Mom and Dad were talking about. That message was for you, specifically.”
I felt the smile creep across my mouth.
“Last night, I’d mentioned that it took fifteen grand’s worth of explosives to light Jonas’s place up and that it still didn’t seem like enough for everything he’s putting us all through…even from the fucking grave.”
