“But didn’t you say that you avoid looking in people’s eyes?” Caden asked.
“I do, especially after seeing Molly’s death, but Russell didn’t know that. I only started avoiding it sometimes after he’d left for college because I started getting anxiety. But after seeing Molly’s death, I had a full blown panic attack. That was when I really stopped to preserve my own mental health, which is kind of ironic since Russell ended up putting me in a psychiatric hospital.”
“Ironic or not, he knows you’re the key to nailing him,” Garrett said. “That’s why he’s been so hell bent on getting you back. Even more so than Orly. She might’ve seen Molly get shot, but you’re the one who can connect him directly to her grave. “
“But I don’t know anything. I just know the moment she died. I couldn’t even tell you where it is on a map,” Reese argued. “I didn’t even see him do it.”
“He doesn’t know that,” Garrett said. “We might be able to use that against him when the time is right, but for now, just promise me that you’ll do exactly as I say so we can keep you safe.”
“I will,” Reese said. “But if I get that job at the school -”
“No,” Garrett said. “You can’t take it.”
“I will take it, Garrett. That man has done his best to ruin my life for over a year, but I’ve survived everything he’s thrown at me. I’m done living my life in fear.”
Garrett loved the fire in her tone, the steel behind her strength, but it terrified him that her courage could be the very thing that got her taken away from him, or worse. “We’ll deal with it when and if the time comes,” he finally said, not wanting to argue with her in front of their friends.
“Okay, well if that’s all settled now, can we get back to having fun?” Orly asked. “Because talking about my homicidal ex is definitely not how I want to spend my evening under the stars with my husband and best friends.”
“Absolutely,” Skyla said. “And I just got an awesome idea. I’m planning a grand re-opening celebration at Madigan’s after I purchase the building, and I’ve just decided it’s going to be the first annual black light party. All of you are obviously invited.” She turned to Reese with a huge smile on her face. “No excuses, Reese. You’re going to be the guest of honor, but don’t worry, I won’t make you get up on stage or anything.”
Reese and the other women laughed, and Garrett was glad to see all the tension from their previous conversation seemingly dissipate. Everyone was excited about the black light party at Madigan’s and the women were already talking about different ideas and possibilities for various drinks and entertainment.
As they walked away, chatting a million miles a second, Garrett watched Reese with pride and a sense of awe. Not only had she faced her fears, she’d opened up so easily to the women, and then to the guys, trusting them, and sharing what little she knew about Molly Edgar’s death, without even being asked.
“That is one hell of a woman you got yourself,” Luke said.
“So damn brave,” Tanner added.
“No wonder Russell has been gunning for her. He’s known this whole time that she was the key to bringing him down,” Blake said.
“We’re ending this once and for all,” Garrett said.
Bringing Reese home might have brought her evil step brother right to his doorstep, but that only made him more determined than ever to do whatever it took to keep Reese safe, and take down Russell Graham.
Permanently.
