Page 76 of My Cruel Salvation

He says it, but it’s clear that Christopher is the best bet. Considering all his secrets, I wouldn’t be surprised to learn he’s tech savvy. Plus, he disappeared with such convenient timing. That coupled with his relationship with Blackstone and Anna make him very much at the top of the list in big bold letters. None of us would be hesitating, either, if it weren’t for the fact that his guilt will cause more pain to Brandy, who we all three love.

The chime from my phone startles us all, and I look down, not surprised when I see that it’s her. I look up and meet both their eyes, seeing their realization that it’s her as well. “Should I take it?”

“Answer,” Lamar says. “This must be all over the news. She’s probably worried sick.”

I almost kick myself. Of course it’s all over the news. This is Devlin Saint’s house, and this is the world of social media. I answer before it rings a third time.

“Oh my God, oh my God. Are you okay?” The words spill out before I even have a chance to say hello. “The news is saying that Devlin’s house exploded —”

“Brandy, we’re fine! Brandy!” She doesn’t answer, and I’m starting to get really worried. Then her voice comes back on the line. “Oh, fuck.”

Now I really am worried. I know she’s scared, but Brandy’s not a curser. “What? What is it? Are you okay?”

“I just got a text. It’s from Christopher. He says that he didn’t do it. That he’s sorry about everything. But he wants me to know that he didn’t do this.”

I look up and see Devlin’s brow furrowed in curiosity. Clearly he can’t parse out what I’m saying from one side of the conversation. “Christopher texted you?” I say, both so Devlin and Lamar can hear, but also so that I’m absolutely sure I’m understanding this.

“Yes, yes!”

“And he says that he didn’t do this. Just out of the blue like that?”

“Yes.”

“Do you believe him?” I don’t actually mean the question for Brandy. It’s Devlin’s opinion I want. But she answers in my ear.

“I don’t know. I don’t know what to think.”

“Brandy. I have to go. The police are here. Lamar’s here too. He’s going to get a black and white to take me and Devlin to you. We’ll be there soon. Okay? I don’t think you’re in any danger but keep the door locked and the alarm set. Promise?”

She promises, and as soon as I hang up the phone, I look between Devlin and Lamar. “Well? What do you guys believe?”

“About Christopher?” Devlin says. “I don’t know either. To be honest right now I don’t even care. The only thing that I have in my mind is keeping you safe.”

“I’m doing what you said,” Lamar says. He signals for a uniformed officer to come over then gives them Brandy’s address. “No argument. Go to her place, stay there, don’t leave until I get there. I’ll be there as soon as I can, and I’ll update you both.”

He looks at both of us hard, his expression determined. “Promise me that you’ll stay there. Promise me you won’t do anything stupid.”

I squeeze Devlin’s hand, then nod. “We promise. We’re staying and waiting for you. Bring us back some news, okay?”

Lamar nods, and Devlin reaches out to shake his hand. “Thank you,” he says.

Lamar frowns. “For what?”

“I don’t know. For caring. For being a friend. For just being there.”

Chapter Thirty

We do as Lamar says and go to Brandy’s. Devlin immediately starts pacing the house, the energy seeming to come off him in waves as he searches for answers. I want answers too, but right now I can’t help him get them. I’m still too numb, as the realization that I could have lost Devlin in the blink of an eye keeps hitting me over and over and over again.

It weighs on me—terrifies me. And I’m not a woman used to being so damn scared.

Which is why I push down my own fears to focus on Brandy. I, at least, have lived my entire life with the knowledge that people can be taken from you in an instant. But these last few days have slammed my best friend hard. She’s had glimpses into the dark underbelly of the world that I’d hoped she’d never have. She’d gone through hell with Walt all those years ago, and I always believed that filled her quota.

I should have known better. After all, who knows better than me how much of a bitch the universe can be.

“I just can’t believe it,” she says, curled up on the couch with Jake. “Not Walt—I wouldn’t put anything past him, although I can’t believe he’d be smart enough or ballsy enough to plant a bomb.”

“You’re thinking Christopher, right? I get it,” I say. “I like him, too.”