Page 137 of Vexatious Queen

“Fine…I’ll do it. I’m so going to prison, so I might as well help the good guys for a change,” Zigzag said, standing from the bed.

“If you do, consider it penance for having a hand in the death of a woman who never hurt a soul,” Theo said quietly.

His eyes were shrouded, but the pain was evident.

“You’re right. I will.” Zigzag walked toward the laptop. “Let’s do this.”

Ren grabbed my arm and walked me to the other side of the room.

“I need to go find Blake. If there is anything else you can think of for him to do for us, do it. Christov manipulated the entire situation, and I feel for him, but…”

“We need answers by any means necessary,” I finished.

“I hate saying that.”

Cupping her face, I kissed her forehead.

“Go, we’ve got this,” I whispered.

On her way out, she touched Theo’s shoulder like she wanted to remind him that she was here for him, too. He gave her a nod, and Ren opened the door.

“Whoa, where are you going,” Zigzag asked.

Terror filled his eyes like he knew that she was the only thing keeping him from being thrown out the fifth-story window. She probably was.

“I have to go. You’ll be fine,” she said and closed the door before he could object any further.

Walking across the room, I held his gaze.

“Get to work.”

FEBRUARY 15 – SUNDAY 12:35 AM

Blake

Why did it feel like every person around us had some hand in my mother’s death? My family was crushed, and a beautiful soul was stolen from this earth. There were so many milestones that I’d never thought about until she was gone. Mom would miss them all.

“Hey.”

I looked back and saw Myles running after me, but I kept walking.

“Blake, hold up.”

“I need air,” I said, marching to the stairwell.

Myles caught up to me just as I pushed through the door. He grabbed my arm, stopping me before I could head down.

“Just stop for a minute.”

“All I want is air,” I said, my body shaking as the emotions swirled and collided in my body.

“Naw, yer wantin’ ta run. I don’t blame ya, but it never helps. Trust me, I know.”

His words struck a nerve that I didn’t want to examine.

“No, you don’t understand. Just let me go.”

Instead of letting go, Myles tightened his grip and pulled me back from the stairs before he pushed me up against the wall.