Page 108 of Mercy & Malice

How am I supposed to respond? There is no answer. I can’t say I’m happy the man isn’t a threat anymore. But I can’t tell him thanks a bunch for defeating the beast in such a disturbing manner either. “I don’t know what to say. Micah, why are you telling me all of this?”

“Because I promised you the truth. You don’t have to say anything. I didn’t want to hide anything from you. And I wanted to ask if you’d like to go see him. If you have anything to say to him, he won’t be able to control or hurt you ever again. There was never a day I would’ve stuck with a deal with him where he didn’t pay for what he did to you.”

I move in front of him, aching to reach for him but keep my hands to myself. “He did it to us, not just me.”

Micah lifts his hands towards my face but stops and tucks them in his pockets. “He wanted you to see me as a monster. And I realize that this might also fit his agenda. But he had to pay. And I’ll accept however you feel about me.”

Yeah. Another thing I can’t decipher at the moment. “My mom just said she was at the hospital.”

“Do you want me to drive you? I’ll take you or you can go without me. It’s your choice.”

I ache for a moment in the same space with him but am unable to cave. “I’ll drive myself and meet you there.”

Without arguing, he walks over to his car and gets in. I spot his car trailing behind mine on the drive to the hospital. When we arrive, he parks nearby then falls into step behind me as we enter the building. Mom rushes up, hugging me. Her red-rimmed eyes making mine water as she gives Micah a hug also. “Luca and Ivy just left. I can get the doctor if you want to speak with them.”

Micah asks, “What are they saying?”

Mom hesitates as she places a comforting hand on Micah’s bicep. “He’s awake, but groggy. The doctor said between the stroke and fall he took, they’re unsure if he’ll ever regain his mobility. But you can go in and see him if you want.”

He won’t recover. And Mom won’t understand it’s for the best. She’s free from his grasp without knowing it, and he won’t break her heart when he ends the relationship that didn’t mean crap to him. She’ll grieve the man she thought he was, which is better than the reality of who he was by a mile.

Micah looks to me. “Want to go in with me?”

I nod, following him into the room. I remain behind Micah, shielding my face for a few minutes until I’m finally brave enough to look. Donald appears frail and broken, tubes and wires coming out of him from every angle.

Mom peeks in and says, “I’ll give you some time,” then shuts the door.

Micah steps to his bedside, looking down at his father. “I’ve said everything I needed. If you want to say something, he’ll hear you. But he’ll never hurt you or anyone else again.”

When Micah walks next to me and stops, I almost think he’ll lean over and kiss me as he has so many times. “I’ll be right outside the door whenever you’re ready.” He walks out of the room, closing the door behind him.

Walking over to the chair beside the bed, I drop down into it while meeting Donald’s glassy stare.

“I thought I’d have so much to say.” I study the weak man who’s caused me the greatest fear I’ve ever known in my life. “You failed. Your son will never be a monster in my eyes.”

I see a flicker of something in his face. But only his eyes move as his body remains motionless. He’s trapped and going through his own hell with no way out. I should feel bad. I should feel remorse. But I’m nothing more than thankful that there’s one less beast roaming around to inflict pain on people they claim to love. “I love your son. And will love him until the day I die.”

Turning, I walk out of the room. I never want to see him again. The nightmare is finally over. And won’t give the cretin another thought. When I see Micah, I stop, unsure what to do. So, I go to Mom and give her a hug.

When he gives me a faint smile then turns to leave, I let him go without saying a word. And it feels more wrong than any decision I’ve ever made. But I can’t say I’m ready to jump in his arms and ride off into the sunset. What does that even look like after the nightmare we endured?

62

MICAH

As hard as I try, the one thing I can’t do is keep my eyes off her. The few times she’s met mine, I can’t distinguish what’s behind them, though it is reassuring that I don’t see fear. I’m worried she’ll look at me differently after confessing what I did to my father. Will she see his likeness in me? I did become as vile as the man I hate, but there’s hope in me that she’ll see past what I’ve become.

Tara enters the cafeteria and approaches me. “Micah, I need you to come with me.”

When I spot Detective Ledet nearby, I brace myself for what’s to come. I figured it’d be my turn sooner or later. And as predictable as the bastard is, I’m not looking forward to speaking with him. Though, I’d rather get it over with.

She leads us to the main office, then to a conference room. Ledet gives her a sweet smile as he says, “This won’t take long. Thanks again, Principal Guidry. I’ll let you know if I have any follow-up questions.”

“Sure thing.” She gives me a tight smile before she leaves, shutting the door behind her.

Ledet drops into the chair across from me, reclining back. “Micah Montclair. Twin, hostage, escapee, millionaire, doting boyfriend, grief-stricken son.” He scrutinizes me for a minute before asking, “Anything else you want to add to the list?”

I remain silent as he glares at me. We’re going to be in this room forever if he thinks he’s actually intimidating me and plans to use uncomfortable silence to force me to talk.