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I stare at her hand, then back to Kevin.
“She is my coworker. Not my boss,” he corrects her.
I shake my head and keep my hands to myself. Like I said, I don’t want anyone to touch me. “I don’t give a flying fuck who she is. Keep her away from me,” I warn Kevin.
Her hand retracts to her body, thankfully, and I think she gets the point. We continue to the graveside in silence. The ceremony only comprises the three of us, the pastor, the funeral director, and a few groundskeepers. The pastor delivers a sermon that would make Reese gag. Sentimental and loving, which was not my woman. We watch them lower the casket into the open grave. I throw a single white stargazer lily on top of the casket as the workers fill the hole with dirt. Kevin sobs as the coffin disappears under the weight of the dirt. When they finish, I wave the pastor and workers off, so it’s just the three of us left.
“She would’ve hated that sermon,” I tell Kevin.
He lets out a painful laugh. “I know.” He wipes more tears away. “She would say, ‘Kevin, you sack of shit! Why would you think this was a good idea?’ Adam, that sermon was so bad!”
I smirk at just the thought of how much crap she would put us both through for such a sentimental note.
“I am making plans,” I whisper.
Kevin is staring at the pile of dirt in front of us. His eyes never waver. I watch his eyes shift back and forth. Showing how much his mind is at war. One side wants revenge, and the other is just so tired. Exhausted from the mental marathon it’s endured.
“You don’t have to do anything. I’m just saying—”
“I’ll let you know. It’s not safe for me to make moves.” He taps his temple.
I nod. That is the most responsible thing for him to do.
“I’ll get it sorted.” Sorted, that’s what Reese used to say.
Turning, I walk away from the gravesite like a ghost. Every step feels heavier and more chaotic. Lost in this world, unable to cross over. She still holds me to the ground.
I am making a deal with the devil to become his hound and hunt down that selfish piece of shit.
CHAPTER 37
RUNNING
Adam
It was torture more unimaginable than I could’ve expected when they lowered the casket into the ground. I go back to the gravesite after everyone has left and sit on the ground next to the grave. I stare at the tombstone with her name displayed. There is an angel engraved around the date of death. I pull a Sharpie from my pocket and draw horns emerging from the angel’s hair. I smirk, knowing she would approve of this. It fits perfectly.
My breath catches, leading to grievous tears falling. Sobbing because the guilt is overwhelming. The what-ifs plagued my soul. What if I had taken a different approach when I kidnapped Kevin? What if I stayed in the shadows and calculated my moves better? I would’ve never contacted this angel devil and allowed her to sink into my nightmare. This woman could handle herself, but she never knew how extraordinary she was. I certainly underestimated her. What if I didn’t kiss her that day in front of the food truck? She blew up the walls I built. I hate her for that… no, I don’t. I am just saying that to feel better.
I was so hell-bent on taking these CEO bastards down I couldn’t see past tomorrow. Didn’t plan on a tomorrow. I throw the Sharpie at the tombstone. Balling my fist, I slam it into my chest as hard as I can. I need the physical pain to match the emotional breaking.
I fall to my side and stare at the dirt, letting the tears fall freely. The lump in my throat jostles any air I deserve. For the first time in my life, I cry myself to sleep.
I only have a few hours of exhausted sleep when my phone chimes. My contact has sent me information about Allison. My body is stiff from the hard surface and the cold air. I force myself up and back to my car, taking one more look over my shoulder. Goodbye for now. We aren’t done yet, baby.
Back at my hotel, pack what’s left of my belongings. I pack my whole life into two bags. I climb in my car and head to the library to use their computers. I copy the link from the phone into the web browser. Entering the password he provided, the link loads with the disturbing information I need. Reports that she was transported to the hospital. Poor video of her sneaking out of the hospital in scrubs, bandages and all, like a rat in the night. Right out the door she went.
The next page shows her flight information. London, England. She is at the airport, which gives me the lead I need, so it’s time to run. DuPont has a head start, but I won’t let her go far. I log off and quickly nod to the librarian as I leave. The gentle older woman waves back. I notice a single wedding band on her tiny hand, which causes me to smile but my heart to ache.
“To be loved like that,” I whisper to myself. The promise of forever. A simple wedding band with monumental meaning. I wonder how long she has been married.
Shaking off the thoughts, I send a text to my contact asking for an Uber or lift. Something to take me to the airport. Ten minutes later, a small Prius pulls in front of me. The driver rolls down the window to talk.
“Dick? Dick Swett?” He looks at his phone.
My lips curl into a smile. My contact, Donald, should stick to what he does best and not jokes. Although, he made me smile.
“That’s me.” I nod.
