“I kill people to protect other people. You can’t really do that with a stalker.”
They stare at me, and I roll my eyes.
“A Maldonado once saved more than mine and my best friend’s lives; she saved our bodies and minds too. We promised all we had to her that night and never looked back. And that’s all I will ever share about why I made the decision I made.”
Silas steps fully into the room, expression controlled but lethal. He knows enough about Crimson Bay to fill in the blanks and name the person I owe my life. I doubt he’ll say it, though. Some of the locals talk about her name as if she’s Bloody Mary and the world is a mirror.
“We’re not letting you walk away from the rest of this conversation,” he informs me.
I nod my agreement. “I wasn’t planning to. Just stating that there are some things I’m unwilling to explain. There are also some things I simply can’t explain. I’ve already said too much about it.”
None of them run screaming from the room, so I take that as a good sign. I really like them, and I find myself hoping like hell they accept what I’ve said so I can keep them.
I know I’m fucked for them and can no longer pull the trigger.
Roo will have to do it for me if it comes to that.
Jace sighs in aggravation as he holds his phone up. “She sent a time. Callie wants her meeting tonight at eight.”
I turn slowly and extend my hand to Silas, palm up. “I’ll need my gun back now.”
“Are you sure you want to come with us?” Kieran studies my expression. “She’s not really your problem.”
“How often do you walk around the Bay without a gun?” I ask, not even trying to hide how horrifying that is. “Have you been outside?”
“Just this morning,” he deadpans. “Without a weapon.”
“I’m not going to shoot her.” I smile soft and pleasant, hopefully not like I’m giddy about a maybe murder. “Not unless she gives me a reason.”
Jace huffs quietly beside me, something like grim approval in the sound. “What’s a good reason?”
“Pretty sure she already qualifies,” Silas mutters from the kitchen.
“Breathing.” I tilt my head and pat Jace’s arm. “It’s okay. I won’t miss.”
