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Gigi
While Vince and Ifilled each other in on everything, I watched his face morph from shock, to sadness, to outright rage.
“I can’t believe Mason was in on this,” Vince murmured, staring down at our joined hands.
“I know. I’m so sorry. I was shocked to see him and then with everything Tenise told me.” I shook my head. “I didn’t know.”
Vince’s shoulders slumped. “I had no idea that she’s technically my cousin. My mom has even met her and never said anything. She obviously never made herself known.” He went to pull away, no doubt wanting to drive through town to confront Mason, but he couldn’t. I wouldn’t let him. Not yet. I needed him there with me and our baby.
I told the police the conversation I had with both Tenise and Mason. I found out that I had been shot twice. Once in the stomach by Tenise and once in the upper thigh by Mason because he had been spooked by a noise.
I needed surgery after the bullet hit some vital organs. I was also made aware that I had an emergency C-section and gave birth to a baby girl. No wonder I felt…empty. I still couldn’t believe that Vince had been right when it came to the sex of our baby. I had only said that she was a girl because that’s what he believed. But I never expected him to actually be right about it.
We couldn’t go back to our apartment just in case Tenise and Mason showed up. But now that the police had their names, they would search for them.
I met Detective Baldwin and gave her all of the information I could. I had a feeling from the beginning that there was something more to Tenise than her just being friends with Vince, but I could never figure out what it was. She made me uneasy and now I understood why. A part of me felt sorry for her. I just hoped the police could find her before she hurt herself, or someone else, and she got the help she needed.
Then there was Mason. I never knew and neither did Vince. He was as shocked as I was, but I felt even worse for him. He lost a best friend. Both him and Rory did. Someone they had considered a brother.
“What are you thinking about?” Vince asked, helping me into a wheelchair.
“Tenise and her desperation and…and…Mason and Rory.” I sighed, my stomach twisting. “I’m sorry. I’m sorry for both of you.”
“Why are you sorry?” Vince knelt in front of me and took my hands in his. “I should be apologizing to you. I brought them both into your life.”
“That’s not your fault at all but I know you were friends with them. Even if it was just because Tenise was Rory’s girlfriend.” I linked our fingers, taking all the strength I could from him. “That doesn’t matter. But I’m really sorry about Mason.”
“I’m sorry too,” Vince’s voice came out rough. Something dark flashed in his eyes and I knew that if I let him, if I only said the word, he would go hunt him down. He probably would once he was satisfied that I was safe. Couldn’t say I blamed him any. Whatever happened, I would be there to help him pick up the pieces.
“Yeah but I only knew her because of him. So I wouldn’t have been friends with her if she wasn’t his girlfriend. And Mason...” Vince’s voice trailed off.
“It’s not your fault either,” I reminded him.
Vince kissed my knuckles. “The police probably contacted Rory already,” he said, changing the subject. “I just hope they find both of them.”
“Me too.” I thought a moment. “You should probably call Rory yourself and fill him in on everything too. I’m sure he’d rather hear it from you.”
“I already did. While I was waiting for you to wake up, I called Rory. I even called Mason but of course there was no answer. I was going to play dumb. But I’ll call Rory again and tell him about…” A shaky breath left him. “Everything. I hope I never run into her again because…” A dark shadow passed over his face.
“Hey.” I cupped his cheek. I was going to tell him that everything was alright, but I got it. I understood exactly what he was going through. He wanted revenge.
“I need to talk to my parents but first, let’s introduce you to our daughter.” He wheeled me to the NICU so I could meet our baby girl. He parked the chair in front of the small glass box and pulled up a chair beside me. “I haven’t named her yet.”
I stuck my hand in the hole in the box, so I could touch her. “That’s fine,” I whispered. “She’s so perfect.” My eyes welled.
Vince grabbed my free hand, bringing it up to his mouth. “Both of my girls are.”
I smiled at him before looking back at our baby. She was so tiny, but she was strong. “What about Hannah?”
“I love it.”
My heart warmed. “Yeah?”
Vince leaned his forehead against the side of my head. “Yes. It’s absolutely perfect for her.”
“Hi, Hannah,” I whispered, tears rolling down my cheeks. “I’m your mommy and this is your daddy. We love you so much and we can’t wait to bring you home.”
“I know we set up a room for her in the apartment but with everything that’s happened, I’m not sure I want to go back there. Ever.” Vince cupped my shoulder, brushing his thumb back and forth along the base of my neck.
