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She’s a mess, and not her usual messy self. This is a new level of breakdown for her. Even at her worst, she's always kept it together, at least on the surface. It’s clear she’s cracking straight down the middle, and no one seems to notice. It’s like she can't be bothered to wash her hair or change her clothes. Even the strongest people have a breaking point, yet that doesn’t mean I’m willing to watch her crash and burn.
From the day we met in middle school, she’s been the strongest, toughest person I know. Even when I ended up on my ass in a puddle the day I transferred in, with the school’s biggest bully standing over me with his fists hanging at his sides. I was scared and confused, especially since Dad made it sound like this new school would be safe, full of rich kids who’d be a good influence. I shudder to think of the overtime he had to work to afford it.
Out of nowhere, a blonde tornado came rushing in, shoving him hard enough from behind that he ended up sprawled on his hands and knees in an even bigger puddle beside me. She held out her hand to help me up, a smile on her face. After that, she took me to the girls’ bathroom to clean up, of course not before cursing him out using words I had never heard before.
She was my hero then, and has been every day since. But even heroes need somebody to look after them sometimes. It’s easy to forget that.
I brush damp curls away from her forehead and try to smile to reassure her. “If your dad said he’ll let him live, that's what he'll do. He doesn't break his promises to you.” That's one thing I can honestly say without a twinge of guilt. He never breaks his promises to her. He might be an asshole, a liar, and manipulative as all hell, but he’s never not done what he tells Tatum he’ll do. One thing about Callum Torrio is absolutely true: he loves his daughter more than anything else in his life.
My attention is brought back to Tatum. Her eyes are puffy and swollen from crying, and a stray tear rolls down her cheek. “I would never forgive myself if he killed him. He doesn't get that. You know he's all fucked up with the way he sees things. It’s revenge. He wants to hurt him for hurting me, except he doesn’t understand. He doesn’t realize I just want to forget him. I can’t do that if I’m reminded that I’m the reason he’s dead.”
Yes, I do know. I know too well. “He'll keep his promise to you.” It's the only thing I can say that wouldn't be a complete lie.
From what I managed to piece together over the past couple of hours, Kristoff landed and Romero grabbed him. I can't pretend to be sorry. The son of a bitch deserves everything he gets. For Tatum's sake, I hide my relief that he's not running around free to ruin somebody else's life. I only wish that didn't make me feel like I'm no better than Callum. I have no right to criticize him if I'm going to be glad he got his hands on Kristoff, no matter what that bastard did. There's the way good people act, and then there's the way Callum acts. Forgetting that would be a grave mistake.
“Shhhh, sleep.” I lean down to kiss her forehead. “And don't worry about Kristoff. He'll be fine.” That feels like a blatant lie, mainly since it is. Knowing Callum, he'll find some way to keep his promise while doing whatever the hell he wants to do. I saw the murderous rage in his eyes when he looked Romero’s way back at the hotel. There was no misinterpretation. As soon as the truth was revealed, Kristoff’s days were numbered, and even though it would hurt Tatum, I’d never stop him if I had the chance.
Men like Kristoff don't change. I'd be surprised if he didn't have another girl already, somebody he could use and hurt. It might be wrong to think this way, but Callum would be doing the world a favor by killing him. The justice system won’t do anything, even with Callum strong-arming them. Kristoff’s parents aren’t as wealthy as Callum. But they have money, so they don’t care. You can’t make someone who thinks they can buy away every problem, see the damage they have done.
I stay lying beside her. I’m unsure how much time passes, but it’s not long before she sleeps. Her soft snores fill the room, and I check to ensure she has plenty of water and ibuprofen by the bed before tiptoeing out of the room. I'll wait until I'm at the end of the driveway and maybe even a little further down the road, then I’ll request a ride back to the house. I need to get out of here before Callum shows up. I've already remained too long, and every passing minute prompts me that I'm pressing my luck.
