AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“Yet you kept this to yourself, even after Adam was killed.After I was nearly killed, too.Twice.”
“Like I said.My actions have been anything but conscionable.I can sit here and apologize for them, but it won’t make them right.Won’t erase what I’ve done.Won’t bring back anyone who lost their life because of me.Hopefully, this will make sure nobody else dies in order to protect this secret.”
I lift my eyes to his, a part of me wondering if this is just another manipulative game.But what could he potentially have to gain by admitting his involvement?Sure, Silas Archer and his father are much more involved, but Jameson is just as responsible.Just as culpable.
Maybe he really is doing this to make amends.
This may be the first honorable thing he’s ever done in his life.It makes the sting of learning I was right about him all along a little easier to swallow.
“Well…” I pull myself to my feet, keeping the flash drive clutched tightly in my grip.“Thank you for coming clean.”
“You’ll keep that safe?”He stands, glancing toward my hand.
“Of course.”
“And your apartment will be secure?”
“This entire complex is secure.”
“I understand that.”He hesitates, licking his lips.“But can you put in a request for additional protection?At least for the next few days?What I’m planning to do tomorrow is going to piss off a lot of people.I’ll be on the official visitor log here, which means they may turn their ire on you.I hate to have put you in this position in the first place.Unfortunately, you’re the only person in my life I trust.Who I know will do the right thing with this information.”
Jameson’s not even a friend.He’s more of an acquaintance than anything.Someone forced into my life ages ago by someone trying to manipulate me.The fact I’m the only person who he can trust is incredibly sad.
“I’d just feel better knowing someone was here with you.Someone on your protection team.”
“I’ll have Archie arrange full-time security for the next few days.”
He seems to find relief in this, his shoulders falling.Then he bows toward me.“Your Highness.”He lifts his eyes to mine, his voice quivering as he says, “It’s been an honor.”
“Mr.Gates.”
As he retreats from me, I can’t shake the premonition forming in my stomach that this may be the last time I ever see him.
ChapterThirty-Two
Jameson
I stepinto the foyer of my house, feeling infinitely lighter than I did when I left for Esme’s apartment.If you’d told me years ago that I’d admit to the role I played in all of this, I wouldn’t have believed it.
I would have argued I’d never betray my father like that.That I’d never do anything that could put the lifestyle I’ve grown accustomed to at risk.
A terminal diagnosis puts things into perspective, though.
I should have been content to go to my grave without a single person knowing the truth.But the sicker I got, the less I was able to stomach that idea, especially with the knowledge that Esme’s been looking into Kane.
It’s only a matter of time before Archer and my father succeed in silencing her, for once and for all.
I can’t have her blood on my hands, too.
Not anymore.
I toe off my shoes as I shrug out of my jacket, draping it over the polished mahogany banister before tugging off my navy blue tie, the sound of rustling fabric filling the cavernous space.Gripping the railing, I pad up the winding staircase, the carpet soft on my feet, and slip into the owner’s suite, heading straight for the bathroom.
The counter is cluttered with dozens of pill bottles, each filled with drugs that promise to give me a little more time.Most people would be devastated upon learning they only had months to live.
Not me.
There’s no doubt in my mind I’m finally getting what I deserve after all the horrible things I’ve done.Confessing my sins won’t bring back those I’ve hurt.
