We’re all lost.
“He needs something else to fight for. A distraction from the chase he’s currently on.”
He doesn’t have to enlighten me on what Christopher’s chasing. I’d be right beside him if I could.
“He’s going to get himself and others killed. If not by the men they’re hunting, then by the rules we’re governed by, Arabella. Do you understand?”
“I won’t stop him. Not when it’s all I want too. Do you understand that? Do you understand that your granddaughter was murdered before she even had a chance to live? Do you understand that I want their blood and their heads?”
The numbness is overtaken by anger and grief. Hate overwhelms me, and my tears and sobs suffocate me.
I can’t breathe with how desperate I am to get up from this bed and do something.
“Calm down, you’re getting yourself into a state.”
“I want to rip them apart with my bare hands!” My keening howl fills the room, and the echoes of it are like open flames touching the gunpowder inside me.
“So you should, but do you think he’ll let you?”
He takes a step towards me, fingers pulling at the sleeves of his navy suit jacket.
“Do you think Christopher will let you exert your justice?”
Another step closer, he smooths the lapels of his jacket down.
I need him to. I need to make this right.
“He will lock you away until he’s done.”
Closer still, he checks his watch.
“Do you love your husband?”
Stopping at the foot of my bed, his hands slip into his pockets.
“Do you want justice?”
Yes!
“I do.”
“Walk away. Save him. Get your justice.”
There can never be justice. Just revenge.
“Give him something else to hunt.”
His hard stare rakes down the bed.
How can I walk away when I can’t even get out of this bed?
“Lock him out. Push Christopher away.”
“And if it doesn’t work?” What if he leaves me for good?
“There is no if. Save him and I’ll give you a shot at what you want.” For the first time since he walked into the room, he touches me.
His hand squeezes my leg as he sits on the edge of the bed looking at me with softness and sorrow rather than disappointment and fury.