Page 14 of Death

I wish I could feel the safety of Grace’s arms right now. I squeeze my eyes shut, and it takes all my strength to keep myself from sobbing.

“Listen, I have terrible news, but I wanted you to hear it from me,” she says.

My eyes pop open again. “What?”

“Dad’s been killed by the same man who had me kidnapped.”

I blink for a moment as the shock hits and automatically respond, “Oh my God, Grace!” Worried for my sister’s safety, I ask, “Where did it happen? Was it at home? Did you get hurt?”

“I’m fine. I wasn’t home.”

I’m hit with intense relief, and unable to control my chaotic emotions, a sob escapes and I begin to cry.

“Oh, honey, I wish I could hold you right now.”

I want that, too.

My voice is thick with tears as I ask, “Are you safe?”

Please. I couldn’t bear for anything happening to Grace.I’m barely hanging on as it is.

“I’m safe. Don’t worry about me. Are you okay? Where are you? Do you have enough money?”

Her words offer me some relief, and I struggle to focus on the call. “Yeah,” the word trembles over my lips, and I try harder to sound calm as I lie, “I’m seeing all the sights in Europe while…ahh..trying to find myself.” My eyes dart to Nolan’s face, and seeing an impatient look, I quickly, “Where are you?”

“I’m with Dominik.”

NoNoNoNo!

“Jesus, Grace!” I cry, my heart sinking to my stomach. “I…what…God. I’m so sorry.”

“Shh…” She hushes me, sounding totally calm. “I’m really okay. So far, he’s been nothing but kind to me.”

Finding that hard to believe, I mumble, “Yeah, right.” Nolan indicates for me to hang up before pressing the barrel of the gun harder against my temple. Not knowing whether this will be the last time I get to talk with Grace, I quickly add, “I’m sorry about everything.”

“It’s okay.” I drink in the sound of her voice. “I have to go. I’ll get a new number soon, so be on the lookout for it.”

“I love you, Grace,” I squeeze the words out. “So so much!”

“I love you, too, Ciara. Be careful and take care of yourself, okay?”

“Uh-huh.” Whispering, I close my eyes. “Love you.”

Nolan grabs the phone and ends the call before letting out an impatient huff. “That took way too fucking long!”

“She would’ve known something was wrong otherwise,” I argue before bursting out in tears.

Nolan tucks the gun away before wrapping his arms around me. “I’m sorry about your father, but it’s for the best that he’s dead. Now, he won’t search for you.”

I cry harder and don’t put up a fight when Nolan comforts me.

Dad’s dead, and Grace is stuck with Dominik Varga, a dangerous arms dealer.

My entire life has fallen apart in a matter of days, and I can’t cope with any of it.

“Shh…” Nolan coos, his arms wrapping tighter around me.

In desperate need of the comfort he’s giving me, I lean against him and sob my heart out.