Page 87 of Matrix

“What do you mean?”

“Filled with bitterness.”

“You don’t come across that way.” I turn to study his profile. His jaw’s tight, and he’s gripping the empty bottle like it’s a lifeline.

“I hate myself for not speaking up, for not doing something to stop Blackstone. Even though we were just kids, if we’d told someone the truth, maybe the cops would have done something.”

“Don’t think like that. We were young and scared. Back then, we did the best we could. Life hasn’t been easy, but look at everything we’ve built. There are clubs all over the country trying to bring men like Blackstone to justice. We haven’t stopped him, but we will. Have faith. One day we’ll get a break, and it will be exactly what we need to end his reign of terror.”

I hear rustling coming from around the corner. In an instant, Talon and I are on our feet with our guns drawn. I motion for him to get behind me. Stalking across the patio, I ready myself for a confrontation.

“Don’t shoot!” Angela steps out from behind the wall with her hands held high.

“Crap!” I stuff my piece in my cut.“Don’t sneak up on us like that.”

“Sorry.” Her gaze drops to the floor.

“Do you need something? Is Daisy okay?” I glance toward the kitchen window.

“She’s in there with Nina making lunch. Um … I kind of listened in on you guys. Is it true?” Her voice trembles. “Are you two really talking about Blackstone?”

“Yes,” I say softly.

“He kept you prisoner too?”

“Yeah, when we were kids.” My throat tightens as memories assault me. I force myself to stay focused. This is the first time she’s even said his name in my presence. Maybe she’s ready to talk.

“What did he do?” she asks.

“Well …” I glance at Talon. He gives a slight inclination of his chin, so I know it’s okay to share our story with her.“When we were much younger, we were adopted by Blackstone.”

“Gross.” She leans against the railing and folds her arms across her chest.

“He did some really bad stuff to us,” Talon says. I give him a look of warning. Although we want to discuss this with her, details aren’t necessary. He realizes it and continues,“We were locked up in his dungeon for years. The same place he kept you.”

“I was only there a few days. It felt like forever. You were there for that long?” she asks.

“Yep.”

“How did you get away?”

“We made an escape plan. All of us were there. Me, Scar, Nitro, Talon, and Reaper.”

“Reaper’s scary.”

“He’s nice unless you’re a bad guy,” Talon says.

“Glad I’m not one.” She flashes a quick smile.

“He makes sure men like Blackstone can’t keep hurting people,” I say.

“I heard you guys talking about how you wish you’d reported him.”

“It’s true, but by the time we escaped, we were really messed up,” Talon says.

“Daisy wants me to tell the FBI about him.” She shifts her weight from one foot to the other.

“What do you think about that?” I ask.