Page 67 of Redd

Chapter Thirteen

Redd

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Iwas quiet for therest of the night. What was there for me to say?

The vehicle in the parking lot had left before Vicki came back out, driven by a man who was waiting for a woman carrying one small child and a bag of groceries.

Focusing on anything other than Bijou's words was unmanageable. It was as if fate had played a trick on me, dangling this delicious treat in front of my face, only to fool me into doing something good.

She was what I was searching for the entire time. . . Fucking shit.

Bijou and Vicki worked side by side in the kitchen, making a good dinner and giggling together. It made me happy to see Vicki smiling that way.

I just couldn't stop my head from going to the dark side. I had fucked up, I had fucked up and it wasn't just going to cost me my life, there would be three of us getting buried together in a mass grave.

Bijou was his prized possession, she was his jewel.

It was so hard for me grasp the reality of that. I had expected cash or valuables, not a woman.

“Redd, I'm going to bed.” Vicki walked up to me and kicked me in the shin. “The kitchen is clean and my homework is done. Bijou helped me with my math tonight, so you're off the hook.” Kissing my cheek, she sent me a smile and headed towards her room.

“Night, little one, see you in the morning.” Forcing a smile, I did my best to not let her see how I really felt inside.

I was a bomb about to go off, ready to storm that guy's house to make him suffer for every bruise, cut, and scar he had ever given to Bijou. I was ready to make him pay for past, present, and future pain he would have a hand in.

Digging my fingers into the arm of the couch, I clenched my teeth behind a fake smile, as endless rage filled my muscles.

He's not going to get away with this. I won't let him.

“Night,” she said, stopping in the hall and turning her head over her shoulder. “Night, Bijou.”

“Night, Vicki.” Bijou stepped into the doorway of the kitchen and living room, wiping her hands with paper towels.

I felt her turn her eyes to me, standing in silence, fully aware of the challenge I was up against.

“I know what you want to say,” I said, leaning forward and pushing my head into my hands.

“Oh yeah, and what do you think I want to say?” Walking to my side, the paper towel bumbled between her fingers, until she finally balled it up and held it tight.

Growling lightly, I scrubbed my head with my nails, scratching at my scalp. “That I'm a fucking idiot.”

“You're not even close.”

Throwing my body back, I gripped my thighs. “Well that's what I feel like. I fucked up big time.”

Bijou dropped to my side, laying an open hand on my leg. “You're not an idiot, you saved me. Do you have any idea what that means to me?”

Letting out a deep chuckle, I rubbed my chin with my thumb. “It will mean nothing if that man finds you.”

Squeezing my leg, she smiled. “Then let's fix it. . . Together. I know his habits, I know how he works. I didn't spend all that time watching him and not learn shit. I watched so I could end it, so I could end him. Let's end this, Redd.”

Veering my stare, I snapped. “And what happens if we fail? What will happen to Vicki if I die?” Pushing her hand away, I laid my head back and shut my eyes. “My mother didn't give herself so Vicki would end up alone.”

“We won't fail.” Standing up straight, she cocked her leg out and glared at me. “I won't fail.”

“What if we leave? What if we all just leave right now?” Staring up at her, I reached out and took her hand. “We could run and he won't find us. I've been able to avoid the police for years, I'm sure I can avoid him.”