Page 37 of Burn Falls

“You … You bit me.”

I whipped my mouth. “And you killed my buddy’s mother in 1988.”

The guy’s brown gaze flicked to Martin’s as Martin sucked in a breath. “Are you sure?” Martin asked.

“Yes. The blood on the leather that’s in evidence is the same blood I just drank.”

Martin moved and got in the guy’s face. “Why? What did she ever do to you?”

He didn’t respond, so I grabbed him by his throat. “Answer him. Why did you kill his mother?”

“She … She saw my face,” he replied hoarsely.

“Kill him,” Martin ordered.

The man started to struggle against my grasp, but I held on, not letting him break free—or breathe. “Are you sure?” I asked. I hadn’t killed anyone since the night I’d saved him from the gang that shot his partner.

“Yes.”

And because this was my best friend and he deserved peace, I agreed. “Go back to the station. Make every cop in the precinct know you’re there. Don’t leave until the sun comes up.”

“Draven—”

“You’re already a part of this. I don’t want you involved any more than you are.”

Martin turned to the door, and before he opened it, he asked, “So this is goodbye?”

I turned to my friend and shook my head. “No, it’s not goodbye. Goodbyes are forever, and you won’t get rid of me that easily.”

The door opened, and I loosened the grip on the guy’s neck, waiting for Martin to leave so I could do what I needed to do. Instead, Martin spoke.

“Drave?”

I turned my head toward him again.

“Thank you.”

CHAPTER NINE

Present Day – Burn Falls

New Year’s Eve.

I once heard that New Year’s Eve was a time to pause and reflect on the previous year, and to look ahead to the coming one. I just never thought my reflection of the previous year would be a tragic one.

Uncle Ted and a few of my mother’s friends came over for dinner, and afterward, Valencia, Betha, Alastair, and I decided to take a taxi to the one and only bar in Burn Falls to ring in the new year. We all needed a break and to numb our pain with music and alcohol.

“I’m sorry you’re missing your opportunity with Chance tonight,” I said to V as we sat at a high top table. Alastair and Betha were getting our drinks from the bar.

“I already told you that you’re more important. If it’s meant to be, then the next time we go for Margarita Friday something will happen.”

I took a deep breath, not sure how I could tell her that I was moving back to Burn Falls. Even though I’d told my mother that I needed to think about it, there really wasn’t anything to think about. OBB was my father’s pride and joy, and there was no way I’d let it turn to shit or be sold to someone else.

“I need to tell you something.”

“Okay.” She leaned closer and rested her crossed arms on the table.

“My mom wants me to take over OBB.”