Page 26 of Grace's Redemption

“I can’t do it, Gracie.” His voice was muffled.

I stood up.

He stood and pushed off the counter and stomped back into the living room.

“Do what?” I followed him.

He sat on the edge of the couch and looked at his hands. They shook.

I grabbed his hand and squeezed it.

“He wanted me to …” He rubbed his eye with the other hand. “I can’t do it. I’m not a killer.”

“Kill who?” I asked.

Mattie blinked his eyes as if waking from a dream.

“Nothing.” He dropped my hand. “It’s nothing. I’ll handle it.”

“Who does he want you to kill, Mattie?”

Mattie closed his eyes.

“Who?” I shook his arm.

He winced from the pain in his shoulder.

I wasn’t asking who as in what was his name. I was asking who as in, how high up on the food chain was the guy.

“The Vipers President’s son.” A tear fell down Mattie’s cheek. “It will be your sign of loyalty son.” Mattie yelled, mimicking his father's voice.

I jumped.

He rubbed his face.

“I had him in my crosshairs.” Mattie held his arm up and made the shape of a gun with his thumb and index finger. He pulled the imaginary trigger. “You should have seen the look in the poor bastard’s eyes. He was scared shitless. I couldn’t do it.”

“Mattie,” I whispered.

“The Vipers will be coming for us, coming after me.” Mattie flopped on the couch. I followed him and sat next to him.

“Then you have to go.” I said. “Get the fuck out of here.”

“It’s not that easy, Gracie.” He shrugged. “Besides where am I going to go?”

“Mase.”I rested my hand on his leg. “Call him. Tell him. He’ll know how to fix it.” I sat up on my knees.

“I’m not putting this shit on his back.” Mattie covered his face with his good arm

“But,—”

“No Gracie.” Mattie snapped.

I shut my mouth and sunk back in the coach.

“Why did you come here?” I asked.

“I don’t know.” He stood up.