Page 115 of Pretty Vengeance

That grabs my attention, and my head jerks in surprise. I’ve already taken a notion about Sawyer. I want her to become a permanent fixture in my life, but she’d think I was mental if I proposed right after killing her dad. “She’s just out of secondary school, Trick. At uni, sure, but still a schoolgirl.”

Trick’s eyes narrow. “The girl’s eighteen, right?”

“Of course, yeah.”

“Old enough then.” Trick’s hands emerge from the pockets of his coat, as though he’s warmed up from the heat of his annoyance. “Law enforcement can’t compel her to testify against you if she’s your wife. You say you’re willing to do anything to protect her. I’m telling you what to do.”

The implied threat to Sawyer causes my fists to clench.

Trick wants her under my control where I can keep a close eye on her. And it’s not the worst suggestion I’ve ever heard. I do want her, of course. But trying to lock her down quickly and suddenly might cause her to pull back.

“Listen, if I ask now, I doubt she’ll even have me. We haven’t been together long, and what she knows of me can’t inspire much confidence about a happy future life.”

Leveling me with a gaze, he says, “Convince her.”

“Right.” Drawing in a breath, I lean forward. “About the father, I have an idea that could make it look like he’s gone on the run, rather than that something’s happened to him.”

“Tell me.”

I run down my plans to schedule emails from his work account, including an incriminating one that will look like he sent it accidentally. “If the police think he’s become afraid of being arrested, it’ll muddy the waters.”

“Yeah. We’ll circle back to that in a couple of hours. Once I know the body’s gone.” He rubs the back of his neck. “If you had ideas about leaving the Crue now that your vendetta’s complete, forget it. You’ll be clearing your debt to us for a long time.”

That brings me up short. I’d only promised the Crue one year’s work after the training. “How long exactly?”

“I don’t know. After I speak to C, he’ll tell you.” With that, Trick turns and heads back toward the truck.

Exhaling, I try to wrap my head around Trick’s statements. It’s tough to accept I won’t be moving home to Ireland next year, but considering I’ve broken their rules and they’re helping me cover up a murder… I’m lucky Trick values blood so much.

Nodding to myself, I reframe my expectations for the next few years. Right, so I’ll only be visiting the island, not living there. I can deal with that. After all, a huge weight’s been lifted from my shoulders. I’ve finally gotten vengeance for Jude, and in the bargain, I’ve found an excuse—albeit a dark one—to keep the girl I’m in love with.

On the whole, I’m getting a new life. I’d be a fool not to make the best of it.

53

SAWYER

The only way life could get more surreal would be if I dropped acid while wandering through a theme park.

It’s been three days since New Haven, and the world is still turning as if my adopted father didn’t die by violence. I’d probably be freaking out if it weren’t for Jamie and Ash who never leave me alone for a second.

When we’re taking a walk outside, Jamie gives me instructions. “I reckon it’s been the right amount of time now, Sauce. Tomorrow, you’ll call your grandparents to ask if they’ve heard from him and say you haven’t. You can ask their advice about whether they think you should call the police. If they’ve noticed he’s been out of touch, they may decide to do it for you, which is even better. If not, you’ll wait another day and then call the police to go by. You’ll say you’re worried because he seemed so depressed over the death of his son. It’ll plant the seed he may have disappeared because he decided to harm himself.”

It’s clever. And carefully considered. Jamie seems to sense I’m at a loss as to what to say next because he cups my cheek and strokes it reassuringly.

“Your plan sounds perfect,” I say. My eyes dart from his to the path. “Sorry for acting rattled. I promise I can handle this.”

“Listen,” he says slowly. “You’ve been brilliant altogether. From the house to the train station and ever since.”

Licking my dry lips, I shrug. “I’m trying.”

“Lean into me on this. You know how when we’re playing games in bed, you let go of trying to maintain control and just let me lead?”

“Sure.”

“Do that now.” Licking his lips, he tips his forehead until it touches mine. “I swear I’ll get you through this.”

After a shudder, I hug him. “I want usboththrough it.”