Page 308 of Shadowman

I mean, shit.He grew up on the streets as an underage sex worker. The years when you’re supposed to be learning, developing and figuring yourself out, he was being assaulted, sent to juvie and institutions. He’s seen so much pain…

And I punched him in the face a bunch of times.

Fuck me… This is awful.

I don’t want to let him off the hook…. I’m not sure Ican, despite how deeply I care for him. Because I do, clearly. I can’t help it. The feelings are there, and they’re strong as fuck, no matter how stupid they make me feel.

But the hard truth is that having any kind of relationship with Trevel Fenwick would require a fuckload of patience and understanding that I’m not sure I’m capable of giving.

My black-and-white emotions would need to discover gray for him.

I’m staring helplessly at Felix when Ren and Dash come traipsing over, holding out rifles for us to take.

“All good?” Ren asks, possibly noting the dismal look on my face.

I push past it and nod, taking the AR-15 he’s handing me.

Dash gives an AK-47 to a visibly hesitant Felix. “You ever shot one before?”

“I understand the premise,” he grumbles, and Dash chuckles. “I’ll probably just stick with my hunting knife.”

“No arguments here,” Rook looks up from what he’s doing to smirk.

A phone rings, and we all freeze. Mostly us prisoners, because weneverhear that sound anymore.

Joy pulls a cellphone out of her pocket, checking the screen before answering quickly. “Hi! It’s so good to hear from you…” She paces over to Rook, Velle and Kemper following closely. “Yea, we’re alright. Exhausted and stressed, but hey… Who isn’t, right?”

She chuckles while the rest of us exchange puzzled looks.

“He’s right here. Hang on, I’m gonna put you on speaker.” Joy taps the screen, holding the phone out in front of her, specifically aiming it toward Rook. “Alright, the gang’s all here, Mr. Samuels!”

“Thank you, darling,” the deep voice of an older man comes over the speakerphone. “And please, I’ve told you, call me Keith.”

Joy chuckles, and Velle smirks.

“Hey, Dad.” Rook sighs, an immediate calm settling over his features and a pretty adorable grin tugging at his lips. “How are you and Mom? And Kira??”

Rook’s dad… How cute.

“We’re fine, don’t worry about us,” Mr. Samuels says, sounding every bit like the stern yet polite and supportive Midwestern father we all assumed Rook was raised by. “Your mother just wants to know if you’re drinking enough water. That goes for Joy and John, too. And whoever else is there.”

Kemper is chuckling as my eyes glide to the guys. Felix and Dash are grinning. Ren pouts and whispers, “Aww! He soundssoNorth Dakota!”

“Shh. Drink your water.” Luthor smirks at him.

“You got it, Dad.” Rook’s excitement fades into the serious pretty fast. “So… what’s the word?”

Mr. Samuels rumbles, “There’s been a new… development.”

It’s clear that most of them know what this conversation is about. Pretty much everyone is zoned in on the call, except me, Luthor, and Ren.

“Is it about the girl?” Velle barks, wedging up close to Rook, huddling by the phone as if this is very important to him.Whateverit is…

At that, realization dawns visibly on Ren. His eyes widen, and he steps over to Rook, like he’s also invested in what his dad is saying.

What’s going on?? I’m lost.

“Yea,” Mr. Samuels sighs. “She’s dead.”