Page 59 of No More Lies

Stunned, Steve stared at his team leader. He was aware Kelly had struggled with guilt and feeling responsible for some of Reborn’s actions, but Dex had never really talked much more about it. Not with him anyway.

“Fuck, Dex, that’s... Jesus... I’m sorry.”

“I didn’t tell you for your sympathy. I told you because I still don’t think what she did was right, but I accept it because I understand why. Why she thought that way at the time. Kelly wishes now she had made different choices, but we can’t go back and change what happened. All I know is I love her, and she loves me. I wanted that love more than I wanted to stay angry.”

“And you guys seem to have worked it out.”

Dex smiled. “Yeah, we have. You’ve heard her when she still blames herself for all the death and destruction Reborn have inflicted since then. But at least she talks to me about it. In some ways it brought us even closer. She’ll talk to me about anything now.” He paused. “When Diane explained why she didn’t come to you, did you really listen?”

Steve averted his gaze. “I heard what I wanted to hear,” he admitted. “There was a lot of shouting, and I said things I shouldn’t have said.”

“None of us are perfect, Steve. This isn’t some romance novel where the hero can do no wrong. We’re human. Not to mention, you guys haven’t really had time to talk properly, not when all this is still going on.”

Steve didn’t respond.

“Look, I’m no fucking counselor,” Dex said, “but all I’m saying is, maybe it’s OK to not agree with what Diane did. If you love her, and I know you do, then you need to decide if staying angry is more important than finding out why, and making sure she never feels like she can’t come to you again.”

Dex got up.

“One thing at a time, Steve. Let’s get this son of a bitch, make sure your family are safe. Then you and Diane can really talk.”

Dex went back inside, and Steve was left alone with his thoughts.

Chapter 14

Scottie and Logan had a ladder up in Diane’s office and had removed a couple of ceiling tiles to fit with the ruse they were working on repairs. Diane was trying to work, but jumping every time her phone rang.

This morning had been awful. All she had wanted was a hug from her husband. To feel his arms around her, strong, protective and safe. To hear him say he forgave her, and everything was going to be alright.

“Hey Diane, Liam’s just checking in.” Scottie held up his phone. “If you think he’s calling, just shout my name.”

She gave them a weak smile. “No problem.”

She stared at a case file, but so far, she hadn’t got passed the first page. A beep announced a text message.

Steve: Just wanted to let you know everything is good with Megan