Page 27 of Vows From Hell

“Of course you did,’’ I mumbled under my breath. “Should we tackle this problem head-on?”

“The decision is all yours, Bambi.’’

IX

STORM

A part of me didn’t want to believe it.

I knew Micah’s personality well, and I didn’t think he’d lie. However, I didn’t think he’d be this bold and straightforward, either.

The entire day, he was telling me stories about his work under this man.

I’d heard of the Rapscallion, of course, as I did study him quite a bit. But there wasn’t a single witness who’d seen his face, so I didn’t bother trying to seek him out myself. He’d have me killed before I would realize what was happening.

In a way, people were acting as if he were a myth. All I knew about him was the name he went by. Micah didn’t meet him personally, so I started wondering if he was a man. He presented himself as one, though that could’ve been a cover-up.

The more stories I heard, the more concerned I grew.

Micah worked for a dangerous person. One day, if he was deemed useless, it would be easy to get rid of him. Be it by death or by having him arrested, with all the connections the Rapscallion had, it could be done in a day. It terrified me that our fate was in the hands of someone uncertain.

“Stop worrying about it,’’ he said.

“How can I not worry? Not only did you invite a police officer into your hideout, but you’re also working for someone whose face you haven’t seen. What if he decides he doesn’t want to help you?”

“Do you think I don’t have a backup plan? Just because I haven’t seen him doesn’t mean I don't know who he is.’’

I paused, mid-washing the dishes, and turned to look at him, my hands soaked with foam.

“So you know who he is?”

“His real identity, yes. He also knows that I know, so he won’t get rid of me.’’

“Because you might tell the cops?”

“Do you honestly think that his biggest enemy is the law enforcement? He doesn’t even concern himself with the cops. He doesn’t give a shit.’’

I thought about it briefly. To have such an infamous name in the underworld was a great deal. Many despised him and many wanted to see him gone. Micah had a point, so with a nod, I turned to finish washing the dishes.

Micah prepared everything for Kyle’s arrival. I was uneasy about the whole thing. Kyle must’ve had something planned if he took Micah’s supposed bait. Given how many closed cases he had and how many successful years in his career, coming here without a plan was unlikely.

Even if he came into this house alone, there was a possibility of having this entire street under surveillance.

What if we truly wouldn’t be able to leave this place?

Well, then we were going to die together.

A while ago, Micah brushed my hair, and braided it.

Apparently, I was the only one concerned about all the DNA we were leaving behind in this house. His main home was somewhere not too far from here, but also not in the open. There was a slim chance of finding us there, and even if they did, Micah had another plan in place.

That was what he told me, at least.

Still, I was worried.

I didn’t regret coming here, but I also couldn’t help but feel like it wouldn’t work. The trace of doubt lingered long before I arrived, and it seemed to be stronger than before.

Micah’s phone buzzed, and he took the call, leaving the room and going to the basement.