Page 118 of Hide From Me

“So, when you say future, do you mean like in five seconds? Or are we talking after you murder me?”

His face just wasn’t one that made you want to trust him.

He grabbed a pen.

“It doesn’t matter, does it? Since I’m the one that holds the power right now, aren’t I?”

I thought about it, but I didn’t get the chance to say anything clever, because a wall that I’d not paid much attention to opened. There was a door, but I actually didn’t know where it went, and it wasn’t near that wall. Strange.

I couldn’t stop the joy that bubbled up inside of me as I watched Cas and Zeiden push through, guns drawn, and maybe a knife or two.

“I don’t think you hold the power at all, old man,” said Cas.

Both of the men, Grandpa and his little friend, froze.

“You good, blossom?” Cas asked.

I nodded.

“Grandpa here is probably going to kill me, but I got the answers that I needed. Looks like I don’t need him anymore.”

Cas tossed me a knife.

“Untie yourself. He won’t be killing anyone anymore.”

My grandfather seemed conflicted.

“Now, young man. Do you have any idea how much she’s worth? Have her sign the papers, and I’ll give you twenty-five percent.”

Those were all the wrong words.

“None of us need her money. Besides, she’s worth more than you could ever afford. Any last words, asshole?”

Cas glanced one more time at me.

“You want the honors, blossom?”

Zeiden handed me another gun while they kept the two men in check.

I took it as I stood up. My legs were still on the wobbly side, but I didn’t want them to see that. I was okay.

'“Thanks, boys.”

I turned to my family that I never wanted.

“Well, it was a great family reunion and all, but I’m done. This is me avenging Grandma and my mother. See you in hell.”

And I pulled the trigger.

Cas shot the other guy as he lunged for me. Both bodies crumpled to the floor as Cas caught me before I fell.

“Caspian. You’re my hero. Now get me the fuck out of here.”

He carried me through a house I couldn’t ever see as my home, out a kitchen that had two confused and oddly grateful people, through a field that needed to be mowed, and far, far away from a life that might have been worse than anything I’d ever seen. Maybe.

“Caspian? Take me home.”

FORTY-FOUR