Page 96 of Sinner's Malice

Following, I held out a chair for her to sit.

Taking the one next to her, Amelia looked at the bar and whispered, “What happened to her, Gideon?”

“We were in a motorcycle accident three days ago. Arianwen was pregnant. She lost the baby.”

My mother closed her eyes and sighed. “It was God’s will.”

“Not so sure about that. Had I known, I wouldn’t have had her on my bike. I was being reckless and took stupid chances.”

“Everything happens for a reason.”

“That’s what Father Dominic used to tell me. Now, I’m not so sure.”

“Why?”

“Because everything’s changed.”

“Change is inevitable.”

Arianwen walked over, placing two glasses on the table, along with two unopened cans of Sprite, before walking away.

“She’s struggling. I don’t know how to help her.”

“You can’t.”

“Amelia, does the name Gray Greer mean anything to you?”

“Should it?”

Shaking my head, I muttered, “No.”

“Then why ask?”

“Because—”

“Amelia?”

Turning, I found Snoopy, one of the Retirement Rejects, staring right at my mother. Getting to my feet, I stepped in front of her as he approached.

“How do you know her?” I growled.

Looking around, Snoopy sidestepped me, choosing to sit at the table. “Amelia, what are you doing here?”

My mother didn’t look upset or surprised to see him. In fact, she looked like she knew him and when she lightly patted his hand, I knew there was something she hadn’t told me.

Looking up at me, she simply said, “I am here at Gideon’s request.”

Curious, Torment and Rage walked over to stand next to me.

“You shouldn’t be here, Amelia.”

“Not gonna ask you again, Snoopy. How the fuck do you know my mother?”

“Mother?” Snoopy’s head whipped to mine as his face paled right before he jumped to his feet and started ranting. “Oh God. That low down piece of shit. I should have fucking known he wouldn’t keep his fucking word. If he wasn’t already dead, I’d kill him with my bare hands!”

Grabbing the Reject by his cut, I snarled, “Speak!”

Snoopy gulped, then looked at Amelia.