Fundamental Affair (IILWTE sequel)

Chapter 7: All My Fault

Quinn's P.O.V.

The death of our doorman was whispered throughout the entire building like it was a mere secret. The women lingered in the hallways while gossiping, their Italian accents heavy. Their husbands all grumbled amongst each other about who they think could have done such a treacherous crime. Apparently, the spotlight was on none other than Jason and Gabrielle.

My lips twisted into a scowl as I pushed through the cackling group of women. They knew Gabrielle and Jason were our family, and yet they made no move to keep their voices down as I passed by to my apartment door. If anything, they spoke louder so I could catch snippets.

"I always knew about Jason's anger problem." insisted one overweight woman as she waved her hand in front of her face, for the heat was starting to get to her. "So you can imagine how right I felt when there was a blood trail leading right to their door."

"Who knows," interjected another woman with a long face, "perhaps it was that ditzy woman of his. I always knew beauty hid ugly secrets."

"Shut the fuck up!" I screamed finally, my rage getting the better of me. I knew how much the accusations hurt Vivian and her family, and it fueled my anger to the point where it exploded. "If you people would get your heads out of each others' asses, then maybe you'd know more than what the other knows, which isn't a whole lot!"

I didn't have time to see their shocked and outraged expressions as I slammed the door closed behind me after I entered my apartment. I massaged my temples as I leaned back against our door. When I opened my eyes, Vivian was nowhere to been seen.

"Vivian?" I called out uselessly. I received no answer.

I saw her laptop sitting over on the table in front of the couch. I plopped down onto the couch and reached for it. It was still warm to the touch, so I knew she just left. I figured she was with Gabrielle. Ever since Gabrielle awoke to find her hair chopped shorter and her ring missing, she rarely stayed in her own apartment, opting to stay over at ours or avoiding the building altogether.

Jason didn't allow her to be by herself at any times. Even when Gabrielle went to the salon to fix her hair situation, he insisted on tagging along, but when Vivian assured him she would stay by Gabrielle's side the entire time, he somewhat relaxed. I kept Jason company while our girls were out, and he never fully calmed down until Gabrielle returned looking drop dead gorgeous. Her hair was elegantly curled, and Vivian and I watched as he took her into his arms and repeatedly ran his fingers through her hair.

I snorted at the memory. It was a bit funny to watch, and the old me before I met Vivian would have thought the sight to be creepy, but after knowing the fear of losing the one you love, I probably would have done the same.

The bubble of reminiscing was popped as the door flung open with a loud crash. I was on my feet in seconds, and the gun I had taped on the underside of the table was being pointed straight at a furious Jason. Vivian was right behind him, a crumpled envelope crushed inside her right hand. Gabrielle was clutching to Jason's arm like a vice, and she was shaking in fear, tears lining her eyes.

"W-what's going on?" I stammered, dread pooling in my gut like cold water. The grip on my gun went slack, so I laid it down on the table.

"Did you fucking read this?" hissed Jason. He ripped the envelope out of Vivian's grasp, and threw in over at me.

It caught the wind, and fell a couple inches away from his feet. I would have laughed, in fact, I was biting back my amusement because now wasn't the time to crack jokes. I've experienced the pure hatred of Jason, and it was not something I was keen on reliving again. Instead, I quickly stepped forward and retrieved it before he could throw a tantrum.