Vengeance (Updating Weekly)

Part 24

Atticus finally shows up as I'm eyeing the photos around his TV.

"What's going on?" he asks.

"I know how you can find Vassilis," I tell him. He lets out a frustrated sigh.

"You weren't supposed to know about that."

"Why not?" I question. It's pretty crucial information for you to know. He takes a step towards me, clearly sympathetic.

"I didn't want you to worry. You have enough on your mind. I don't want you stressing about this, too."

"I have an idea to find him."

"You don't need to help with this, Erin. We can figure this out."

"I want to help," I insist. "I hate that he's free and I'd be lying if I said I wasn't scared, but this can't continue. I want to help. I'll be fine."

"Are you sure?"

"Yes, definitely," I lie. I can't tell what I want do to more — cry or scream.

"Alright," he gives in. "What's your plan?"

"Use me as bait," I say. "Use me to lure him out."

"No," he shakes his head. "That's not happening."

"Come on, you know it's the best way. You have to draw him out and this is the way to do it. Better yet, just give me to him."

"I'm not doing that."

"Last time they got me, you overpowered them easily."

"Yeah, I'm not fucking worried about overpowering them. I'm worried about you getting hurt!"

"I won't! They didn't hurt me last time."

"No!" he urges. "They want to kill you, Erin. Don't you understand that?"

"Yes, I do, but you can get to them before that happens. You can track me. They'll lead you right to him."

"I don't care. It's not fucking happening. It's too risky. We'll find another way."

"Like what?" I challenge. "Everything you've tried so far has failed. This will work."

"And what if it fails like everything else has? Then you're dead!"

"It won't fail!"

"That's what we thought last time," he says. "It's just not going to happen. It's not going to fucking happen."

"Atticus..." I beg. I step closer, placing my hand on his arm. "Please. This needs to stop. We can't keep trying and failing. This will work."

"You don't understand," he removes my hand. "My dad doesn't just want to kill you. He's not going to — not for months. He's going to torture you. He will keep you alive, but barely."

"That just gives you more time to find me," I try to sound confident, but his words terrify me.

"No. I said no, Erin," he insists, his tone even harsher than it was before. "It's not fucking happening, okay? I'm not letting you put yourself at risk. It's not fucking happening!"

I knew this wouldn't be easy. I was stupid to think he would agree to this straight away. But I have to be strong. This is the only way. This is the best way.

"Fine," I head back towards the door. "I'll do it myself."

"Erin!"

"You said I was free to leave whenever I wanted, right?"

"No, you are not leaving!" he grabs my arm, stopping me from walking out the door. I turn to face him angrily, pulling myself free.

"What, are you doing to keep me captive again?" I sneer.

"No! I would never fucking do that, but I'm not letting you risk your life either!"

"We don't have another choice! We can't continue like this. How long is this going to carry on for? He needs to die! This will give us the best chance!"

"It's not fucking happening!" he reaches for me again. "I am not losing another person I love!"

My heart sinks, His words shock me, desperation clear on his face. My attitude shifts. The frustration I felt before turns to empathy. I place my hand over his on my arm.

"I'm sorry, Atticus," I lower my voice. "I don't want to do this either, but it's time. This has gone on for too long."

"Please, Erin."

"We have to do what's right — for all of us."

He lowers his head, finally giving in. I wait a moment, part of me wanting to stay and comfort him, but it's probably best if I go. He's going to keep trying to convince me otherwise, and I'm going to keep challenging him.

"Fine," he stops me from leaving the room. "I'll consider it, but you're not doing anything without a plan."

Relief washes over me. I don't want to keep arguing with him, and I definitely don't want to figure out how to do this on my own.

"Thank you," I smile. He nods his head. The conversation comes to an end, but I'm reluctant to leave. I'd rather be in here with him, than out there alone, even if we are arguing. I'm not sure if I should respond to what he said earlier — about losing someone he loves. I don't think he loves me. Well, he might love me, but he can't be in love with me. I think I love him too. I love Catarina and Angelis too, but it's different with Atticus. I want more than love. I want to be in love. And despite his scowl, I can see that's exactly what he wants too. I finally shift my gaze away from him, breaking our eye contact that went on far too long. If I stay here much long, I'm going to kiss him. God, I want to. And what he does next tells me he feels the exact same way.