The Heirs: The Silver Knight

Chapter 22

Chapter 22

Imogen

There are a few things I have to do before I go on this trip.

I've been fighting against doing this for months, but I think I need to do it to fully heal. Dad and Mom have been blowing up my phone after I told them I was going to New York with Aleks and the others. Hazel and Matthew will be going too, but apparently my parents do not think I have the same capabilities as my cousins.

"I just worry about you. You're so young," Dad sighs.

"And it's so very dangerous, dove," Mom adds.

"I will be safe. I'm just going to help. I need to go."

There is a beat of silence.

"Why do you need to go?" Dad asks.

I sit down on the edge of my bed. I haven't been back in the dorms in so long. It's quiet, but the quiet and the familiarity gives me comfort to say what I need to say.

"I have an investment in going," I explain.

"What are you talking about?" Mom asks.

"It's important to be that Gabe Rossi answers for his crimes."

"It's important to all of us, dove," Dad says.

"No. It's different for me."

"Go on, Gen," Mom says softly.

"You see, I..." my voice shakes, my hands shaking along with them, but I know I have to be brave. I have to tell them the truth. "I knew Rory Farrell."

There is a long beat of silence again.

I take a deep breath.

"I didn't just know Rory. I loved Rory."

"Oh, dove..." Mom says, her voice shaky and emotional.

"You were both right when you thought something was off about me earlier this year. I've been...in pain. Over the loss of Rory. We met when we visited Uncle Cal and Aunt Vivi in Dublin two years ago. It was happenstance. I really, really liked him. So we started exchanging letters. He wanted us to be safe. Gabe and the other Rossis were always monitoring them, Rory and Wes specifically, and he didn't want to risk anything. But...well, he loved me and I loved him. When I found out he was killed, it was shocking to say the least. I knew I had to find out who did it. So, I dedicated most of my time to trying to figure that out this year. Then we found out it was Gabe and Anton. So, yeah, that is why I need to be there. I need to see this through. For Rory."

I hold my breath for a moment.

"Oh, Gen...my baby..." Mom cries. "You sat alone with this for all this time?"

I inhale, trying to fight the onslaught of tears cresting my own eyes.

"Not fully alone...Aleks found out. And I think Josh and Ari may know too. But Aleks and I have spoken about Rory. He wants to help me."

"I am so sorry, honey. I am so so sorry for your loss," Mom says through her own tears.

"I wanted to tell you both so many times. I hate keeping things from you. But I wanted to protect Rory. Even after he was gone. I just couldn't be sure."