- what was that? The life you chose? - even though knowing who my father is, he asked.
- crime, - i mumbled - family business? - i scoffed, it was a question in-fact. I didn't know what was it. Why was my father doing this?
- what are you in for then? - Michael asked softly, his tone gentle but curious.
- six murders, - i replied, the words falling from my lips with indifference, as if they did not belong to me. - Mob related. They said I was involved. But its not true. My father's friend called saying he was in danger i came back from France and it was a lie. They turned me in.
- im sorry. But .. - he stopped himself not sure how to say it.
- i didnt do it and you know that. At that time i choose to stay away, i live in France and wanted to forget about all the things they have done. As you can see i couldn't - i told him a little frustrated.
- They said you did it, - Michael repeated, picking up on the way she had phrased it. - But you didn't.
- i didn't, - i repeated after him, confirming his words - but i doent matter. My loving father made sure the evidence was pointed on me. Got me locked up, and now I'm stuck in this shit hole with these animals. - i halted, but then continued, - I was an assassin yes, but i wasn't even at that mission, when my father turned me in. It was not my fault those men died, but i was paying for him.
Michael was quiet for a moment. When he finally spoke, there was a quiet understanding in his voice. - That was a lot, I'm sorry. You didn't deserve that.
I let out a bitter laugh, shaking my head even though he could not see it. - Michael, I don't know what you did, but you don't deserve to be here either. You have kind eyes and that's something special.
He leaned against the wall just like i was. - I robbed a bank, - he said, surprising me with the sudden admission.
- what did you need the money for? - i asked and he chuckled.
- I don't. I had a great job before this. I was a structural engineer.
My brows furrowed. - Then why did you rob that bank? - i whispered confused.
- To get in here. My brother, Lincoln... he's on death row for a crime he didn't commit. I'm going to break him out. - I blinked, momentarily stunned by his honesty.
- you're serious, - i said, more a statement than a question.
- I am, - he replied simply.
- sounds like one hell of a plan - i told him.
- I'm working on it, - he said with a soft chuckle, the warmth in his voice making me smile.
- could be worse, right?
- yeah, a lot worse - i echoed, my smile lingering. It felt good talking to him.
- Emma - he whispered name after moments. Every time he would pronounce my name, it was something different.
- yes Michael?
- It's nice to have a friend, - he whispered, and i smiled as well.
- likewise - i answered him.
- you're not alone, Emma. Remember that. - I closed my eyes, letting his words settle over me, comforting in a way i had not felt in a long time. I felt like ai might have found someone i could trust.
____
Another part for today.
Hope you enjoy this book as much as i do.
