Depths Of Revenge

028

HENRY'S POV
Safe Harbor Safe House
May 2, 2025 — 7:40 AM

Henry's eyes fluttered beneath his lids as he stirred from REM sleep, abruptly jolted awake by the sharp crash of glass shattering on the parquet floor in his study.

"Who's there?" he barked, rubbing the sleep from his bloodshot eyes, adrenaline surging through him.

"Good morning, Boss. Sorry for waking you," Ember's gentle voice replied.

"No, no, you're fine, Ember. No scare... but what am I doing in here? And how did this glass end up broken on the floor?"

She shrugged lightly, cautious. "Um... not to be rude, but how much did you drink last night? Honestly, I think you knocked it off the table in your sleep. And—uh—I did knock before coming in, but your wife gave me permission to find you."

He waved a hand toward the chair across from him. "That's fine. Please, sit. No need to explain—I appreciate everything you're doing to protect my family. But... why were you looking for me?"

"Right," Ember nodded, sitting up straighter. "Rocco's stable—and awake. Still not ready to be discharged, but better. Alert, talking, the works."

Henry exhaled deeply. "That's great news. I'll head to the hospital later today... if you don't mind watching over the family a little longer?"

"As long as your mafia queen doesn't mind," Ember teased. "I'll gladly stay. But I don't want to burst her comfort bubble any more than I already have."

"What?! I thought we were going home today!" Hailey's voice cut in from the doorway. She stepped in, arms crossed. "And how much did you drink is a better question. You've been hiding in here for days—falling asleep with a glass in your hand, avoiding our bed, avoiding us."

Henry sat straighter, heart sinking. "Hailey..."

"No! Don't 'Hailey' me. We came here to feel safe. But you're spiraling—and meanwhile, the kids and I are trapped like prisoners! You don't come to bed anymore. When will we be a normal family again?"

"Hailey, I'm doing this to protect you and the kids—"

"From what, Henry? The ghosts in your mind?" Her voice cracked but her eyes stayed sharp. "You say you love us, that we're your priority, but all you care about lately is vengeance. I married into this life—I knew the risks. But I thought I was marrying a man who'd still see me. See his children. Who'd come to bed. Laugh with us. Let me in."

"You don't think I want that too?"

"Then show me!" she yelled. "Because I don't see it. Just a man so wrapped up in grief and rage he's forgetting what he has left."

Silence filled the study before Henry finally stood. "I love you, Mia Bella... I really do."

"Don't 'Mia Bella' me, Henry Hills." Her voice wavered softer. "I'm taking the kids to your madre's. We need space."

"Wait—at least let Ember go with you."

"No. I'm not a prisoner, and she's not a leash. If you trust me, trust me to go."

"Promise me you'll call when you get there. I need to know you're safe."

"I will."

"Hailey—I love you."

"Yeah. Me too..." she whispered, turning away, "But is it enough?"

As the door shut, Ember cleared her throat. "Sorry you had to go through that."

"It's alright. Not your fault."

"I'm heading home, get cleaned up. Off duty today. But if you need me, call."