River.

Chapter 102: Harsh Truth

Cassidy's P.O.V.

"I think Mark had something to do with this." I said to River.

"How?" He asked.

"Because back at the safe house he told me that he has men here in Colorado. It was more of a threat."

"So the guy that killed Xander worked for Mark?" Asked Riley.

"I think so."

I looked over at River who was staring at me.

I knew what stare that was.

He immediately jumped up and was about to walk out of the room until I ran in front of him to stop him.

"No River. Dont."

He wasn't hearing it though.

He moved me out if the way with ease and kept walking.

I ran in front of him again just before he reached the stairs.

"River stop!"

"Your brother's dead because of me and my affiliation with Mark!"

"No he's dead because Mark is an asshole! Besides you cant kill that guy! You said it yourself that you were tired of hurting people!"

"I did say that. But that was before I knew Xander got killed by one of Mark's men. I'm not letting him get away with this."

He moved me out of the way once again then proceeded down the stairs. He walked into the living-room where everyone else was and headed towards the front door. Danny saw the look on River's face then jumped up and ran in front of the door before River could open it.

Everyone then got quiet and turned their attention to the two.

Which was bad because River was pissed and when he got pissed he had no filter whatsoever. I was terrified he was gonna say something that no one else needed to know.

"I know what you're about to try to do." Danny began. "But its not worth it."

"Oh really? Well I know who killed your brother. Its definitely worth it."

Danny's eyes widened a bit in disbelief. "What?'

"You heard me the first time now get out of my way..."

I ran up to them and stood next to Danny.

"River there's no need for this! If you do it its just gonna take a toll on you. Its not gonna solve anything.... Its not gonna bring Xander back."

"Xander died in cold-blood."

"We can let the cops know who it was!"

"No. This is way beyond the cops."

"That doesn't mean you have to get yourself involved!"

"Someone's gotta do something!" He yelled in retaliation.

"Someone will." I stated. "But it doesn't have to be you. And it can have a completely different end result. Stop fighting fire with fire."

He smiled then looked at me with pure coldness in his eyes.

"Fine. I won't look for him. But if I ever see him, I WILL kill him. I dont care where it happens."

"Death threats can be punishable by law." Danny stated.

"It wasn't a threat."

He took one last look at me then turned and left the living-room.

Everyone was still quiet. Though I didnt blame them, I was at a loss for words myself.
...........................................

I went out to the back to check on Jasmine.

When I walked out I saw Mackenzie sitting on her lap with her head laying against her shoulder.

"You must be Cassidy?" Jasmine asked as I sat down.

"What gave it away?" I asked.

"You look a lot like Xander."

I could tell that it hurt her to even say that.

"Its almost been a year since you and my brother started dating. I just hate that my first time meeting has to be under these circumstances."

"Me too." She solemnly replied. "Kenzie this is Cassidy, Bear's sister."

Mackenzie slightly smiled at me but only momentarily as her smile disappeared and sadness filled her face again.

"She hasn't really said anything all day." Jasmine stated. "She loved Alexander just as much, if not more, than I did. She gave him the nickname 'Bear' the first time he ever came over and she's called him that since. Her dad left when she was only 2 so she hardly remembers him. Xander was more of a dad to her than her own dad ever was. So of course this is all breaking her heart."

I felt like crying all over again. I just wanted to hug her tight and never let go.

"I dont think she actually understands whats going on since she's so young. All she knows is that he's gone."

I grabbed Mackenzie's hand and held onto it.

"Bear used to do that when I was sad." She softly said.

That broke my heart even more. Poor girl was truly hurting on the inside.

"I'm just glad she got the opportunity to meet him." Said Jasmine. She then looked down at her stomach and a tear fell. "Our son won't ever be able to."

At that point tears were slowly making their way down my cheeks as well.

"Its a boy?" I asked.

"Yea. Alexander and I found out last week. We were gonna wait until Christmas to tell everyone but- that's not happening."

I could feel her pain.

Though I couldn't imagine what it'd feel like if I was in her shoes.

"Its hard to accept that he's not here anymore." I said. "I always looked up to my brother the most."

"I know you did. He told me so much about you. And he bragged about you allll the time."

"Really?" I chuckled.

"Definitely." She laughed. "I'm gonna miss him."

"I already miss him." I replied. "Things just dont feel right. I honestly thought that Riley was playing some cruel prank on me when he called. A part of me still kinda believes this is a prank."

"I wish. That's all I wish for."

I pinched myself a few times, hoping that I was just having a nightmare.

But no matter how hard I pinched, the harsh truth of reality failed to go away.