Judgment Day (Available in paperback & eBook-SAMPLE)

Chapter 6

Thank you all for your support. It means so much to me. I will have another chapter for you late next week. By the way, the next chapter will be from Jeremiah Bennet's (Julia's father) POV. Looking forward to sharing that with you.  Hope you all enjoy this chapter. :)

(Julia)

"Hadley police responded to a fatal shooting late last night outside the Bricktown Lanes bowling alley," a female news anchor announced. "Officials arrived at the scene near NW 80th and Atwood to discover a man had been shot between the eyes. Witnesses claim the man was walking to his car when all at once he went down. The police have no suspects at this time and are-"

The big screen TV shut off abruptly. Frowning, I turned and found Michael with the remote control in his hand.

"Never watch the news." He set the remote down. "It's depressing."

"I watch the news to remind myself of how fortunate I am," I said, rising from the couch.

"Fortunate?" He snorted. "Your father hired men to kill you. How do you figure you're fortunate?"

"I'm alive, healthy, and I have Blake," I answered. "In my eyes that makes me fortunate."

"Breakfast is ready," Hank called out.

I started to step around Michael and paused when he touched my arm. I arched an eyebrow at him questioningly.

"I wanted to apologize for my behavior last night." He rubbed the back of his neck. "I'm afraid I lost my temper. I shouldn't have spoken to you so harshly."

I smiled at him. "You don't need to apologize. I shouldn't have tried to pry into your business. It was wrong of me and I won't do it again."

His eyes lit with amusement, he asked me, "Would it be possible to get that in writing?"

"Do you want me to prick my finger and sign my name in blood while I'm at it?" I inquired, smirking.

"Yes," he replied.

I rolled my eyes.

"Did you two not hear me?" Hank said, appearing in the doorway. "Breakfast is ready."

"We're coming," Michael told him.

We followed Hank to the kitchen, settled at the table, and helped ourselves to scrambled eggs, toast, and sausage. I poured a glass of orange juice and took a drink.

"Blake called me a little while ago," Hank informed me. "He said he wants to meet you somewhere to talk."

My heart skipped a beat. "Is he alright? Has something happened?"

"He's alright, dear," he assured me. "He couldn't tell me why he needed to talk to you. He was in a hurry to end the call. Keith will be here in about an hour to pick you up and take you to Blake. Now eat your breakfast before it gets cold."

I swallowed hard. The thought of eating suddenly held no appeal for me. A sick feeling was in the pit of my stomach. I didn't know why, but I felt as though something bad was going to happen before this day was over. Glancing at Michael, I found him watching me intently.

"What-?"

"I'm going to drive you," he cut in. "Is that alright?"

I nodded.