Reed (Book 2, Southern Royals Saga)

Chapter 16: Consequences

"So... Explain to me why we're raiding the apartment of the guy you just butchered." Noah was the king of asking stupid questions.

"Evidence." I say, dropping miscellaneous papers on the floor of the kitchen, "He knew what was going on, me and Liv... That's why he attacked her."

I swiped the kitchen counter next, full of dirty plates, in anger, "Dammit!"

After calming myself, I look over and see Noah staring warily at me.

"What?"

"Is it gettin' worse?"

I nod. With each passing day, I was becoming more and more short-tempered.

"Y'know, Luca's mom, she's a psychologist an-,"

"I don't need a fucking shrink, Noah," I cut him off, "I'll be fine."

Once I'm away from here with no one but Liv by my side, I'll be more than fine.

I spot Owen coming down the foyer then.

"Find anythin'?" I ask

He shakes his head, "Nothin' but a wreck, this guy lived like a pig."

Owen was really the neatest guy I knew. I think that's why Liz favored him; his room was always spotless, whereas you couldn't see the floor of my room most days.

"Let's just get outta here," Noah suggested, "I gotta get Abby home 'fore her dad gets back."

We headed out as empty-handed as we were when we arrived.

Once I got down from the fire escape, Liv rushed up to me from her truck.

Things felt different between us; she said she wasn't afraid of me, but her eyes told me something else. Not only that, but she thinks the only reason I'm with her is to avenge my dad.

That was bullshit.

"...What if he had the evidence you needed? To find out who killed your dad? That's what you've wanted this entire time, right?"

"What the hell's that supposed to mean?" How could she think such a thing?

"I'm just saying that I know how adamant you are about putting Will away for murdering your dad, and Paul could've helped you with that."

"No, you're suggesting that is the only thing on my mind, and it's not, you know that, Liv. The only thing I've wanted this entire time is you."

I'm with her because I love her. What other reason do I need?

"Anything?" Her tired voice asked me.

Before I could answer, Noah did.

"Nothin', but the typical mess of a bachelor pad... Surprised Owen here made it out without a breakdown."

Noah walked past us, towards where Abby sat on the hood of his car downing his flask.

"Do you think he ever had anything at all?"

I shake my head at Liv's question, "The only one that knows that now is him."

Liv dropped her head, the comment weighing heavily on her mind.

"C'mon." She lets me wrap my arm around her shoulders, and we make our way to her truck.

"I'm takin' the tire iron, Liv," I say, grabbing the bloody weapon from the bed, "Anthony'll know what to do with it." I walk her around, finding our companions waiting for what's next.

I didn't know. All I knew was what I had to protect.

Liv. My family. Us.

"Let's get goin'," I look at Liv, "You and Zoey should get some sleep."