Page 92 of The Woman with the Handcuffs

“My nerves might be sensitive, but no one should be forced to believe their loved one is dead when they are clearly alive and well.”

“You’re right. I know you’re right. I’m sorry.”

“Dad…”

“Yeah, Nugget?”

“I still haven’t gotten an explanation.”

At that, he took in a breath so deep that his slumped shoulders squared and his chest shook.

“I got myself into some trouble.”

“Okay. What kind of trouble?” Maybe he did have some sort of addiction after all.

“I got myself involved with the wrong kind of people.”

My heartbeat galloped.

I was suddenly very thankful that I hadn’t mentioned my budding relationship with Gav.

“That thought had crossed my mind.”

“And I can’t get myself out from under it.”

My stomach twisted.

Gav hadn’t mentioned my father wanting out.

Was my father not the only one who wasn’t being honest with me?

And why did the idea of Gav being dishonest hurt more than my father?

“Okay.”

“No, you’re not taking this seriously enough, kiddo. These are bad people. Real bad. Dangerous.”

The face of the pizza man flashed across my mind.

Yeah.

They were definitely dangerous.

And that was just a little warning.

I didn’t want to think what would happen to someone who screwed them over.

As good as Gav had been to me, as kind as Leo was, as lovable as Zeno was, I couldn’t lose sight of the fact that they were all made men. They had all pledged vows. To the Family. Who came above all else. Who would demand payment in blood. And vengeance in it, too.

Hell, Gav had told me that himself once.

“So you decided to disappear?”

“Yes.”

“Was that before or after you bought a house you never told me about?”

The shock on his face was quickly followed by regret.