CHAPTER TWENTY

The silence between us stretched thin as I tried to process Marcus's words. It was like staring at a jigsaw puzzle, the pieces jagged and mismatched, but I could see the faint outlines of a picture emerging—and I didn't like what it showed.

“The person responsible for my family's death….is the one coming after Reid?” I repeated, my voice hollow.

Marcus nodded. “That's what it looks like.”

“Okay…and if I'm following you, you think Reid might be…?”

Marcus nodded. “I know we don't have proof, but I’ve got this gut feeling that Reid has a hidden agenda, and I'm not about to wait to find out. So, we're leaving town.”

I raised an eyebrow, taken aback. “Whoa, you don't get to make that decision for me.”

“Come on, Osborn, what's there to think about? Would you rather stay knowing your life’s at risk? Or leave knowing you'll be safe?”

I scoffed and opened my mouth to argue, but no words came out—only a short, incredulous gasp. 

“What about the academy? You're really going to give up all of that for me?”

Marcus stayed silent and just stared at me. My eyes narrowed, realization dawning on me.

“You were going to take me to another city and just leave me there?!” I snapped.

“I..it's not like that—”

“Oh? Then please, tell me your big plan, Marcus.”

He sighed, unable to look me in the eye. “I told you I'm not thinking straight. I was planning to figure it out as I went, but my priority was getting you to safety first. You can understand that, right?”

I shook my head in disbelief. “You know what I get? That I'm alone in all of this. If you think the best way to keep me safe is by leaving me in a city where I don’t know anyone, especially after everything I’ve been through, then you’re not the friend I thought you were.”

He clenched his jaw, his eyes squeezing shut. I knew my words hurt him, but I couldn’t take them back. I wouldn’t.

 

He stretched out a hand toward me. “Osborn, I know it sounds crazy, but I'm doing this for your own good. You moved here by yourself, with nothing. What's the harm in doing it again?”

I laughed, a perplexed, bitter laugh. “Wow, Marcus. If there was one person I considered family, it’s you. And family doesn’t just send each other off when things get hard, so they can live in peace. Family stays and fights. You really think Reid won’t find me wherever you plan on taking me? If I’m so important to his plan, then I’m not safe anywhere, am I?”

“I–I admit, I didn't think of it that way.”

“Yeah, well, don't worry about it. I think I’ve relied on you too much, and it’s starting to feel like a burden. That’s why sending me off sounded like a good idea to you.” I turned away, my anger rising. “Thanks, Marcus. For everything.”

I stormed down the hospital stairs.

“Osborn, where are you going?!” Marcus called after me.

“Anywhere that's far away from you!” I shouted without turning back.

“Stop it, Osborn. I know my plan was messed up. I'm sorry. We could always come up with another one.”

“I already did,” I said, stopping  just as he caught up with me.

“What are you talking about?” he asked, confused.

“I already know what I'm going to do. And since you were planning to send me away, you might as well treat me like I'm already gone. So whatever I do next…it’s none of your business.”

“I know you're angry—”

“Angry?” I snorted, cutting him off. “Why would I be angry? You've already done so much for me, and it's not like I'm your actual family. I think the right word would be ‘disappointed.’”

His gaze dropped to the floor, regret written all over his features. “I'm sorry, Osborn. I really am.”

My eyes stung, but I held my ground. I couldn’t keep relying on Marcus. If I was going to get to the bottom of this, I had to do it myself.

“Sorry doesn't change anything, Marcus. If I hadn't fought you, I’d probably be on a plane to God knows where right now. I get that you were looking out for me, but do me one favor,” I said, swallowing hard.

His eyes met mine, tears glistening.

“Stay away from me, Marcus. Not out of hate or spite, but because you’re the only family I’ve got left, and in case things end badly…I wouldn’t want you getting hurt because of me.”

“No, Osborn—” he choked on the words.

I didn't wait for him to finish. I hailed a cab, and just before the car pulled out of the parking lot, I held his gaze one last time. He started to speak, but I beat him to it.

“Thanks for the information, Marcus. But there's no way in hell I’m quitting that job now.” 

The cab driver zoomed off, leaving whatever last words Marcus had for me behind in the dust.

*****

I lay in my bed, tossing and turning. I had no plans, no idea what to do next, and nothing figured out for the weekend. I still couldn’t wrap my head around the fact that I’d lost a week of my life. I subconsciously rubbed my chest, trying not to think too much about it.

Now that I'd told Marcus to stay away, I was completely alone in this. Part of me regretted not going with his plan—leaving everything behind seemed easier—but the other part of me felt a pull toward figuring out Reid’s endgame.

If Reid needed me for whatever his plan was, then maybe I could use that to my advantage. Maybe we could help each other. I reached for my phone but realized I didn’t have his contact. Guess I’d have to wait until Monday.

I threw back the blanket and made my way to the kitchen to pour myself a glass of water. As I walked past the mirror, I caught a glimpse of my reflection and retraced my steps.

The wound from the gunshot was still visible, but it didn’t hurt much anymore. Whatever they had given me for the pain while I was unconscious had worked wonders. The thought of feeling that pain over and over made my stomach turn. I traced my fingers lightly over the small stitch in my side.

Scars. That was the one constant in my life. They were everywhere—mentally, physically, emotionally, socially…you name it. I put my hands on my waist, checking out my body. My crop tank top was a size too big now, and my gym shorts had become baggy. I was losing weight. I sighed and turned back toward the kitchen, but before I could reach it, there was a knock on the door.

I stiffened, my pupils darting around the room. Who could it be? I didn’t even have friends, let alone someone who might come visiting.

The knock came again. My heart raced as I quickly grabbed a knife from the plate rack, keeping it behind me as I approached the door. I gripped the handle and pulled it open.

“Hey, mama,” he grinned, one hand resting by the doorframe, the other casually in his pocket.

I rolled my eyes, revealing the knife in my hand.

“Great. Just the person I need to see,” I said, stepping aside to let him in.