Chapter Seventy-One: The Truth Always Comes Out

Xavier's Point of View

Don Brzezinski’s voice could be clearly heard on the other line. I’d had limited interaction with him, but each was etched into my mind. He was not one to cross. Why was Kazimierz Brzezinski calling Rei? Something must have happened.

Before Rei could ask me, I grabbed my phone and called Grace. I knew she would answer if it were me. I would only call if there were concerns—we’d established that.

Rei looked at me strangely as I dialled my phone frantically. I suppose I did look odd moving quickly to contact my girlfriend’s best friend. But I needed to make sure the kids were safe. I needed to know Lillianna wasn’t anywhere near them.

Grace's voice was laced with amusement, but I could detect hints of worry in her tone. "Xavier, why are you calling me?"

“The Don just called and left a very confusing voicemail message for Rei. Are the kids safe?” I asked.

"Don't be ridiculous, Xavier. This house is practically impenetrable. Aamon makes sure of that." Grace scoffed, trying to reassure me.

"But did Aamon receive any messages from his grandfather?" I pressed, anxiety creeping into my voice.

Rei's expression turned to pure horror as soon as the words left my mouth. I knew I had a lot of explaining to do, but my main concern was the safety of Shiloh, Onyx, and Salem. Lillianna had ties to the Brzezinski family and could be pretty convincing when she wanted to be. Who knows if any guards protecting Grace and the kids would let her anywhere near them? Ensuring they were secure and out of harm's way was crucial. As for Aamon, I needed to know if he had received a message from his grandfather - it could have dire consequences for all of us.

“I highly doubt it, but I will ask,” Grace sighed.

It sounded like she was covering the phone, and I could hear Grace’s muffled voice asking Aamon to check his messages.

“He’s checking. So how are those sheets I put on the bed? They were pretty soft,” Grace laughed.

“We’re not there, Grace. I took Rei to the safehouse I was last at. The gang I used to be involved in was following us. I can only imagine that Lillianna reconnected with them and asked for their help,” I answered.

There was silence on the other end, and then Grace’s voice came in a whisper.

“Where is Lilliana now?” Grace asked

“No one knows. Are there any men on staff who were friendly with Lillianna? If there are, get rid of them now. We need to keep those kids safe,” I urged.

There was an angry shout in the background and a series of expletives. Aamon’s angry voice was the next thing I heard, and it chilled me to the bone.

“My grandfather’s been shot, and Jakub was able to get the ambulance there in time. He’s barely hanging on. Get Rei to the hospital now. I’ll bring Grace and the kids. I know we wanted to ease Rei into this world, but Lillianna took that choice away from us,” Aamon growled.

“What did she do?” I gasped.

“One second,” Aamon sighed.

“Grace, get them ready. We’re leaving in 5 minutes for the hospital. I’ll explain on the way,” Aamon demanded.

“Lillianna was in Rei’s house. She left a pretty fucked up message for you and Rei in my step-sister’s bedroom. My grandfather confronted her and was going to show her mercy with a chance to start over away from here, and Lillianna shot him. The men were not in the house with him because my grandfather had insisted he would be alright,” Aamon replied.

“This is probably going to be a hello and goodbye. He waited so long to welcome her home. This isn’t fair,” Aamon said in a rare display of vulnerability.

“I’m sorry,” I said, not knowing what to say.

“This isn’t your fault. We knew Lillianna was dangerous and underestimated her. The bitch better run, though. It would be best if she never crossed my path again,” Aamon’s voice said, dripping venom.

“Leave now. Explain later. Get Rei to the hospital before it’s too late,” Aamon demanded and hung up the phone.

Rei sat there frozen, just staring at me, having heard everything I’d just said. I couldn’t insist we leave without giving her some kind of explanation.

"Rei, I have loved you from the moment I met you. It has always been you and only you. You are Don Brzezinski's granddaughter, and Aamon is your stepbrother. Yes, I knew about your family connection. Grace and Lillianna also knew. I understand if you're angry and have every right to be. But right now, our priority is getting to the hospital. I'll do everything in my power to get us there on time. If you're lucky, you will have the chance to say goodbye to your grandfather before he passes away. He won't make it; the bullet wound was fatal. It's a miracle he's still alive," I said.

"Xavier, you knew I was a part of that family, and you were in a gang yourself. Lillianna sounds unhinged and nothing like the woman I met while playing pool. I hate being lied to or misled! How am I supposed to trust or believe anything you tell me?" Rei screamed. “What the hell is going on?”

“We need to leave now. Lillianna is still missing. She shot your grandfather. Please,” I pleaded, reaching out my hand.

“I’m not going anywhere right now, Xavier Woods. You have way too much explaining to do,” Rei fumed, hands on her hips and eyes blazing.

I didn't have any more time to waste. She would be upset with me, but at that moment, I didn't care. Rei had the opportunity to meet her grandfather, and saying goodbye was more important than my own feelings. I quickly walked over to Rei, threw her over my shoulder, grabbed her bag with her purse, and walked out the door. Rei kicked and screamed, calling me names I didn't even think she knew.

I set her down in front of the motorcycle and handed her the helmet. If she could spit flames and incinerate me on the spot, I think Rei would.