could have taken him down legally, and made a statement at the same time.”
Keira looked over her shoulder. “Made a statement? By putting April through a trial? No, thank you! I’m okay with the doctor getting any evidence he needs, just in case, but that’s it. We’re not going to trial.” She dried her hands on her jeans as she turned to face me fully.
“I decide where we go with this.” I spoke quietly.
She glared at me. “I disagree.”
“Do you trust me or not?”
“Yes, I trust you, but this really isn’t about trust. Nobody hurts my sister and gets away with it. She’s been through enough.”
“Did anyone see you?”
“Lewis…the chef. And the butler knew I called earlier asking for April.”
“Are they loyal?”
“I don’t know. I think the butler is. I know they value their jobs.”
“I’ll have someone contact them, see if we can’t pay them off. I can’t do it myself.” I continued to think aloud. “They’d recognize me as Ashton, and as far as we know, he’s in the clear regarding the robbery. We’ll also need to dispose of those knives.”
“If you’ll trust me, I can take care of that.” Keira suddenly changed the subject, “You said you’ve done this before. You implied that you’ve done this before a lot. Do you always help pretty girls?”
“I help whoever I can.” I spoke slowly. Surely she wanted me to help April.
“Why did you give me an apartment? What about the money? Am I just another damsel in distress to you?”
“You’re no damsel in distress.” I closed the distance between us and gently placed my hands on her shoulders. “I gave you an apartment because you needed a place to stay, and I know how much you liked that whirlpool bath.” I noticed the start of a smile toying at the corners of her mouth. “I’m paying you a stipend because you’ve chosen to work for the Resistance. You should be compensated fairly for your work, everyone should. I just wish you were a little better at following directions.”
“Does everyone who works for you receive regular payments, or do they get paid by the job?”
“A little of both.” I shrugged. “It depends on their situation such as whether or not they have another source of income.”
Keira nodded, apparently satisfied with my explanation. “Is anything going on between you and April?”
I bent down and brushed her warm lips with mine, then said, “No. When I realized what was happening, I only wanted to help her.”
Keira leaned in for another kiss, and I wrapped my arms around her. When we finally pulled apart I looked deep into her eyes. “Keira, I’ve been wanting to ask you something.”
Just then the door opened. Keira turned to look and cried, “Scott!”
-April-
Truths Revealed
After Dr. Ross took photos of the welts on my back and my battered eye, he gave me ointment and eye drops to help with the healing process and an injection to ease the pain. He was thorough yet professional.
When he left, I took a shower. Later, Keira knocked on the bedroom door. I was drying off with a fluffy blue towel.
“May I come in?” she asked.
“I guess,” I shifted the towel to cover the welts on my back. She’d already seen enough.
Keira sat on the edge of the bed. “It’s my turn next.” She nodded in the direction of the bathroom.
It looked like she had already washed her hands, but there were blood stains at her waist and on her right sleeve. That was the hand she had used to…I didn’t want to think about that.
“The doctor left. He said he thinks he has plenty of evidence to make a solid case, if we need to.”
“That’s good,” I replied. “Does that mean I don’t have to leave?”
“April, leaving has to be your choice. No one can make you go. Rick has done all that he can to provide an opportunity. It’s my opinion that you should take it. Scott will go with you. He’s waiting in the living room.”
“Scott’s here?”
“Yes, he’s your military escort.”
“Does he know about…about what happened to me?”
“A little. I’m sure Rick told him something, or he wouldn’t be here. The doctor didn’t share anything, in case you’re wondering.”
I sat next to her. “Keira, please be honest with me.”
“About what?”
“About everything. Can’t you tell me what’s going on? If I decide to go, where will Scott take me? When he leaves me there, what will I do? How will I survive without either of you?”
“You’ll be going to Mediterra, and you’ll