“Bullshite, ye never stopped holding out. Can’t even tell me yer feelings about yer parents!”
She comes toward me, and I stiff-arm her back, firm, solid. “Stay over there, Chevelle. I dinna need ye in my heid anymore.” I stop short of blaming my wife for everything, not shutting Jiang’s gub with the first shot then hiding his death. Everything.
Chevelle stands back, and I look up at her with a smug smile from my comfortable position in bed. “Yer da loved yer mam. Ye gave me some half-baked crap that ye love me too much, or ye’re afraid to let me in or love me. I can’t make heids or tails with ye, lass.”
“So, what then?” She strangles on her words. “Leith, you’ve been . . .”
Chevelle comes toward me. Again, my forearm stretches, halting her approach.
She gasps. “Baby, you’ve kept secrets! Serious secrets. But I’m the one who broke this marriage? We’re done?”
Chapter 55
Chevelle
The soulmate who placed a symbol of forever on my finger warps into a monster. I’m running on empty. All I can think about is the added trouble he’s brought to our family because of his ego.
Did he murder Michie?
I stalk out of Leith’s old bedroom and toward the closest balcony glass doors. Hardly sliding it closed behind me, I call Michie.
With the faint taste of copper, I wait, heartbeat in my throat, for him to answer. I’m not concerned for my old boss. But if Leith murdered Michie, and Michie truly has ties with the yakuza, then that’s another can of worms opened at a feast already full of the poison that Yates dealt us.
The phone clicks. “Michie?” I breathe, needing full confirmation.
My old boss sounds pleased. “Beautiful, I’m glad to hear your voice—”
“Michie, I—”
“Listen, I can hear it in your tone. The other night won’t happen again.”
“No, never.” I heave a sigh of relief.
“If you’re willing, and your husband as well, of course, let me still support your quest to own your own business, Chevelle. You come to my place. I’ll make you bar manager. We’ll be the dynamic team again, slowly open you up for—”
“While you taught me a lot, I’ll have to decline. Goodbye.” I hang up, prepared to close that chapter of my life for good.
“Oh, thank God,” I murmur. The family I married into has a notion that they’re invincible. However, I’m not sure how that extends to other crime organizations.
I lean against the railing, gasping on the breeze. Anxiety rushes through my bloodstream at the thought of how I drove like mad to get to Justice. Then I drove like the hounds of Hell were chasing me back here—for nothing. My knuckles blanch as I grip the railing and slink down into a crouched position, stifling a sob.
My sweet, loving Leith has vanished. This was my concern, has always been one of my concerns. I worried that by embracing his MacKenzie side that he’d be lost to me—just like my father. But I’d always based those feelings on what Lady had told me. And now, well now, I don’t know. I don’t know what’s true anymore. My cheeks puff out air. I can do this. When Leith’s ready to talk this out, I’ll be there.
I stand up, spine erect, and follow the sound of voices. Little Brody and Justice have arrived. I’d left Brody, practically stole his truck. They’d had to drive back in Justice’s broke down car.
They’re in the foyer downstairs. Snubbing me, Mia scampers by, calling for her uncle. Brody drops the bags in his hands, and she runs into his arms.
“Wee wean!” Leith calls to her while descending the stairs. His broad shoulders fill out a sweater. I almost smirk as Leith receives the same treatment that I did. Mia sucks her thumb, resting in Brody’s arms.
Mia’s tiny voice pitches in excitement. “Justice! Are you my new auntie?”
“Hey, Mia, long time no see.”
“So, are you my new auntie?” Mia asks.
“Sweetheart, ye have nae aunties yet.” Leith grips her under one arm, lifting her away from Brody, spinning her around.
“I do, Daddy. Uncle Brody always gives me a new auntie. Then they give me gifts too.” She uses her father’s body like a jungle gym without regard for her safety. “Justice, where’s my gift?”
While I stare down at them from the top of the stairs, I watch a small smile press along the edges of Justice’s mouth. “Sorry, Mia. I wish I had a gift for you. But I’m not one of your uncle’s