Page 40 of Vengeance

"So do I." She turned back toward Vengeance.

"You only knew him for a few months."

He nodded. "He still changed my life." She believed that without question.

Doc cleared his throat. "There's something both of you need to see." He disappeared down the hallway before returning a minute later carrying a weathered wooden box. It looked old. The corners were worn smooth from years of use. He set it gently on the coffee table.

"What is it?" Chloe asked.

"Something Savage left with me,” Doc said. Her breath caught. Doc looked at Vengeance. "He made me promise?—"

Vengeance frowned. "Promise what?"

"That I wouldn't give this to you unless Dante came back into your life.” He rested one hand on the lid. The cabin went completely silent, and Vengeance stared at the box like it was something dangerous.

"He knew that would happen?” Vengeance asked.

Doc nodded. "Savage always planned three steps ahead." With slow, deliberate movements, Doc lifted the lid. Inside lay an old leather journal, a Colt .45, and a sealed envelope. Across the front of the envelope, written in Savage's unmistakable handwriting, were six words that stole the air from Chloe's lungs.

For Vengeance, when Dante returns.

Vengeance

Vengeance didn't move; he didn’t even seem to be breathing. He simply stared at the envelope because somehow, twenty years ago, Savage had known this day would eventually come.

He couldn't take his eyes off the envelope with his name on it, written in Savage's unmistakable handwriting. The same block letters he'd watched the older man scribble across motorcycle part orders and grocery lists twenty years ago. His chest tightened until breathing hurt more than the bullet wound.

"That's impossible," he whispered.

Doc folded his arms over his chest. "I thought so too."

Vengeance reached toward the envelope, but his hand stopped halfway. "What if—” His voice faltered. "What if I don't want to know what it says?"

Doc smiled sadly. "You've wanted to know for twenty years."

"I wanted to know why he helped me."

"Then open it,” Doc said. Chloe stayed quiet beside him. She wasn't asking questions. She seemed to understand this wasn't about her. Vengeance carefully broke the wax seal. Inside was a single folded letter, nothing more. There was no grand speech, no pages of instructions—just one sheet of paper. His hands trembled as he unfolded it.

Kid,

If you're reading this, then one of two things happened. Either Dante found you, or you finally found the courage to stand against him. Knowing you, it's probably both.

A lump formed in Vengeance's throat as Savage's voice echoed so clearly in his head, he could almost hear him.

First things first...

None of what your father did was ever your fault. I know you never believed me when I told you that. Maybe you'll believe me now.

His vision blurred. He remembered arguing with Savage in Doc's clinic.

"I'm his son."

"That's biology," Savage had answered. "Family's a choice." Vengeance swallowed hard before continuing.

You've spent your whole life trying not to become Dante. Stop wasting energy trying not to be him and start figuring out who you are instead.

A tear landed on the paper, and he quickly wiped it away.