Page 112 of Promises in the Dark

Because I love her more than I love the idea of having her.

And if letting her go is what makes her happy, then I’ll do it.

Even if it destroys me.

When I finally glance to my right, I find Vin leaning against the wall, his attention fixed on his phone in his hand. He looks up as I approach, slipping the device into his pocket before pushing himself off the wall. Without a word, we head down the hallway toward his office. Vin pushes the door open and walks inside, making his way behind the massive mahogany desk. He drops into his chair with a weary exhale as I take the seat opposite him, gripping the leather armrests and crossing one ankle over my knee. He drags a hand down his face, and only then do I notice the dark circles beneath his eyes and the tension etched into his features.

I arch a brow. “What’s going on?”

He opens his top drawer and retrieves a small envelope, holding it out for me to take. “This arrived yesterday morning.”

I take it and flip open the seal, finding an invitation with gold foiling across it. Pulling it out, I read…

The governor of the state of New York, Garrett Johnson, requests the pleasure of your company at his celebratory fortieth birthday party, on Friday, the fifteenth of May at seven o’clock at the Lake Placid Country Club. Black tie required. Attendance by invitation only.

I glance up at Vin. “Is this a fucking joke?”

He steeples his fingers before him, drumming them together. “That’s what I can’t quite seem to figure out.” He rocks his head from side to side. “Maybe it really is just an invitation to his birthday. The man does love to be the center of attention.” I arch a brow. “Or…” he begins. “The fucker is playing cat and mouse with us.”

I toss the manila card onto his desk, rage simmering throughout me. “Why waste an invitation on us when he knows we won’t attend?” I lean back in my seat, rubbing my temple.

“He’s hoping we will for the image. We’re wealthier, more powerful, and better looking.” Vin tugs at his tie until it loosens. “Have you seen his latest performance he put on for his dearly departed wife?”

I scoff. “Yes.” He was interviewed a few nights ago for the evening news, where he made a noticeable effort to shed a few tears at the recollection of the worst day of his life. “Funny, because right after he filmed that interview, one of my guys caught him on camera at a strip club.” I adjust my glasses, a restlessness creeping over me. “Fucking stronzo.”

“I was thinking though…” Vin pauses for effect.

“Yes?”

“This could be your opportunity.”

“Opportunity for what?”

He lifts one shoulder. “To kill him.”

My pulse thunders, my mind working overtime as I process his words. I straighten, sliding forward on the edge of my seat. “And you don’t care that this might make things messy? I know you don’t like to get involved in politics.”

Vin merely shakes his head. “I fucked up by not allowing you to rescue Charlotte sooner, and I’ll forever feel remorse over that.” He taps his knuckles against his desk. “This is my apology. Take it or leave it.”

I abruptly stand and step toward the window. “I’m fucking taking it.” I stare off at the lake, my mind whirling with chaos. I’ve envisioned every way possible to kill the son of a bitch. Burning him. Hanging him. Stabbing him over and over again until he bleeds out. But none of these methods seem good enough after everything he’s put Charlotte through.

And I will make him pay for everything he has done to her.

As if reading my mind, Vin asks, “How do you plan on doing it?”

I face him and step toward his desk. “I’m not sure.” I retrieve a microfiber cloth from my pocket and remove my glasses, wiping the lenses. “But it won’t be painless. I want him to suffer. To scream out in more agony than humanly possible to experience.”

He smirks, leaning back in his chair. “I’d expect nothing less.”

I position my glasses over my nose, then cross my arms over my chest. “Thank you for having my back with this.”

He rubs the palm of his hand over his beard. “I always do, Alex. Even if it doesn’t seem like it.”

“I know.” I nod, waiting a moment before asking, “Think the others will be game to attend his birthday party?”

His deep laugh fills the room. “Are you kidding? They’ll all be wanting a front-row seat to the action.”

I grin and drop down onto my seat. “I don’t think I’ve ever looked forward to a party more in my life.” I squeeze the back of my neck, deep in thought. Killing Garrett will satisfy the dormant monster inside me, which has been waiting patiently to take its revenge. But I can’t deny there are four other men I’m eager to see six feet under.