AllFreeNovel
Share Us
I turned to Axel, who nodded. “In the dresser. You’ve been out for two days. With Aiden’s help, we were able to get clothes that would fit you.” Axel motioned to the armoire.
“Two…” He sighed. “The hospital, my job…the family.” His eyes widened. “What’s going on with Sean and Aine? They need a funeral, they…” He collapsed onto the bed, head in hands, and the shake of his shoulders showed the weight of everything finally burrowing its way inside.
“Axel, will you please excuse us?”
“Yes, Praeses.”
Once Axel left, I inched closer to Fred. There was a chair in the corner, and I pulled it over to where he sat.
“You can’t take it all on at once,” I whispered. He didn’t move; only a sniffle and soft sob could be heard. “The hospital was called, and Aiden explained that you were in an accident, and they are allowing you medical leave.”
It had been by far the easiest fix to make for Fred. Everything else presented a challenge. Obviously, his family would know he was alive, and Aiden had made sure no funeral would go forward until Fred was ready.
“Aiden has been in contact with your family. Everyone is waiting on your instruction for funeral arrangements.”
I spoke gently, with an even cadence, and answered each of his concerns as best as I could.
“As for who did this, we are working on that. While you’ve rested, I’ve had Zion doing a deep dive.”
“Why should I trust you?” he asked without looking up. “For all I know you did this, angry with me for forcing your hand and demanding you show your face.”
I sat back and regarded the redheaded man. It was a valid question and smart of him to assume everyone was an enemy.
“Fair assumption, but I had no hand in this. If I did, why would I be sitting here before you…showing you my face?”
When he lifted his head, his glasses were askew, his cheeks crimson, and tears stained his face. He was still stunning.
“Misdirection.”
I nodded. “Another fair assumption but, if you truly knew me and Lex Talionis, you’d know games aren’t our style.”
“Then I guess I don’t really know you.” His mournful expression morphed into rage. “The convenience of your arrival can’t be ignored!”
Leaning closer toward Fred’s unflinching glare, I spoke calmly. “Right now, you’re at my residence in Westford. I bought this house at the same time I agreed to an alliance with you and your friends in Haven Hart. Your driver is in my kitchen, eating my food. Don’t you think if he was worried, he wouldn’t allow any of us near you?”
Fred’s jaw clenched. “The last thing my uncle said to me was to trust no one. He wouldn’t say that unless there was literally nobody to trust.”
Was he referring to more than just me? “Aiden?”
He shook his head and sighed. “I just don’t know if there’s anyone left…I’m alone.”
With what Fred had been through, it was a wonder he wasn’t questioning the loyalty he had in himself. It wasn’t the time to push any further.
“Take a shower, change. We can all talk when you’re done.” I pointed to a door in the corner. “Through there is a private bathroom you can use. I’ll wait in here, in case you fall.”
“I don’t need a babysitter.” He stood and stormed over to the armoire.
“The bump on your head is the only reason I’ll sit here. You shouldn’t be by yourself.”
He scoffed and pulled out some clothes. “Did you miss the part where I said I was alone?”
“No, you’re being crystal clear.”
Again, with that glare. I was fairly certain I was a fan of his brattier side.
“I’m locking the door.” I didn’t have the heart to tell him I had a key to every door. I acquiesced and watched as he charged into the en suite.
As soon as Fred and I entered the kitchen, Aiden shot out of his chair.
