Page 46 of Trapped Truth

“For some, the law isn’t enough,” Ember chimes in, a dark look crossing her face. “Not for the victims, at least. These monsters don’t deserve the relief of a prison cell.”

My mouthful of food turns to ash in my mouth, forming a heavy brick that refuses to be swallowed. I don’t know how much relief my mother has found in a prison cell. No less one she doesn’t deserve to be in, no matter the tall tale she spun to spare Gunnar’s life.

Where is her justice?

Staring at the food congealing on my plate, I can sense Ember watching me from her spot on the sofa. Hearing her recant Gunnar’s demands wasn’t an easy listen. Part of me wants to hear it from him myself. Another part can’t stand the thought of breathing the same air as him any time soon.

We all startle at the chime of the doorbell echoing through the apartment, causing Warner’s fancy security system to buzz in protest. He quickly fishes out his phone to pull up the CCTV feeds.

“Should’ve known he’d rock up soon enough,” he mutters. “Em, your brother’s here.”

“Now?” she squeaks.

“Yep. He looks pissed too.”

“I haven’t returned his last couple of calls. Crap, I’m in so much trouble.”

“Want me to go say hello?” Blaine offers a little too innocently.

“Definitely not. I like my brother intact, thanks. Just wait here.”

When Hyland rises to follow her out to the front door, Ember doesn’t even bother to protest. There’s little point in arguing with him. Not long after we hear the door open, we all tense at the sound of raised voices from the other side of the penthouse.

“Do I have to put a damn GPS tracker on you just to know what you’re doing now?” Tom’s voice carries, high-pitched and furious.

“I’m sorry, it’s been a crazy couple of days. I was going to come visit tomorrow…”

“Not good enough, Em! You promised to keep in touch!”

“Well, shit.” Warner winces to himself. “I suppose I’m next in line for a telling off.”

“Most likely,” I agree with him.

“We haven’t exactly had a spare moment for tea and a catch up.”

“Does it sound like he cares?” Blaine chuckles.

The look Warner shoots him is downright frosty. Blaine laughs harder then returns to shovelling down his food. You’d think the man has never tasted a home cooked meal from the rate he’s piling it in. Perhaps the mob doesn’t hire professional chefs to feed them.

Angry footsteps storm into the room, announcing Tom’s arrival. He’s looking stronger on his feet. Still a little thinner than before and visibly breathless, but no longer clinging to life while fighting off near-fatal pneumonia.

“This is cosy.” He scans over us, frowning unhappily. “Nice to see everyone’s alive and well.”

“Tom.” Warner blows out a heavy exhale.

“Don’t even start with whatever bullshit excuse you’re going to pull out. She’s my sister, Warner!”

“I know, I’m sorry⁠—”

“A little head’s up that you’ve returned home safe wouldn’t go amiss. Let alone that someone tried to run you off the road!”

“We were marched straight into HQ,” Ember tries to explain behind him. “I told you, I was going to come over to check on you.”

“After finishing your nice family dinner?”

“Just sit down.” Warner waves for him to take a seat. “Hy, grab our guest a beer before he rips me a new asshole.”

“I’ll still be tempted.” Scowling, Tom drops down onto the sofa. “Water is fine, thanks. Someone want to fill me in on what the hell happened?”