Page 93

Alexis

Apparently, unmasking a killer in a small town is a big thing. Especially when he’s your brother’s murderer. Numerous people have been to my door today, saying how happy they are that the killer was finally caught. I only knew a handful of them, but it was nice to know that there were people still waiting and hoping for justice.

Carson and I had fallen asleep in each other’s arms. Carson has always been a very touchy-feeling guy. But it has progressed even more. The man can’t keep his hands off me. He’s either kissing me, pulling me into his lap, or holding my hand when we’re in public, like now. He’s touch-starved, and I love that about him. I love that he can’t stop touching me. I love that he feels open enough to show me the love he feels for me. And that he loves it when I touch him.

The living room is packed with people. Carson’s whole family is here. Cathy brought a fresh-baked apple pie that has already been eaten. Killian is playing a card game with Colton while Connor stands in a corner, pretending to be busy with his phone. But he occasionally glances at his son and ex as if he wishes he could join them. Peter is yelling at the TV, screaming about a baseball player that, according to him, should retire. Several firefighters are sitting on the couch, talking quietly while also following the baseball game. Carson is sitting on the counter. I’m standing in front of him, leaning against his chest, his legs wrapped around me. When a semi-familiar man walks over to us, he’s one of Carson’s coworkers. He stops a foot away from us, smiling at Carson’s and my interlocked hands, holding a plastic grocery bag in his hand. It’s white, almost see-through. “Hi guys,” he greets.

“Cap,” Carson replies, nodding at his captain.

Tony, that’s his name, Carson told me about him. Tony swallows, then says in a low voice. “Alexis, I don’t think you remember me. I was one of the firefighters who responded to you and your brothers’ attack.” My heart stills. I don’t remember him. I know that two firefighters entered the room, but I couldn’t remember their faces.

“I don’t—” I start, but he brushes me off.

“It’s okay, it was a long time ago. I was the one who helped your brother. I—”

“He died in your arms,” I interrupt.

He nods. “He did. I’m sorry I couldn’t save him. I promise I tried my best, but—”

“Thank you.”

He stills. His mouth drops open. “What?” His voice drips with confusion.

“Thank you for holding him, for comforting him until he took his last breath. I know there was nothing you could do, but because of you, he didn’t die alone. So thank you.”

Tony’s mouth opens and closes. He didn’t expect me to thank him. I can see it clearly on his face. He wanted me to know that he tried to save Micah, but I know that there was nothing he could have done, so he did the next best thing. He made sure my brother wasn’t alone. He held Micah in his arms when he died, and that is the best thing he could have possibly done. Carson squeezes my shoulders.

“For fifteen years I believed that my brother died alone on that filthy mattress, and I hate that he didn’t die instantly, but I’m glad that he died in your arms. He was a little kid who was petrified, but you made it better until he died.” Tony bites his lip, his eyes watering. He clears his throat. The bag in his hand rustles against the floor.

“I’m glad I could help him. It kills me that I couldn’t save him, but I’m glad that I got to hold him. I’m so sorry for what happened to you two. It should have never happened.”

“No, but it’s all over now. My brother can finally rest in peace.”

He nods and holds out the bag for me to grab. “The cops had kept it all this time as evidence, but now everything is over. I think it should go back to its owner.” With furrowed brows, I open the bag and pull out the familiar object—Mr. Cow.

The last time I saw him, he was red, completely covered in blood. But there is no blood in sight right now. He looks like he did before the attack. “I hope I got all the stains out. I thought you would like it back. I saw how loved he was.”

“Thank you. I thought I would never see it again. I—”

I’m lost for words. I had lost hope of finding Mr. Cow ages ago. I had almost forgotten I had him, but holding him in my arms again brings all the happy memories back. Micah and I used to share him, since we only had one, and he loved it so much. He was always so jealous when it was my night to have him. Tony pats my shoulder. “You don’t need to thank me. I’m glad I could do something for you.” He nods over to Carson, then walks away. I turn in Carson’s hold, meeting his eyes. “Did you know?” I ask softly, cuddling Mr. Cow to me. He smells chemical and not like I’m used to, but I don’t care. I have him back, and that’s all that matters.

Carson shakes his hand, stroking my arm. “No, he never told me about it. I knew he went through something early in his career, but he never told me what.”

“Hmm, I didn’t recognize him, but I’m glad I have Mr. Cow back.”

He smiles, then lowers his head and kisses me gently. “I’m glad you have him back too, baby.”

“Alexis Caldwell, you want to explain to me why I just heard somebody pointed a gun at you? And you didn’t think to call me?”

Oh Fuck.

Asher’s voice booms through the living room. His face marred with frowns.

“I handled it.”

His eyebrows pinch. “You handled it? Woman, you almost gave me a heart attack! Is one month of not risking your life too much to ask?”

“Well, technically it wasn’t my fault. He came to my door and pointed a gun at my head. I didn’t ask for it.”