Free Retribution by Gemma James Page B

to.”
    “There’s something you should know. They found Rick, and when they arrested him, he turned everything he had on Gage over to the authorities. They’ve begun an investigation, and Gage is probably going to serve some time in jail.”
    “What about Jody?”
    “They arrested her this morning.”
    I shook my head. “Typical. Of course Rick threw her under the rug. How did you find out about this?”
    “They questioned me. The Feds didn’t understand that Gage and I haven’t talked in years. I expect they’ll want to talk to you too.” He grabbed Eve from the car before unbuckling her seat and pulling it out. “I’ll meet up with you soon.”
    “Thanks, Ian.”
    I didn’t budge for a full five minutes after he left. Finally sinking into the driver’s seat, I pulled onto the road and took the long way to the hospital. I dreaded this visit. I had so much to say, so much to confront him about, and no words in mind. He didn’t notice me at first, as he was too busy arguing with the nurse about taking his vitals, a deep scowl on his face. I stood in the doorway and stared at the flakes coming down outside his window.
    “Get the doctor. I don’t need my fucking vitals taken for the hundredth time—I need out of here now .” And that’s when he saw me. He froze, which gave the nurse the opportunity to complete her task. Noting the readings in his chart, she then frowned at him on her way out, making it clear he was not her favorite patient.
    “Made anyone quit yet?” I forced a smile and took a step toward him, hoping to break the tense silence.
    “I’m working on it.” He leaned back against the pillows and winced.
    “How are you doing?” I asked.
    “Not too bad, all things considered.” He frowned. “I wasn’t sure if you were going to come.”
    “I wasn’t sure either.” I wandered around the room, finally stalling in front of the window, and became entranced by the falling snow. “I wanted to thank you for saving us, but Eve and I are leaving and we won’t be back.” I turned to face him. “I’ll leave my resignation on your desk before I go.”
    “So that’s it? You’re just going to leave?”
    I nodded. “I think the best thing for us is to move on from here.”
    He let out a bitter laugh. “You mean move on from me.”
    “You’re part of it, yes. But I want her to have a happy life. She’s been through so much.”
    “So have you.”
    “You’re partly to blame for that.”
    He clenched his jaw. “I’m aware of that.”
    “Why didn’t you tell me Ian was your brother?”
    His eyes rounded, an unguarded second in which he couldn’t hide his reaction, but then he smoothed his features. “ Half brother. His dad’s a bastard. Couldn’t stand me.” He studied me for a moment. “What else did he have the guts to tell you?”
    “He told me about Liz.”
    “And now you’re thinking I did this to you as a means of getting back at him.”
    “Didn’t you?”
    “It started out that way, Kayla. I won’t lie. I wanted to make him pay. I still do.” His attention veered past me, and he grew lost in memories of the past. “His old man got him off with a slap to the wrist. I wanted to hurt him all right.”
    “Maybe you should let it go.”
    “So that’s what you think I should do? Let him get away with murder?”
    “Like I’ve let you get away with beating and raping me?” My words brought his gaze back to mine. “You made me pay for his sins, Gage. Now let it go.”
    “Who’s going to pay for mine?”
    “I hear you are.”
    “Guess he’s given you an earful. So you heard about the investigation?”
    I folded my arms and nodded. “What I don’t understand is why you did it. You’re not hurting for money.”
    “Not now, but that wasn’t the case during the recession. I did it to save the company.” He paused. “I repaid every cent. That’s when I realized Jody had been skimming too.”
    “Do I have to worry about going to jail, Gage?”
    “No. I