Free Finding Gary (The Romanovsky Brothers Book 4) by Trevion Burns

chiseled with the precision of an Italian sculptor.  From his bare feet all the way up to his shaggy brown head, he was a work of art.  “I had no idea I’d be sitting across this table from you tonight.  You almost had me convinced you were going to plead guilty.  What changed your mind?”  Jessica clasped her hands on top of the table, taking in the top of Gary’s curly head as he dropped it.   “You made the right decision,” she reassured, sighing when he still didn’t look up.  “I was hoping you’d finally decided to work with me on this.”
    Gary finally met her eyes.  “I haven’t decided.”
    “Seems like you did when you made the choice to plead not guilty.”
    “I pleaded not guilty to buy myself more time to fix what I’ve broken with my family.  I pleaded not guilty, so I wouldn’t have to go to prison knowing my mother can’t even look me in the eye.  As much as your ego refuses to accept this, it had nothing to do with you.”
    “You have a chance to end this all for good, but that chance will never come if you make the idiotic decision to do nothing at all.  My superior has already spoken to the US Attorney, and he has granted your immunity.  But only if you’re willing to work with the FBI.”
    Gary’s face went blank.  “He’s granted my immunity huh?”
    Jessica crossed her heart.  “On my grandmother’s grave.  I can send you the official email if you won’t take my word on it.”
    He nodded and thought on it for a moment before motioning to her.  “Can the US Attorney get me immunity from the debilitating guilt of killing my best friend’s parents?”
    Jessica straightened at the question, and then sat back in her chair.  “We can refer you to some of the best psychiatrists in the city—”
    “Can the US Attorney get me immunity from the irreparable destruction that’s been done to my family?  Can the US Attorney get me immunity from the image that plays in my mind, over and over, of Pansy and Marcus Black slamming into the windshield of that Cadillac ten years ago?”
    “I can keep you, and your family, out of prison, Gary.  Anything beyond that I cannot promise, but I can ensure you remain a free man who can continue living his life.”
    “Living my life,” he said as if those words had no meaning to him.  He breathed in heavily.  “Zoey was the sun in my sky.  There wasn’t a day that went by, for ten years that I didn’t see her or speak to her.  She became blood to me, more than my real blood.  I took from her, and I lied to her about it.  My mother can’t look me in the eye.  Val will never get over losing Zoey, and because of that, he will never have the heart to forgive me.  Never.  Immunity is fruitless when there’s nothing left to live for.”
    Jessica’s eyes shrunk.  “I think you’re underestimating the power of the truth.  The truth can rebuild bridges, move mountains, and change lives.  The truth can bring about forgiveness where there appeared to be no hope left.  If you really feel like you have nothing left to live for, then why not take a chance on the truth?  What the hell do you have to lose?  The results might surprise the hell out of you.”
    “If you’re insinuating Zoey will ever forgive me, you’re out of your mind.”
    “Again, if the stakes are that dire, what the hell do you have to lose?  Wouldn’t you rather go down swinging?”
    Gary’s eyes narrowed.  He shifted in his seat.
    “You know, the carbon monoxide that took Angie down in my apartment?” Jessica started.  “Someone called me and warned me that was going to happen.”
    Gary’s mouth fell, and then, he frowned.
    “Yeah,” Jessica nodded.  “So, regardless of what you may believe, Gary, there are people on our side.  People who are willing to stick their necks out for what they know is right.  Why can’t you be that person, too?”  She paused for a long while.  “Give me a chance to do this thing right.  To finish it