Free Haunted by Amber Lynn Natusch Page B

holding me tightly. “When I came back and saw the state of your apartment, that you were gone, I was beside myself. I didn't know what had happened, but I had a good idea who did.” His body stiffened as he continued on. “I knew Eric had something to do with it, so the boys and I went down to Boston to get some answers. When we arrived at Marcus's place, they were having a celebration,” he said, his eyes darkening rapidly. “I quickly persuaded them to tell me why.”
    My best guess was that bodies fell until Sean got the information he wanted – including Marcus’s. Sean could be very persuasive when he wanted to be.
    “Eric was there?” I asked, feeling a growl well up from deep within me. He gritted his teeth.
    “Yes. We had a little chat. I let him and a few others live because I wanted to be sure his story was true before distributing justice. If he'd lied and I killed him, I don't know that I would have ever found you in time,” he said, getting quieter. “At any rate, we'll just say he was in the sharing mood, and for once in his life he told the truth, for the most part.”
    “For the most part?”
    “He skewed a few of the details just to stick it to me. He said where you were, how to find you, but the why was a bit off. He said you wanted to be there, that you didn't want to be found.”
    “Did you believe him?” I asked, pushing off of his chest so I could look at his face.
    “I didn't know what to believe, Ruby. I didn't want to, but I knew you were scared. Fear is a great motivator. People agree to unimaginable things out of fear. I had to be sure.”
    “Is that why you were so cold to me?” I asked, remembering his calculated demeanor when he found Cooper and me in mid-escape from the Utah compound.
    “I prefer the term reserved,” he replied with an unsure smile.
    I shook my head in disbelief.
    “It's a good thing you're cute,” I said, returning the smile. “Seriously though, how could you think I wanted to be there?”
    “Eric was less than forthcoming with the terms and conditions of your stay,” he said. “I'm still disappointed that I never got to have a follow up…conversation about that.”
    That would've been one hell of a “conversation”.
    “Sorry I stole the show on that one, or I guess Scarlet did anyways. But I'll take some credit, too,” I said in an attempt to lighten the mood a bit.
    “Scarlet?” he asked raising his left eyebrow.
    “Oh, yeah. You weren't here for that. I decided my other half needed a name. I thought Scarlet was befitting,” I shrugged. “She seems to like it.”
    “Huh,” he grunted. “Regardless, she did wipe the floor with him, literally. Maybe I'll send her a fruit basket.”
    “I'm sure she can't wait for that,” I mocked. “So back to Eric. How exactly did he manage to escape you guys? I mean, I don't suppose he was let out early for good behavior.”
    Sean's face turned grim again.
    “There were some casualties on our end,” he said without elaborating. I didn't ask for details. Perhaps I was starting to learn when to keep my foot out of my mouth.
    “That explains a lot,” I replied. “I'm sorry to hear that.”
    “I was too,” he said. “I should've known better. I was too preoccupied and not thinking clearly.”
    I smiled internally, knowing that the preoccupation was with me, though I felt instantly guilty knowing what it had cost him. The PC brothers were his family and I knew all too well what the death of family felt like.
    I leaned back into his chest, wrapped my arms around his waist and gave a little squeeze, receiving one in return.
    “So I'm guessing that the hostility I received from the boys was well warranted then?” I asked, knowing the answer.
    “In their eyes,” he replied. “Things are a bit strained at the moment amongst us. Casualties are a reality of our lives…our destinies even. However, your involvement, direct or otherwise has muddied the waters a bit.” He lifted my chin up lightly so