10. HAYDEN
10
HAYDEN
I pull up in front of Charlies house, my engine idling softly. We drove back in separate cars, and although I would have preferred her sitting next to me, I cant say that it didnt happen for a reason. Charlie reads my energy well, and it would be uncomfortable for us both.
I held back most of the details from my past, so she still doesnt know the full extent to which Ive committed my crimes. And Id like to keep it that way.
I climb out of the vehicle and walk over to her as she throws her duffel bag over her shoulder.
She offers me a hesitant smile. Are you sure youre okay? Is it your dad?
I considered saying yes, but then I remembered that it was best for her to know less. Even a lie involving him could incriminate me.
No, nothing to do with him. Jared has been working on something for me and finally cracked the code.
She searches my eyes, her gaze refusing to waver with certainty.
Well talk soon, I assure her, cupping her cheeks. About us. I promise.
Charlies eyes finally soften. She slowly nods, her voice barely above a whisper, and says, Okay.
Whats going on?
Jared lifts his head from the computer as I walk in, and he turns the screen around to face me.
Were in.
Countless folders are sitting open, ready for me to use. The only time I feel excitement is when Im near Charlie. But this feeling is damn near close.
How the fuck did you manage to get this done in three days?
I grab the mouse, browsing through a few things to ensure everything I need is thereevery transaction dating from even before I was born. The amount of intel thats in here would ruin him for life.
What the hell are we doing here, Hayden?
Menot we.
We, he persists, pointing a finger at his chest. Because I now have a huge part to play in whatever this is. I think I deserve to know. I do all this because youre like a brother to me, and if youre getting yourselfboth of usinto some deep shit, then I . . .
Im going to take down my father, I tell him, silencing the room. Jareds eyes furrow together. Im going to threaten to blackmail him with these files that contain evidence of offshore accounts, illegal purchases, and illegal transactionsand Im going to grind him until he begs for mercy.
Im going to take away his business, his home, everything hes ever known . . . and its happening tonight.
Jared hasnt said anything. His face turns pale as if I had just informed him I was going to kill the man.
Although he does know me and all about my past from childhood up to five years ago and the abuse my mother and I endured from my father. So, if it were to happenaccidentally, it wouldnt be the worst-case scenario.
But I cant tell him thatI care about him too much.
If Jared knew my true intentions, I would have to kiss goodbye to any future with Charlie, and I cant take that chance.
Save your breath if youre thinking of talking me out of it. You know that this has been a long time coming.
He places both hands on his desk as if unable to hold his body upright before looking up at me.
I know better than to talk you out of anything, Hayden Scott, but be sure that this is what you want to do.
Theres nothing Ive ever wanted to do more.
Other than kiss your sister.
But youll find out about that later.
Jared nods, his jaw clenched tightly.
And I dont expect you to come.
He scoffs, grabbing his coat. I suppress my smile as he stalks past me, pressing the USB drive against my chest. We head over in one vehicle, enveloped in silence. I thought Id be ecstatic about it all, but the initial satisfaction has dwindled, and now I feel nothing.
Im finally going to rid myself of a man who has caused me so much suffering in my life. However, instead of feeling resolved or relieved, I feel empty.
The only thing that stirs something in me is being able to return to Charlie when everything is said and done. To be enveloped in her innocence amidst a world of darkness. To feel her warmth, making everything better.
I glance briefly at Jared, feeling guilt swirling in my stomach. How would I break the news to him after all of this? Would he hate me if he knew how much I loved his sister?
I push those thoughts aside and focus on the task as the towering mansion comes into view, blocking out all the sunlight, a subtle foreshadowing of what lies within . . . and what is yet to come.