“We’ve gotta go,” I tell Eric, and he nods after he signs the credit card receipt. Since the road is closed, we decide to walk home, and my heart is hammering in my chest the entire way.
“Want to explain some things to me?” I finally turn to him as I see the ambulance lights in the distance.
“The gun was one of Victoria’s and had her fingerprints all over it. Chris, her bodyguard gave it to me. From what I can tell, what happened out there was nothing more than a lovers’ spat.”
“You called Mickey DeFranco?” I’m putting the pieces together.
“I just called a few people who could get the word back to him. He’s a jealous man, so I knew he’d lose his shit.” Eric shrugs. “She got what she deserved.”
When we walk up the sidewalk, Everleigh runs over and wraps her arms around me. She’s shaking like a leaf, she's so frightened.
“Are you okay?” I ask.
She nods. “There was a fight, and this couple ended up shooting each other. I thought this was a good neighborhood,” she says, and tears spill down her cheek.
I let out a cool breath, realizing she never mentioned another person. She never saw Eric. “Wow.”
“I already gave my statement,” she tells me. “No one else heard anything. It was crazy and is no doubt gonna be the talk of the town tomorrow.” She buries her head in my chest.
“You should go inside and have a glass of wine.”
Everleigh nods and does what I say. I look at the street and see three covered bodies. What a traumatic fucking experience for my sweet little sister to have to witness. Before we go inside, I turn to Eric. “Why did we go to the pub?”
“For an airtight alibi. I did some research on the sheriff and learned he was lazy as hell. There won’t be a proper investigation, forensics, or any of the shit we do in the city. Lovers’ quarrel that ended poorly. The ultimate Romeo and Juliet story.” He smiles, and we go inside.
I sit on the couch, my body almost feeling numb because I can’t believe this is really over, and Victoria is dead. For the first time in five years, I feel free.
CHAPTERTHIRTY-NINE
GEMMA
My lifeas I know it is changing, and all my freedoms are gone. Every day, a black cloud seems to hang over me, and I can’t get away from it. At work, Tyler and I have kept our distance, but sometimes, I find myself staring at him, longing to be close again.
The last time I spoke with him, he quickly explained that Victoria died, and Everleigh witnessed it. She had told me what happened, something about a lovers’ spat and a shooting outside her house, but I hadn’t pieced the two together. Victoria did terrible things to Tyler and Eric that changed the entire outcomes of their lives. I was just shocked that her boyfriend came here to take care of the problem. I’m so relieved for Tyler, knowing he now has the freedom he’s been seeking since he met that woman. It might not have been the kind of justice he was after, but justice was definitely served for what that woman has done to people.
After having lunch alone, I get a group text from Katie and Everleigh, and that’s when the dread really settles in.
Everleigh: I know the circumstances aren’t really ideal, but since you’re getting married in two days, I think we should have some fun. Let us throw you a bachelorette party tomorrow night. We can drive over to Nashville and do it up real big! Cowboy strippers and lots of alcohol!
Katie: I would totally save a horse and ride a cowboy. Count me in!
Everleigh: Gemma?
I swallow down the lump in my throat, not in the mood to celebrate my defeat. It’s not a happy moment, and I feel as though I’m planning my funeral. I find some courage and text them back.
Gemma: I’d rather not go all out, if possible. Can we have drinks here instead?
Katie: I’m fine with whatever you wanna do! It’s your choice.
The knife drives in deeper, and I don’t know what to say. They’re just trying to be nice when I’d rather just hide away from it all. We’re all trying to make the best of a shitty situation.
Everleigh: Gemma…you really don’t have to go through with this. We’re here to support you.
I’ve had to reiterate my decision to them both so much over the past week like a broken record. They’re aware of how I feel about Robert and the ultimatum he gave me. And though I’ve tried to convince them this is the right thing to do to save my dad’s home, they’re not convinced no matter how many times I say it.
Gemma: I know. Appreciate and love you both so much. I don’t know what I’d do without you.
I think about Tyler. I think about everything we’ve shared. I think about that night that I went over to his house and explained everything. What I’m being forced to do makes me feel sick. If I could blink and take away every moment that Robert and I spent together, I would. They say people learn something from every relationship, but the only thing I learned is I trusted him too much.