Silent Prejudice

17

“I got him paid off, but when he came to collect the money, Grace happened to come by our house to get her mom’s sewing scissors. The two talked, and when Grace heard that Aldo had loaned Mom money, she decided borrowing from him would help get her moved to the city sooner rather than later. When I learned what she’d done, I was terrified. I tried to get her to return the money and back out, but she refused. I’ve been so worried for her, but I didn’t think I personally had anything to worry about anymore. Last night, I was listening to music, and I guess he heard it on his way to pay a visit to Grace. I guess that’s what he does—get drunk, then seek out female customers to offer discounts for … services. That or change the terms of his loans to coerce an exchange. I hate him with every fiber of my being.” “How did he get inside the house?” “I don’t know exactly. The music was loud, and he was suddenly there. I tried to get away, and we fought. That’s how I got this.” I motion to my cheek. “Then he was so angry, I knew I’d never get away. That I had to find a weapon.” My voice begins to quiver. Zeno’s arm holds me tighter against him while his other hand cradles my head. “You don’t have to say any more,” he whispers. “I’m so proud of you, Isa. You did exactly as you should have, and I’ll take care of everything else. I promise.” I nod and try to take a calming breath. “There’s something else you should know about last night,” I tell him. “When I threatened Aldo with the probability that he’d get in trouble for hurting me, he said he had permission to be here in the Park. I never saw him drive a car, so as far as I know, he could have been climbing the wall to get in. He could have been lying, but I figure you should know.” Zeno trails his fingers through my hair. “No permission will exonerate him from what he’s done. Coming onto my f*****g property to hurt anyone on my estate. As I said, you don’t need to worry about any of it again. I’m here, and for now, all you need to do is get some rest.” “Okay.” My head still rests above his heart. I don’t expect to sleep, considering everything that’s happened, but nestled safely against Z’s warm body, lulled by his gentle caress, my thoughts drift to unconsciousness. I slip into a deep, cathartic sleep and don’t wake again until the sun is well into the sky. When I come to, I don’t have one of those moments when everything comes rushing back to me in a flash of memory. Between the pulsing pain in my left cheekbone and Zeno’s scent blanketed around me, my conscious mind is all too aware of all that’s happened in the past twelve hours. Even the fact that I’m now alone in the bed doesn’t come as a surprise. Considering how urgently Z wanted to start his manhunt, I doubt he waited five minutes after I’d fallen asleep to leave. I sit up and scan the room around me, unsure what to do next. Do I go home? Is Aldo dead on my kitchen floor? Did I kill a man last night? The possibilities make me want to retreat beneath the covers and never leave this room. I have so many questions, but that one worries me the most. I’m desperate to know the answer but equally terrified. I don’t want to have killed anyone, but I also hate to think of Aldo alive and hungry for my blood. Regardless of my aversion, I have to know. If he did survive, could he be at the house waiting for my return? Surely, his need for vengeance wouldn’t overrule his need to save himself and get medical attention. I can safely assume that Z has stopped by the cottage to assess things for himself, but I’m not going over until I know for sure. That’s when I notice my phone on the nightstand. I left it at the house when I ran. Zeno must have brought my phone back after checking out the scene. I could call and ask Z what he found at my house, but he won’t want to discuss it over the phone. If he came back to Hardwick with my phone, he might still be here. My best bet for answers is to go in search of him and hope he hasn’t left. I’m up and dressed in an instant. Aside from my need to know what’s going on, my family will be back from the city anytime. I don’t have the luxury of burying my head in the sand. I’ve got to get home and clean the blood out of the kitchen. I’m not sure why, but I don’t want them to know what happened. I don’t want them to see our family home the way I am now feeling about it. Unsafe. Tainted. While I’m in the bathroom, I examine the bruise on my cheek. It doesn’t look as bad as I expected, but there will be no hiding it from my family. I’ll have to decide what I’m willing to tell them. Maybe once I know more myself, the answer will come to me. When I reach the bottom of the stairs, Elena is sipping coffee in the sitting area right off the main entry. Her face lights up when our gazes meet. “Isa,” she says my name with relieved affection and hurries over. “Were you able to get some sleep?” “Yes, thank you.” I glance in the direction of Zeno’s office. “Is Z still here?” “No, but he did let me know on his way out that you were safe to go home, if that’s what you want. Of course, you’re welcome to stay here as well.” Safe to go home—what does that mean? Was Aldo dead? Surely not, or Zeno would have come to tell me himself, right? Is he out dealing with my attack, or is his disappearance part of an awkward morning after? I have no idea where our night leaves us. Will he text me on his own? Am I supposed to reach out? If he told his mom to pass along a message, I should probably assume that’s the extent of what he needs to say at the moment. It’s not particularly informative, but it’s at least something to go on. I smile and nod. “That’s good to hear. I ought to get back before my family gets home.” “Would you like a cup of coffee before you go?” “If I can take it to go, then sure. But I really need to get going.” She places a gentle hand on my arm. “Of course, let me get you a travel mug.” I follow her back to the kitchen, where she loads me up with a ton of coffee, and I give her a hearty thanks before slipping out the back exit. I’ve been given the all clear to return home, but even in the bright light of day, my nerves have me searching the shadows for hidden dangers. Elena offered to walk with me, but my silly pride insisted I’d be fine.