Page 66 of Shattered Love
I recognize him from the fight, the one with the Joker scar.
She runs over, falling to her knees in front of me. Her eyes take me in.
“I’m okay, kid.” I pull her behind me.
Her lip trembles as she forces a smile.
I fall to my side. Closing my eyes for just a second.
She places my head on her lap, running her fingers through my hair. “I lied to you.”
I snort, gritting my teeth from the pain. “Now’s not the time to tell me that, kid.”
“It’s me. Juliet.”
I feel a tear rolls down my cheek. I hold her face, smearing my blood across her cheek and looking into her eyes. My beautiful baby girl.
“I was praying it was you. My heart always knew what my eyes didn’t believe. I’m sorry, baby girl, so sorry, my sweet Juliet.”
I feel a hard slap to my face. “No Daddy. Open your eyes. We just got each other. You have to fight, Daddy. Fight for me, please.” Her voices is shaking so desperately. Is this what Avery felt like before the ambulance came? Numb in my arms? Looking up at her future?
My eyes flutter open, a smile on my face as my body fills with warmth like a sun on summer day. “I always wanted to hear you say that, to call me Daddy.” I cringe. “You’re fucking stubborn just like your mother.”
I see Avery smiling and standing behind Lettie.
“She’s here. Your mom is here.”
Her figure changes into a darker one and I see Braxton staring at me. I shake my head. “No.” I try sitting up. “Get away.” I move my hand on hitting empty air.
Putting his arms around my baby girl, he pulls her back, she kicks and crawls.
“Daddy, Daddy.” The whole room echoes with her screams.
I roll to my side as I watch my baby girl’s heart break.
“I'll gladly go to prison for this.” I growl at the men.
They all laugh as they watch me struggle to get up. Braxton is sick with pleasure.
Lettie stops fighting and she looks over at me. “I love you, Daddy.” There is fear in her eyes.
“I’m coming for you, baby. Don't be scared. I'm coming for you. I love you.”
She nods as tears pour down her face. “I know. I’ll be waiting.”
Braxton pulls her out the door before the final shot is released into the room. I fall back and smile as my old friend, the darkness, takes his final claim.
