Page 137 of Desecrated Saints
A throat clearing breaks our post-sex bubble.
“Uh, guys?” Theo stands in the doorway, his eyes averted away from us.
I immediately shove Eight behind me, gritting my teeth against a snarl. If Theo saw even an inch of her bare skin, I’ll happily barbecue his eyeballs for dinner.
“What?” Hudson growls, equally annoyed.
“You need to come upstairs.” Theo awkwardly rubs the back of his neck. “Hunter wants to speak to you all. It’s urgent. Clothes may be a good idea.”
CHAPTER 29
BROOKLYN
IT’S OKAY TO BE AFRAID - SAINT SLUMBER
I yank one of Eli’s oversized hoodies over my head, covering the necklace of bruises on my throat. When I spotted them in the bathroom mirror, I couldn’t help but stroke the aching flesh with a sick sense of satisfaction.
The voices in my head can’t convince me otherwise when I have physical proof of my family’s love and twisted devotion.
The walk to Hunter’s office is marked by tense, impenetrable silence. Hudson and Seven follow behind me and Theo, both hastily changed into fresh clothing after our… uh, fuck fest. No other word for that toxic fiasco.
“What’s the news?” I rasp.
Theo casts me an apprehensive look. “The SCU have made their decision.”
“Do you know what it is?”
Rather than answer, he pushes open the huge glass door and beckons for us to enter. I can’t help but feel like the hangman is offering us a nice, convenient noose to hang ourselves with. Entering Hunter’s office, I take Hudson’s and Seven’s hands to ground myself.
The others wait inside, all appearing nervous. Kade is propped in the corner, his foot tapping a staccato rhythm. Eli and Phoenix sit next to each other, their entwined hands displayed on the conference table. I kiss both of their cheeks as we pass and find our own seats.
Hunter stands at the head of the table, his arms folded over his perfectly pressed blue shirt. I glance up at his hair. It’s loose and untied again. I’ve come to realise it’s a pretty good indicator of his mental state. Right now, he looks ready to burn the entire fucking world down. It’s terrifying.
“Now that we’re all here, will you answer my question?” Kade sighs.
“Yes, the decision came from above,” Hunter concedes. “The task force answers to a higher authority within the Serious Crimes Unit. I’m not familiar with the director, but I’ve heard he’s pretty formidable.”
“That wasn’t my question. Does Incendia have the SCU in its pocket?!”
“What’s happened?” I interrupt with my heart in my mouth.
Releasing his own sigh, Hunter takes the empty seat between Theo and Enzo. None of them can look at us, studying the table instead. I feel the balloon of hope in my chest explode into spectacular pieces.
“The SCU has decided not to proceed with an investigation at this time.” Hunter’s voice is laden with defeat. “Agent Barlow has handed in her resignation in protest of this decision, along with Agent Jonas.”
“They’re quitting?” Hudson exclaims. “What the fuck?”
“From what I gather, their superior officer did not agree with the evidence collected. The decision was not theirs to make. After spending three weeks with you all, both felt very strongly that an immediate investigation was needed.”
“So why the hell aren’t they doing it?” I shout.
“They intend to prosecute.” Hunter shakes his head in disgust. “Just not Incendia.”
We all fall silent at that bombshell.
“Charges have been filed against Brooklyn for multiple first-degree murders, including Brittany Matthews, Jack Potter, Officer Jefferson and Doctor Augustus. That’s without the four-month killing spree. Rio Gonzalez’s death is still up for dispute.”
“Do I even want to know mine?” Seven drones.
