Page 155 of Desecrated Saints
Happy birthday, Brooklyn.
I hope Seven’s spoiling you in there today. We tried to get visitation, but Richards is insistent on not bending the rules. After eighteen months of this, you would think he’d lighten up. I know you had a relapse and things were rough for a while, but still.
You don’t need to be afraid of telling us this stuff.
This road you’re on isn’t easy.
But you’re not on it alone.
We’ve officially been working at Sabre for ten months. It’s gone so quickly. Hudson’s slotted right into Enzo’s new division. He’s been in Priory Lane and Compton Hall, documenting any last bits of evidence before the demolition begins. It’s given him purpose, I think. Protecting others like you and Seven.
I’m still searching for my father.
We had a hit on one of his offshore accounts a few weeks back. The information Mum provided has left no dark corners for him to hide in. It’ll take some time, but we will find him. In the meantime, she’s started working again. Opened an art gallery down south in the village she moved to. She sends her love.
Cece graduated from university after taking a break.
She’s off to law school in the US next month.
We’re all okay. Still here. Nothing’s the same without you. I thought we’d get used to it, but your absence never leaves us. We moved into the new house, just outside of the city. Hunter’s fortress with the guys is a few miles away. They got a dog too. Adorable little thing. Should we get one? I think we will when you get out.
Your room is ready for when you come home. Phoenix and Eli decorated it in all sorts of ridiculous colours, just forewarning you.
I’m not rushing you. I know you need more time to get better, and this isn’t an overnight fix. It’s important for you both to be in there, getting the help you need. I’m still holding you to that promise, though.
Come back to us, love.
Our family isn’t complete without you here.
Until next time our lips will meet.
I love you.
Yours,
Kade x
CHAPTER 36
ELI’S LETTER
To Brooke,
This is the first letter I’ve written to you. This feels scarier than speaking—putting pen to paper. I can’t hide behind closed lips in a letter. But today marks two years since you left. I figured it’s time I put my fears aside and do this.
So, hi, baby girl.
It’s me. Your Eli.
I miss you so fucking much. It hurts most at night. Phoenix is usually snoring while I stay up, unable to sleep. When I look at the sky, I wonder if you’re watching the stars too. It makes me feel close to you, knowing we’re looking at the same constellations.
I’ll take whatever scraps I can get.
I passed my exam last week. The uni course is going really well. I love history, but the political science minor is becoming my favourite. I know, sad.
Watching Incendia being pulled apart and its illegal anatomy examined has inspired me to understand the world around me. I didn’t see it for so long. This is the longest I’ve been out in the world since… well, you know when.
It’s still weird writing my own essays, instead of Phoenix’s or yours. He likes to poke me or blare loud music when I’m working, just for old times’ sake. But without you, our smiles don’t last. Our relationship is empty without you in the middle.
