Crossroads of Revenge by Danielle M Haas

Author:Danielle M Haas [Haas, Danielle M]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Danielle M Haas
Published: 2022-09-26T18:30:00+00:00

A crack severed Brooke’s heart in two as she stood beside Chet in the morgue while he made a positive identification of Julia. There hadn’t been any doubt of who Cruz found in the woods, but protocol had to be followed. And no way in hell would Brooke let Chet stand alone in a cold room and look into the lifeless eyes of his cousin.

Chet brushed a gentle hand over Julia’s cheek while tears fell down his face. “She had so much to offer. So much to look forward to. How could I let this happen?”

Pressure threatened to burst through Brooke’s sinus cavity as she struggled to hold back her own tears. Now wasn’t the time to fall apart and wallow in the guilt eating her from the inside out. Now was the time to stand tall, be strong, and show Chet the support he desperately needed. “This isn’t your fault.”

“It sure as hell feels like it.” His shoulders trembled as he tried not to break down. “Look at her. How could someone do this?”

“I don’t know. It’s all so senseless.” Brooke didn’t want to look at the scab on Julia’s lip that would never heal, from where she’d been struck at the bar, or the new marks on her neck. Marks that were consistent with being caught off-guard with a taser.

So impersonal.

So calculating.

Her mind raced as she mentally flipped through everything she knew about Shay, as well as everything she’d learned during her time in uniform. Shay had come close to ending her life, so she didn’t doubt his ability to lash out. He was a hot-head with a violent streak. A man who acted on impulse then fell to his knees to beg forgiveness. Could he really carry out such a cold-hearted plan?

“I’m so sorry, sweetheart. I should have protected you.” Chet placed a kiss on Julia’s forehead then headed for the door. No words were spoken until he climbed into the passenger side of his truck, Brooke sitting behind the wheel. “I need a drink.”

“I know just the place.” Turning over the engine, she pulled away from the county morgue and headed for the Chill N’ Grill. The restaurant would be empty this time of day, and Wade had a much better selection of alcohol then she did. Not like it mattered to Chet. Nothing would take the edge off losing Julia.

Ten minutes later, Wade stood behind the bar, wiping down glassware. His eyes widened, then filled with a glassy sheen he quickly sniffed away.

Chet climbed onto a stool and dropped his clasped hands onto the bar, rubbing his thumb over the thick skin of his wrist.

Brooke sat next to him, wanting so badly to consume his pain—pain that should have been heaped on her shoulders alone. Not Chet’s, who’d already lost so much. Not Julia’s, who didn’t deserve to have her young life cut short.

Wade set a shot glass in front of her and then crouched to grab a bottle of whiskey from under the bar. He filled each little glass then poured one for himself.

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