Chapter 40
Redemptio
The empty hallways of Westfield High echoed with my
Totsteps as
as I approached the library.
The band duve felt heavy in my hand, Makes “insurance canister pressing against my hip
Mattiner’s voice had gone silent in my earpiece I was truly alone now
Rachel’s countdown ticked in my head. Twelve minstes lell
Pushing through the fibuary doors, I saw them–Caspian bound to a chant, blood staining his hospital gown, his face bruised but eyes fierce and alert
When our gates locked, something electric passed between us–relief, fear, determination
Rachel stood behind him, fingers digging possessively into his shoulder, while Palmer waited to the side in his impeccable suit, watching the scene with clinical detachment.
Sage Caspian x voice was raw with pain, the single syllable of my name carrying a desperate warning
Rachel yanked his head i
ad back by
by his hair, silencing him, but his eyes never left mine. I’m okay, they seemed to say. Don’t give them anything
My heart hammered against my ribs as I stepped forward, forcing my visice to remain steady.
came alone,” I said, holding up the drive. “Just like your asked.”
“Ms. Winters. Always the professional,” Palmer sand, stepping forward.
Rachel’s Laugh was brittle. Everything has always heen between us, Sage. Ever since you stepped into my house, taking what was mine.”
never took anything from you,” I replied, calculating distances and escape routes.
“You took everything!” she snarled. “My father’s attention. My mother’s love. The family that was supposed to be mine!”
Palmer interjected, “Rachel’s services were engaged for her unique skill set, not her personal vendetta. Though her enthusiasm has been an asset.”
Rachel’s expression flickered with confusion. “We’re partners, Jeffrey, Equal partners.”
Something cold passed behind Palmer’s eyes. “Of course, my dear?
“The drive,” Falmer extended his hand. “Let’s conclude thus transaction.”
I held up the hard drive containing the evidence against Palmer, “Release Caspian first.
“Drove first. Then maybe quarterback lives, Rachel smiled, pressing a knife to Caspian’s throat.
Caspians eyes met mine with intensity that made the rest of the room fade away.
of history, of hurt and unspoken feelings, compressed into that single look.
He blinked deliberately, then flicked his gaze toward the ceiling a silent signal only I would understand.
My fingers tightened around the canister in my pocket, and I gave him the slightest nod in return.
Whatever happened next, we would face it together.
. I said, extending the drive,
Palmet snatched it and smiled triumphantly. “With this gone, the case against me rollapses.”
And our deal?” Rachel demanded, knife still at Caspian’s throat.
Palmer withdrew a handgun, pointing it at Rachel. “You’ve become a liability. Too emotional, too erratic.
“You promised me protection!” Rachel’s face contorted with shock.
Chapter 40
“Did you really think I’d honor a deal with Robert Miller’s unstable daughter?”
Palmer Laughed coldly. “You were a tool. Useful, but disposable.”
“Like your daughter? | interjected, inching closer.
Rachel’s grip on the knife tightened. “You used me!”
“Of course I did,” Palmer said matter–of–factly. “Were all users. Some of us are simply better at the game.
I pulled the canister from my pocket and yanked the pin. “Game over”
The flash–bang exploded in light and sound,
Through the ringing in my ears, I tackled Caspian’s chair to the ground as gunshots cracked through the air.
Smoke filled the room as I fumbled with his restraints.
“Behind you!” Caspian warned.
Rachel lunged through the smoke, knife raised.
I caught her wrist mid–strike, inches from my
“Not this time.” I growled, driving my knee into her stomach.
“Everything was fine until you came along!” she screamed, slashing wildly. The blade caught my arm, pain blooming hot and immediate.
“I was a child!” I shouted back. “Robert was the monster, not me!”
Chapter Comments
3 teams looking at a QB whose been shot in the shoulder?
