Fallen Angel
Page 12
“Even me.”
“No. Not you.”
We talked about it a lot. Jade had been speaking to the counselors at the women’s shelter and her roommate. She wanted to piece her life back together, but first, she had to figure out who she was. She couldn’t do that here. And she didn’t need me or anyone else getting in the way.
“I set up an account with your half of the settlement.”
“Lucien, it’s not my money. I didn’t agree to the terms. You did. I don’t want hush money. I don’t want anything from that man. I’m done. I washed my hands of it. But if I decide to one day tell my story, I don’t want some court order telling me I can’t. This happened to me. And if speaking out will help someone else, then maybe I’ll do it.”
“Are you mad I took the money?”
She shook her head. “I just don’t want any part of it.”
“But I heard you talking to Mary Beth. You want to start your own not-for-profit to help victims of domestic violence. You need capital. Why not let some good come from this?”
“Why won’t you take no for an answer?”
“Because I’m stubborn like that.”
“It’s too much. I wouldn’t even know what to do with millions of dollars. I want you to take it and invest it in Cross Security. You can do more good than I can. You want to privatize policing. Just imagine how many people you can help.”
“I want to do more than that.” A dark cloud settled over me. I already pulled strings to get invited to a symposium where several well-respected federal law enforcement and private security officials would be speaking. Since I planned to do this, I wanted to do it right. “But I know how to build my business. I’ll get there eventually. I don’t need your money to do it.”
“I want you to invest it in Cross Security. You saved my life, Lucien, and my quality of life. I owe you everything.”
“No, you don’t.” I handed her the account information for a checking account I opened for her. “This is just a fraction of the proceeds. I spoke to a few investment bankers I know. Interest and dividends will be deposited every month. It should be enough to support you until you get settled in Colorado. But as soon as you say the word, I will wire you the rest with interest. I don’t care that you didn’t take the settlement. This is your money. You’re just letting me borrow it.” I smirked. “Just promise me you won’t buy a pot shop.”
She laughed. “I’ll try not to.”
After dinner, I went with her to the tattoo parlor where Kai put the finishing touches on the leopard tattoo she got to hide the still healing scars. The doctors told her to wait, but she couldn’t. Seeing the scars every day broke her heart and tore at her soul. She needed to rid herself of Scott Renwin and the terrible memories he left her. It’s why she had to leave, and why I wouldn’t stop her.
The next morning, I took her to the airport. We didn’t speak much, but she held my hand. Something she normally didn’t do.
“It’s like the first day we met.”
“You’ve come a long way,” I said. “You’re safe now.”
She studied me. “Lucien, just be careful. Ever since that day, there’s a darkness about you. It scares me. You’re angry. You want revenge. The same thing happened to Scott before he turned into a monster. It isn’t worth it.” She took my face in her hands. “Don’t turn into a monster.”
“I won’t.”
She smiled. “I guess you’re nothing more than a fallen angel.”
“Wouldn’t that make me the devil?”
“Then find your grace. Forgive and move on.” She smiled bittersweetly. “I have to go.” She leaned close and kissed me. I wrapped my arms around her and felt her hot tears against my cheek. “You’re my fallen angel. Don’t lose your humanity over this. It isn’t worth it. He’s done enough. Taken enough. Don’t let him suck you into the vortex too.” She stepped back.
“Scott’s dead, Jade. He can’t hurt you anymore.”
“Not me.” She slung her carry-on over her shoulder. “You’re waging a war you can’t win.”
“I know what I’m doing.”
“That’s what worries me.” She took a few steps toward the gate. “I’ll call you when I land and let you know I’m safe.”
I smiled. “You better.”
Note from the Author:
Domestic abuse is a difficult topic for many who have suffered or are suffering. It’s estimated that in the US, a woman is assaulted or beaten every nine seconds, and more than three women are killed each day by their husband or partner. Resources are available and help is out there.
* * *
When I was writing Burning Embers, this story came to me. Originally, I intended to include it within the Alexis Parker series, but it didn’t quite fit. Lucien Cross is a mysterious character, and without demystifying him too much, I still wanted to tell his story. So here is the origin of Cross Security. There’s a lot more to Lucien than what’s contained in these pages, and maybe one day I will write those other tales. But for now, I have no plans to give him his own series. Alexis keeps him busy enough.
I hope you enjoyed learning more about Lucien and Jade. If you liked this book, please consider leaving a review or recommending it to a friend. It would be greatly appreciated.
* * *
Want more Lucien Cross? Read On Tilt (Alexis Parker #14).
If you’re in the mood to meet another hero with a checkered past, check out the Julian Mercer series.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
G.K. Parks is the author of the Alexis Parker series. The first novel, Likely Suspects, tells the story of Alexis’ first foray into the private sector.
G.K. Parks received a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and History. After spending some time in law school, G.K. changed paths and earned a Master of Arts in Criminology/Criminal Justice. Now all that education is being put to use creating a fictional world based upon years of study and research.
You can find additional information on G.K. Parks and the Alexis Parker series by visiting our website at
www.alexisparkerseries.com
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Full-length Novels in the Alexis Parker Series:
Likely Suspects
The Warhol Incident
Mimicry of Banshees
Suspicion of Murder
Racing Through Darkness
Camels and Corpses
Lack of Jurisdiction
Dying for a Fix
Intended Target
Muffled Echoes
Crisis of Conscience
Misplaced Trust
Whitewashed Lies
On Tilt
Purview of Flashbulbs
The Long Game
Burning Embers
Thick Fog
Prequel Alexis Parker Novellas:
Outcomes and Perspective: The Complete Prequel Series
Assignment Zero (Prequel series, #1)
Agent Prerogative (Prequel series, #2)
The Final Chapter (Prequel series, #3)
Julian Mercer Novels
Condemned
Betrayal
Subversion
Reparation
Retaliation
Liv DeMarco Novels
Dangerous Stakes
Operation Stakeout
Unforeseen Danger
Deadly Dealings