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Godda snaps, because she’s not listening She’s too dae her o, we’re done," I say coldly

"Brent--" Jake warns, but I throw up my hand

Kennedy flinches Then she searches"You don’tto sit here and driveto spend the rest of et yourself killed You do this, we’re fucking done"

A small faraway voice that sounds suspiciously like Waldo whispers that this is wrong Manipulative But I tell hi this to keep her safe

"I’ve hted with hurt Maybe even a little fear Like I haven’t just dented her ared a crowbar in there and cracked it wide open, exposing all her most vulnerable parts

But I’ to feel bad about that

"Then break them Promises are broken every damn day--it’s the way of the world"

"There are witnesses who have risked their lives to testify against Moriotti Who’ve gone into Witness Protection and given up everything, because I held their hand and told the to do Because I swore I would put him away And nowyou just wanta little uncomfortable?"

My face feels hard, frozen--an ice sculpture ie of myself "Yes I want you to turn your back and run the other way"

She shakes her head softly "I can’tI can’t believe you’reme choose"

"Well, I aive a shit" My fingers squeeze her upper ar youto pick oes quiet I don’t think anyone even fucking breathes

Then Kennedy cups my jaw in both her hands And her voice is hushed--the way you’d talk at a funeral "I love you, Brent I really love you, and I know you love me But I won’t be the woman you love anymore if I don’t do this And if we can just--"

I don’t hear another word after that Because I’ the frame splintered

I wander the city for an hour--or three--because I’o back too soon But when I finally do make it back, I don’t have to worry about that

The house is dark Eone

20

"How fucked up is that?"