Page 89 of Ramshackle
The only island we’re fairly certain he was on was the one we’d escaped, and where Raegan had been born, before it crumbled to the bottom of the ocean. There’s nothing left of it.
“You really think this is what she wants? To meet a father she doesn’t even remember?” Kellan questions, and it’s clear in his tone he thinks she doesn’t.
That isn’t up to me to decide. I’m going to give her the option, and she can choose what she wants to do. This is the only family member she has left. If he’s still alive, she could have part of her family back. Someone to talk to about her mother, who knew her when she was alive. Questions answered.
I’ve already done every record search for him in the States and come across nothing. He’s like a ghost.
Just like Raegan.
Which now has me looking to GE and the islands for answers.
“When was the last time you slept?” Dane prompts, his face drawn with concern. “You criticized Jackson for doing this, and here you are, working yourself to death.”
My standards of care for my brothers are not the same as for myself.
“We aren’t leaving on another mission for some time yet, but there’s still the impending Guild event that we need to prepare for. My sleep patterns don’t adversely affect anyone while we’re staying put.”
Dane drops into one of the chairs and leans on my desk with a long sigh. “Just tell her you’re sorry.”
It’s not that simple.
“She’ll barely look at me,” I admit sharply.
Kellan pokes at something on one of the shelves and mutters, “Shouldn’t have been a dumbass, then.”
I pin him with an annoyed look. “If I want your opinion on this, I’ll ask for it.”
He laughs.
Prick.
“She doesn’t even know what you’re doing for her. Are you planning on telling her it was you?” Dane keeps going.
“No. I’m not looking for credit. I know I’ve messed things up too much to gain her forgiveness. I’m not doing this for me.”
I’m doing it for her.
Whatever I can do to make things better. For her.
I’ve broken whatever we once had between us, and I’m not trying to fix that. It’s better for her to not see me the way she used to. All that matters is that I spend my time righting whatever wrongs are in her life as a result of the mistakes I made.
Her injuries.
Her parents.
Her future.
Her happiness.
“Is there anything else?” I ask.
The worry on Dane’s face deepens. “No. Just…get some rest.”
My door crashes open. I grab my whip sword at my side, ready to swing it at whoever or whatever entered the room, and freeze at who I see.
Raegan stumbles forward, and I jump from my seat to catch her before she falls to the floor. The sweet smell of vanilla is overpowered by the whiskey on her breath.
Where the fuck are Dane and Kellan? Did they let her walk around the bunker drunk? Or did they pass out first? Either scenario is unacceptable.
