Reveal (Love & Beyond #2)

by D. Griffith

  “Ahh, right, okay, erm.. Well I thought she was dead?”

  “Obviously not, but one question that’s really pissing me off is, why did you not tell me? I’m your wife and why did you let him and Danni get so close, if you knew of Sabrina? Oh, and the bigger question I want to know is, what is the story behind it and why would you all think she dead?”

  “Ok, firstly, calm down please and don’t get mad, hear me out. Firstly, I swore to Jared I wouldn’t tell anyone, he’s my best mate. Come on Andi, you can’t say if it was your best mate you wouldn’t have their back? Secondly, I tried to stop him and Danni from getting together, I warned him loads, but there in love with each other, you know once you’ve made such a connection to someone you can’t part. It’s like me and you; nothing can part us can it? And you know how much they love each other, you can see it every time you’re in the room with them, they let of toxins. Thirdly, I’m sorry I can’t tell you the story behind it, well not yet anyway.”

  “Why can’t you tell me? Do you have to wait until Jared gives you permission?”

  “Yes, it’s his secret, so I can’t, not till he tells Danni, you know how hurtful that would be to her if other people like yourself knew before she did? You know she deserves to know the truth on what happened, before anyone else does and as her sister you should respect that.”

  “Ok, I understand, but once she knows you will tell me right?”

  “Of course I will, now shall we go watch a real bad movie on the sofa with some munchies and cuddles?”

  “Dude, you’re so soppy, but yeah come on. I’m picking the movie. I need to ring Adam first to let him know that she’s awake, so give me five minutes please.” I grab my phone and start dialing his number, I’m dreading telling him all of this. He already hated Jared, so once he knows; Jared will be the first to be on his hit list.

  Chapter Four

  Danni

  I keep picturing the words my farther said to me, in my dreams. ‘Revenge is sweet’ was it him giving me permission? Or is it what I’m feeling deep down? Although I am feeling different in myself, it’s not scared or hurt or disappointment for that matter, it’s something else. Like, I want to inflict pain on everyone, especially the ones that keep ruining my relationship. Well this time it’s all on Jared. How could he have a wife, and then ask me to marry him? He wanted two wives? Greedy! I’m interrupted out of my thoughts by a loud banging at the door.

  “Miss Shaw, I’m detective Sam and this is my partner Paige, we were assigned your case, do you feel up to answering some questions for us please? To help catch, whoever did this.”

  “Sure, what do you want to know?”

  “Well, we’ve spoken to Mr. Hall, he is a bit hazy on what happened. So from the beginning, could you explain please?”

  “Ok, it happened so quickly. Jared and I, were about to settle down for the night and there was a loud banging on the door, they were quite anxious, because they wouldn’t stop and then as I went to open the door this lady barged right in, shortest blonde hair, thick drawn on eyebrows, really bad tan and she pulls a gun out on me. She started ranting on about following Jared, you know, stalking him. She also said she was working with my ex Dillon, she helped him escape. She said she paid some of the guards to get him out. Jared walked in after, he was all shocked in seeing her and before I knew it, there was a gunshot. Jared jumped in front of me, to save me. Then I screamed at her saying she going to pay for that, I didn’t want to leave his side and she started getting scared, cursing me saying that it should have been me who got that shot. I went to run at her and then she shot me. That’s it, I was out cold.”

  “Did you get a name?” Do I tell them that Jared knew her and it was his wife? Or will it cause trouble for him and open an old case? Obviously for him to have kept it a secret and he thought she was dead, must mean something, although he must have said to them.”

  “Sorry no, I didn’t get a name.”

  “Are you sure? Your sister mentioned a Sabrina to Mr Hall, he didn’t say anything about it, but he did have that same expression on his face like you have right now.”

  “Like I said sir, I don’t know! My mind is hazy; if anything comes back to me, I’ll be the first one to call. I’m starting to feel tired now, can you leave me be, please?”

  “Sure, here is my card, soon as something comes back to you, give us a call.” He hands me a small white card and him and his partner walk through the door mumbling to each other, probably knowing I was withholding information. I need to speak to Jared.

  I slowly throw the covers of me and throw a leg at a time out the bed. As I tried to get up, my legs go like jelly and I fall. I feel like a newborn fowl, learning how to stand, I can’t possibly walk. I pull myself back up from the arm of the chair and head towards the door. Every step feels like I’m on a mission to get to my goal, especially walking through this pain.

  I finally approach his room, I actually feel nervous about this, as I’m finally going to find out his big secret. Something tells me, it’s going to be something horrific, am I ready for this? Oh well, I’m here now, may as well get my foot through the thresh hole. Feels like I’m walking in to my doom. As I walk in, I see him lying there, every inch of me wants to go over and wrap myself around him, so I fight against all my urges.

  “Jared, are you awake?”

  “Yes, I was just thinking, suppose you’re here for answers?”

  “Talk about getting straight to it and yes. Before you go into it, the detectives came to me, I didn’t tell them about Sabrina. I weren’t sure if you would want me too and I reckon it’s something that if they found out, it would fall on you.”

  “So your instinct was to protect me, thank you.”

  “You can thank me, by telling me everything, so go on?”

  “Ok, this is what I was going to tell you after I proposed, but I should have told you sooner. Sabrina, at the time was the love of my life; well I thought she was, until I met you. Anyway, she was kind hearted, fun to be with, she wasn’t serious, adventurous, we also drank a lot, it was party all the time, I thought she was the one. We even went to Vegas and got married, hence the wife thing. I didn’t realize how deceptive she was, always secretly nipping out. I heard phone calls, secret texts, you know, all that. One night, I thought I’d follow her. She went to this horrible motel; it must have been like two stars. I was able to pay the reception a load of cash for her to give me the keys to enter the room she was in. I walked in on her riding someone, rage swept through me. I charged over and dragged her away from him, only to find that it was my brother Nick. He knew what she meant to me, but he’s the type of person who will screw you over just for fun, to hurt yeah. He takes drugs, you know the type, and anyway, you can imagine how furious that made me, so I started beating the crap out of him, knocked him unconscious. Bare in mind, I was already half cooked because that time in my life, I was forever drunk. I didn’t stop beating on him, until Sabrina blurted out that she was pregnant with his kid. That is when I lost it, because she knew how much the thought of kids meant to me. I started trashing the place, everything fell black, it was pure darkness. I grabbed her, and dragged her out of the motel and threw her in to the car. I put my foot down, I just didn’t care anymore. I was going a hundred and fifty miles an hour, also being drunk; it’s not a good combination. I was screaming and shouting, you bitch, how could you do this to me? You will pay. At this point, I was of the road and in some woods, where they have off road tracks. She was screaming in fear, saying how sorry she was, it just happened, she didn’t plan it. I refused to listen, I looked back and screamed, stop the fucking lying you sick, twisted bitch. Next minute, I lost control of the car and went straight into a tree and down a ditch. Sabrina went straight through the window. I staggered out, to try and get to her, it was too late. There was no pulse she was dead. I ran, told my guys to sort it. They rang the ambulance and I paid so many people of, so it didn’t hit the press and no one knew I had anything to do with it, so far as I
knew, she was dead, no one told me otherwise. I feel guilty for what I done every day, I didn’t mean to. Please don’t be scared of me, I’m nothing like that, it was just a really bad time in my life.” Oh, I feel sick, he goes to touch me, I move away and clasp my hand over my mouth in shock. How can someone do that? I don’t know what to say. I wanted the truth and I got it. What do I do now? “Danni, please say something.”

  “I don’t know what to say, that’s sick, she was pregnant. You just ran as-well, who are you?”

  “Danni, I didn’t mean to crash, I looked behind for a second. I’ve felt guilty every day since it happened, don’t be afraid. You know me; well you say you do, so just look at me. Do you really think I would do that to a woman on purpose? Seriously, be honest.”

  “Jared, to be honest, I don’t know! That’s pretty brutal, don’t get me wrong, I can handle it. However, what I can’t handle, is the fact you lied to me and kept it from me all this time, when I was open with you from day one. I trusted you and for you not to return that trust, says a lot about you as a person and what you think of our relationship. Trust is a big deal to me, and for you not to give that to me, says a lot about me and you and to know what you did, that’s just as bad as what Dillon did to me. I need some time to think.” I stand up and try and make a classy exit, not showing him the truth of the pain he has caused me with this. He calls me back.

  “Danni... Please...” I fight the urge that is telling me to look over my shoulder, it’s a strong pull, but I manage to restrain myself and hold my head up high and walk out. I badly want to go back and wrap myself around him, but not this time. Trust it’s a strong power, you either have it, or you don’t. I had it; he didn’t, now as the saying goes. One door closes, another one opens.

  Finally, I’m back to my room, the way I was walking, it felt like it took hours, I have a visitor, its Adam.

  “Peanut, what are you doing out of bed? You should be resting.”

  “Oh, don’t go all big brothers on me now.”

  “You’re out of breath, Danni! Come here.” I fall to the ground as my legs can’t take any more, I did so well for them to last this long. Adam rushes to my side and scoops me up like I’m a baby and puts me back on the bed. “Do you need me too call the doctors? “

  “No, I’m fine.” What’s that wet feeling coming from my chest? I wipe my palm where the wet is flowing from. I check my hand, it’s full of bright, red blood, oh crap, I put too much strain on myself. I start to panic. “Adam, get the doctor, now.” I show him the leak, and he presses the emergency button and they’re all in here like a flash. The whole room is spinning; I feel like a cold sweat dripping from my pores, my breathing is slowing, all I can hear is.

  “Her stitches have come undone, we need to get her prepped again, and of to theatre.” I can barley talk, but I manage to say.”

  “Adam, what’s happening, I’m I dyeing? Is it bad?” He’s got tight hold of my hand while I’m getting rushed across this place.

  “Don’t worry, it’s not that bad, you’ll be fine just rest, you pushed yourself peanut, tut, tut.” I try to laugh, but it’s too hard and now I’m not making out any noises. I see lips moving, no sound. I’m in some room now, a bright light shinning straight at me, they’re putting some mask over my nose and mouth, and within seconds I’m out.

  *****

  After theatre, I slowly start to wake up, with the heaviest feeling over my head and my chest feels like it’s been ripped open.

  “Danni, right you can’t be getting up and walking too much and straining that much pressure on yourself until your wound is closed, wounds like this you should know of. Well, suppose you wouldn’t because you where in a coma but you have to rest.” I’m too weak to argue back with my brother, so I’ll just agree.

  “I know, Adam! I’ll take it easy, any idea when I can go home? Is my apartment all clear to go back?”

  “Yes it is, but are you sure you want to go back there? The person who did this is still running free and you’re going to need someone to look after you until you start healing.”

  “No I don’t, I’ll be fine and I’ll double lock and won’t answer the door, I’ll even get a camera outside, so I can look who’s there before I answer. As for being looked after, I don’t need that, I’ll be careful and when I need to go the shops or something, I’ll order online or call on you to come and get me.”

  “Hold up, why me? You’ve got a fiancé, make him do it.” Oh right yeah, I’ve not told him, do I tell him? He will go of the rockets, and march straight into Jared’s room and kill him. However, I can’t keep it from him either, as he’ll find out one way or another.

  “Well unfortunately, that is not going to work out as planned. Have you spoken to Andi?”

  “No! She tried to call me before I came here, but I never got around to answering. Seriously, is he playing you again?”

  “No Adam, he is not, it’s just.. Ok I’ll just come out and say it, he has a wife, but you can’t say anything, there’s a story behind it all, which I can’t tell the police, because it can bring trouble for Jared. Also, don’t ask what the big secret is because I can’t tell you, but if it helps your girlfriend knows what it is.” His face has gone bright red and looks like his ears are about to blow smoke out of them, my brother is such a hot head. He goes to walk out the door clenching his fist, and psycho eyes, when they widen that big, he means business. “Adam no, this will stress me more you going of like that, don’t make me get up.” letting out a huge huff he tries his best, to suppress his feelings, he unclenches his fists and turns around and gives of a fake smile.

  “Fine, but instead of you talking, you can listen now because I need to vent. I hate him Danni, why keep going for these jackasses. For crying out loud, who proposes to someone knowing they already have a wife, what are you, a mistress to him?”

  “Feel better now? No, he didn’t think I was a mistress, he thought she was dead, that’s all I can say. The reason I want nothing to do with him, is the fact that he kept it from me and didn’t trust me enough, like I did him, that’s the problem. Anyway, I don’t want to talk about it, how’s things with you and Julie?”

  “Oh, I see! We get of the subject of one Hall, to start another one up of another Hall?”

  “Oh, I’m weak and tired, amuse me.”

  “Ok, well its going good, it’s strange because our younger siblings are sleeping together and we kind of hate you both, well her you, me him, you know. So we’re nip picking about you both too each other, it’s funny, she thinks you’re just after his money, I think he is using you, for the joys of his publicity going up and maybe some mummy issues.”

  “Ok, stop there, I don’t want to know, you’re pissing me off. Can you find out when I can go home please?”

  “Sure, give me a moment; I’ll go find someone to ask.” I think I’ve seen enough hospitals to do me for a life time. Once I’m up and running, I really need to work out where I go from here and were my life is headed. I also need to tell Jared how I feel and about him, and me, it’s so not going to end well. I can’t do it in the hospital either, Adam interrupts me from my thoughts. “Well, the good news is they will discharge you tomorrow, but only if you return home with someone. It would only be for a couple of days, so I made a quick call and they agreed that Carl and Darla will come stay with you for a few days and wait on you. I thought you would prefer them to me, as Andi can’t as she got the babies.”

  “That’s great that, thank you. Well I’m going to catch some rest, thanks for coming Adam.” He winks at me, pecks me on the head and leaves. I close my eyes and drift back into my safe place; I like to call my dreams.

  *****

  “Come on, Danni, are you ready?”

  “Yeah, Darla, don’t forget I’m still injured, you have to wheel me out.”

  “I know, can I let you go down a hill and see if I can catch you?”

  “All though that sounds like much fun, I think I’ll pass, let’s limit my injuries ok?” />
  “Ok, spoilt sport, so was this your idea, go and get yourself shot so Carl and I, don’t move?” She’s got such lovely sympathy hasn’t she?

  “Oh yes, Darla! I so much wanted to get shot and give my body another scar to add to the mix, all to stop you from moving.”

  “Touchy.”

  “Sorry, I’m just not looking forward to a conversation I have to have with Jared, but I’m going to wait for a few days when he’s out of hospital.”

  “Ahh right, so you’re really walking away again?”

  “Shut up, Darla, it’s not walking away.” She grabs my last few things and starts heading me outside, we do walk past Jared’s room and Andrews outside.

  “Hey Miss Shaw, how are you feeling? I heard you had to go back under?”

  “I’m ok thanks, how come you’re out here and not in there?”

  “His mother is in there; let’s just say it seems like world war three. She’s not happy with him. So it’s best I stay out of the way, and even you for that matter.”

  “I was just going to go in and tell him we’ll talk when he’s out in a few days, as I’m off home now. Can you pass that message on please?”

  “Sure mam, I will, take it easy okay, otherwise it’ll be me coming over and sitting on you and we know I’ll snap you in two.” Aww, that makes me smile, it’s rare he shows his sweet side.”

  “Oh no, I wouldn’t want that, I do like being able to breathe.” I wink at him and signal for Darla to keep moving, I swear she is lethal she bumping into everything, she needs a license.

  “Darla, please stop bumping in to everything, I’d rather not stay here another night with extra sores.”

  “Sorry, not really had to use one of these before.” I nod in disapproval, because that’s all I can manage to do, as I’m starting to feel weak again, that’s probably the painkillers wearing off.