Reborn In a Murderer’s Embrace

"I'm done playing the part, Henry. I'm not signing those divorce papers. What are you gonna do about it?" I cocked an eyebrow, challenging him across the dimly lit living room. "Don't tell me you're thinking of using force, Mr. Henry. With the paparazzi lurking around every corner of this fancy neighborhood, I doubt you'd want to cause a scene. I mean, just a while ago, some blogger tried to sneak a snapshot. Remember, this place is wired with cameras. You better keep your cool and think twice."

Henry's face twisted into a scowl, and he let out a derisive snort. "You're digging your own grave, thinking you can take me on."

He seemed to think he was doing me a favor, giving me one last chance.

"From now on, I'm Caleb's guardian, Henry. You want to do anything involving him; you need my okay," I said firmly, laying down the law.

He just laughed a cold, mirthless sound. The guy's been around the block like a sly old fox. I knew he had other cards to play.

"The funeral's tomorrow. Make sure you bring Caleb," Henry said before climbing into his car and driving off.

Tomorrow would be his version of the Last Supper for me, no doubt about it.

I watched their taillights disappear, then turned to glance at the second-floor bay window.

Colin was no longer there. In a heartbeat, he was right behind me.

"We need to be extra careful these days," I whispered to him.

Colin wrapped his arms around me, his voice muffled. "Mhm."

"The dog's back home safe. Try to stay inside if you can. This place is crawling with cameras. That block of high-rises has become a hotspot for reporters and influencers, broadcasting your life live and taking videos. It's a bit invasive, but at least Henry won't dare touch you in broad daylight." Robin gestured toward the high-rises. "I rented a place there too. Holler if you need me."NôvelDrama.Org holds text © rights.

I was taken aback. "Stella told me she rented a place in one of those buildings too. You're not roommates, are you?"

Robin coughed awkwardly. "Roommates..."

They were house-sharing.

"Oh," I replied, turning back to Colin. "We're going to Brendan's funeral tomorrow. If Robin's not busy, he should come along."

Robin being a cop might deter any bold moves from Henry's side.

Colin, with the loyalty of a big hound, shot a glance at Coly, who was trying to stick close to me, and grumbled an agreement. "Okay."

He really did act as if he'd listen to anything I said.

"Phoebe... my wound is hurting, can't sleep," Colin whined as soon as Robin left.

I was in no mood to coddle him. "The funeral tomorrow, are you scared?"

15:10

Henry surely wouldn't let us off the hook easily.

"Phoebe will protect me," Colin said with such trust that it made me feel guilty for putting on a brave face.

"Yeah, I'll protect you." I promised, nonetheless, leading him back to our room.

Colin grinned at me, then gestured with his chin for Coly to retreat to his bed.

Coly, with a woeful wag of his tail, reluctantly settled into his dog bed.

"He's a good boy, almost like he understands us," I murmured had a dog when I was a kid... looked a lot like Coly.*

"It was Howler. Colin's voice was soft as he filled in the name I couldn't remember.

I froze for a second, then looked up at him. "Right, I think his name was Howler."

"Coly's from Howler's lineage, Colin added quietly.

I was stunned, "I don't remember what happened to my dog... after..."

The memories were too vague. I couldn't recall Howler's fate.

Colin's gaze dropped, his grip on my hand tightening. He opened his m mouth as if to say more, but then he fell silent.

"Did I give Howler to you?" I asked, trying to make sense of it all. How else would bowler's grandpup end up with Colin?

There was a long pause before Colin managed a smile. "Howler passed away of old age."

I sighed in relief. "That's good to hear."

But for some reason, I felt a tremor in Colin's embrace.