Reborn In a Murderer’s Embrace

“Colin, take him out.” I murmured, stoking the fire of the confrontation, but, in reality, I was clutching Colin’s arm with all my might, terrified that he might actually lash out and hurt

someone.

Colin took a step forward, dragging me along until he turned and met my gaze.

Kyle, already trembling with fear, let out a yelp and made a break for the door. Just as he reached the threshold, in barged Dexter, flanked by a posse of burly bodyguards.

Instantly, Kyle found his backbone, his voice quivering with newfound courage. “That lunatic’s right there! Dexter, for heaven’s sake, throw him in the loony bin or put a bullet in him!”

I kept a wary eye on Dexter and his entourage, stepping in front of Colin to shield him. “In broad daylight, Mr. Fitzgerald, what exactly do you think you’re doing? Bullying us with your muscle?”

Dexter lit a cigarette and gave me a once–over. “Step aside.”

“Not in your wildest dreams,” I shot back with an icy stare.

Taking a long drag, Dexter snapped his lighter shut and ordered his goons without turning to look at them, “Take him away.”

“Dexter, you think you can just haul someone off without a by–your–leave from the law?” I stood firm, protecting Colin from the encroaching bodyguards.

“The law?” Dexter sneered with contempt. “A madman, a killer without a conscience. If I kill him, I’m doing society a favor.”

He stepped closer, his voice laden with malice. “Whatever he did to Phoebe, I’ll repay it a hundredfold.”

“And you think you have the right to say that?” I pushed him back, a sneer of my own taking shape.

“Take him away!” Dexter insisted.

I frowned, knowing Dexter was doing this for Melody.

It seemed Stella hadn’t sent Hank’s video to Dexter yet.

“Dexter, if we don’t end him, we’ll never sleep soundly again. And Melody’s carrying your child. The child’s what matters most,” Kyle interjected with malicious glee.

Dexter frowned, irritated. “Shut up.”

Kyle fell silent.

“Dexter!” I cried out as they grabbed Colin. He was quick but outnumbered by the dozen burly

men.

Clearly, Dexter knew from experience that a handful of men were no match for Colin; it took a

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small army to restrain him.

“Dexter, let him go!” I tried to intervene, but Dexter wasn’t about to listen to me.

Without a further glance, he signaled for his men to take Colin away.

“Dexter, don’t you want to know who really killed Phoebe?” I shouted after him.

He halted, turning to face me. “It was this madman.

“It was you.” I accused through clenched teeth, a flood of hatred rising within me.

Dexter’s gaze grew complex as he frowned. “I won’t spare anyone who’s hurt Phoebe.”

I couldn’t help but laugh at the hypocrisy. “What about you? Shouldn’t you be flayed a thousand times over?”

He stepped forward, towering over me with an oppressive presence. Despite myself, I felt a twinge of fear and took a step back.

“Don’t try to provoke me. Even if you were to run to Brendan right now, I wouldn’t let it slide,” Dexter’s eyes blazed with reckless fury.

“Crossing the Langley family won’t do the Fitzgeralds any favors. It’ll just lead to mutual destruction,” Iwarned through gritted teeth.

“Do you really think I care?” he scoffed. “Do you have any idea what this maniac has done to my wife?”

Wife? My brow furrowed. Melody? How laughable! Only Melody knew for sure whether or not Colin had ever hurt her.

“Even if it costs me everything, I’ll make his life a living hell,” Dexter’s voice trembled with a venomous resolve.

“Mr. Fitzgerald, I’ve got a video here that you might find enlightening,” Stella called out as she burst through the entrance, panting heavily.

I had texted her my location but did not expect her to show up so quickly.