Page 92 of It Destroys Me
He put all the bones and clothes inside then placed the boots on top. He zipped it up then carried it to the table. There was a distinct thud when he set it down, like it was quite heavy.
I suddenly felt sick because I remembered that Theo was a twin, so it would be like carrying Theo out of there.
“Sorry for your loss.” He said it without remorse, like he didn’t care for Bolton—or he was just a sociopath.
“Thanks.” I looked at the bag on the table.
“You want me to carry it out for you?” he asked.
“No,” I said quickly. “I’ve got it.” I took the bag before I provoked the guy’s anger. He seemed unpredictable, nice one moment then on edge the next. I forced myself to overcome the disdain I felt and grabbed the bag.
It was heavy. Really heavy. But I didn’t complain or look encumbered. I just walked out, focused on the exit, and hoped I’d never have to walk out of there again.
Axel was already outside the vehicle when I rounded the corner. He’d been leaning against the truck, his phone in his grip. When he spotted me and the bag, he hustled toward me. “Holy shit, you got it?” He relieved me of the bag and set it on the ground. “Turn on your flashlight.”
I pulled out my phone and pointed the light at the bag.
He opened it and looked inside.
“How will you know it’s him?”
“The brand of clothes. His pant size. Stuff like that.” He reached inside and examined one of the boots before he continued to look. Then he pulled out a black watch. He paused to study it like he recognized it. “Yeah, this is him.” He returned the watch and zipped up the bag.
“How are you sure? It’s just a black watch.”
He put the bag in the back of the truck. “Just trust me.”
Axel followed me to Theo’s house after I picked up my car, and we walked in together. He carried the duffel bag at his side then gently placed it on the rug in the foyer. I texted Theo and asked him to meet me downstairs.
My heart was beating so fast. I knew he would be pissed off when he learned what I’d done, but I hoped he would let it go when he realized he finally had what he’d wanted all along.
Theo appeared at the top of the stairs in nothing but his sweatpants. He descended the stairs quickly but leisurely, taking two steps at a time until he reached the bottom. His eyes shifted back and forth between us as the anger moved over his face. “What is this?”
Axel stepped back so I could take the lead.
Theo’s eyes shifted to me then looked down at the bag.
“Don’t be mad, okay?”
Theo stared at the bag, and his breaths started to deepen…like he already knew.
“I—I went to the Brotherhood and found Killian. I know Bolton told you he destroyed his bones, but he would never destroy any form of leverage. They were all busy and didn’t even notice me there. One of the guys helped me locate him in the drawers.”
Theo didn’t take his eyes off the bag, his breaths even deeper now.
“Axel was outside the whole time in case I needed help?—”
“You went in there by yourself?” He finally lifted his chin and looked at me. “After everything I did to get you back…”
“Please don’t be mad.”
“I love my brother, but he’s dead. I love you—and you’re still alive.”
“It’s done,” I said. “I’m here, and everything is okay. Please let it go.”
He looked down at the duffel bag again. “I can’t believe you did this…”
I could.