Excerpt from Redemption Chapter 7: The Truth

“Abby,” he shook his head while rubbing his temples. “You are making this more difficult for me. How can I make you understand…..to believe that what I’m telling you is true?” Then he stopped. For a moment his body was frozen and then he looked up at me dropping his hands to his sides. His eyes were wide with exultant relief. “I have an idea.”

Slowly he began walking toward me despite my protests, face softened from the hard line of anger only seconds ago. His hands reached out in front of him, palms facing me. “Don’t be afraid. I’m not going to hurt you. I promise.” Soon he was standing inches away from me. My head was spinning again; I didn’t know what to do. He was so close I didn’t know whether to hug him or push him back. I could smell his cologne and it made me lightheaded and I felt his cool breath blow in my face.

He began unbuttoning his shirt. I knew any minute I was going faint from lack of oxygen at the sight of his chest. . “Give me your hand,” he whispered, almost purring. Reluctantly, I placed my hand in his and slowly he laid it on his chest. He felt like stone, cold and hard, but his skin still oddly flexible. I could see the imprint of my fingers indenting his alabaster skin.

Through my hand I felt his chest moving up and down but then his breathing stopped, and there was nothing. For a long moment he never drew another breath. I stared at him in disbelief.

“Why? How?” Was all I could get out.
He placed his hands on either side of my face, “Listen,” he commanded and pulled my face down to rest my ear over his heart. Again, there was nothing. No thumping, no anything. Complete silence.