Sin and Redemption

by Cora Reilly

“What happened?” Dad inquired, scanning the kitchen as if attackers w...

“I was lost in my thoughts,” I repeated. He had been constantly watching me since my comment that I wondered if physical pain would help with the anguish I felt.

“But I think marriage is a good reason for new habits.”

The card was a photo of a collection of vases and tableware from my favorite pottery artist.

Her pieces were incredibly beautiful and excruciatingly expensive.

I opened the card, and my mouth fell open. It was a voucher for a private pottery course with her.

the past, she’d done pottery group courses, but back then, I hadn’t been confident enough in my abilities to book a course.

“Someone told me that you do pottery and that this is your favorite artist, so I asked her to spend a whole day with you and teach you.”

“I didn’t threaten her, if that’s what you’re worried about,” he said firmly. “But money can buy almost anything.”

“I would have gladly died if it meant saving you and your brother,”

Growl gave me a nod in greeting. Then he took a dutch oven with steaming meat out of the oven.

“Dad always prepares the Carne Asada.”

“It’s perfect,” Growl said as he put the beef on the table. It smelled delicious.

“This is the only thing Ryan can cook, but it’s utter perfection,”

I always stumbled over the name Ryan when Cara used it. Everyone else called him Growl because his voice was like a growl due to an injury to his vocals cords, which was still marked by the scar at his throat.

“Maximus’s dog Bacon and our four dogs are locked in there because we weren’t sure if you were okay with dogs.”

“Maximus has a dog?”

“Yes. He’s had him for th...

“He made the choice because he wants to make it work between you.”

“What are you doing up there? We’re being roasted in our clothes down here!”

I couldn’t imagine ever feeling like Maximus was my family. Not after losing our baby…

A beautiful wood-carved cross sat atop the small grave.

“Did you…?” Maximus nodded.

“When I was younger, I spent many evenings carving. It’s been a while but I...

“Thank you,” I said. “Thank you for not ridiculing my ...

“Every loss needs an outlet. I hope it helps you cop...

One year later

One entire year as husband and wife, at least on paper, but we were roommates, not more.

The two darkest days of her life were directly connected to me, so I couldn’t blame her for wanting some distance.

“We have a lead on where they are,” he said as a form of greeting.

“Jabba?” “Yes, and the bald one, Yevgeny or what was his name.”

“Where?” Flavio came closer, his...

“I’ll handle it,” I clipped. “Send me the details.” I hung up. Jabba would be mine today even if I had to search every fucking warehouse in Newark by myself.

Sara watched me with wide eyes, still wrapped in her scarf and one arm in her coat.

“Our atta...

“Last time someone other than you watched her, she was kidnapped, remember?”

“I know today’s our anniversary…”

“I’ll make them pay for what’s been done to you.”

For what they made me do…

I didn’t want to have Primo with me. He would play the voice of reason, but I just wanted to get inside.

I came face-to-face with Romero.

“It’s me,” he murmured.

“Maybe announce yourself next time. I could h...

“An attacker could have killed you too. You weren’t vigilant. Let’s not be stupid because we want revenge. If we get killed by those ...

Amo, Dad, and Primo were behind us. They came to our side.

Dad’s expression made it clear that he wasn’t happy with me, but I knew he would have shown little restraint if someone had hurt Mom.

“Sara and I lead a happy marriage, so thank you for setting it up. I would have never gotten her without your help.”

Amo’s face and that of Romero who had joined us too, showed me they knew the lie. I avoided their eyes.

“Oh, you’re back,” she said. Was she happy to see me?

“They got what they deserved. I made them pay tenfold. I hope that makes you happy.”