Chapter 3

Serena moved fast.

Two days later, her people picked me up and brought me to Boston.

Set me up in a shithole apartment.

Three days in, someone knocked and told me to follow them. Wouldn't say where.

I walked into an ambush.

The door opened onto a press conference. Camera flashes blinded me.

Captain Liam sat at the microphone on stage, a red-and-white banner stretched behind him.

"Thank you for coming."

His voice was smooth.

"We're here to demonstrate the Boston PD's commitment to second chances."

He turned to me. Perfect mix of regret and pity in his eyes.

"This is Detective Gideon Hale. My mentor. He made mistakes. Serious ones. But he's paid his debt."

Cameras clicked.

"We believe in redemption. People can change. They deserve a second chance."

His voice dropped, more measured now.

"The BPD is bringing Detective Hale back as a criminal investigation consultant. He’ll be working with us again."

The reporters went crazy.

I sat in that metal chair feeling naked. Stripped of everything.

Then Liam stood up.

He walked over in front of everyone. Every camera. Every reporter.

He pulled out an envelope. Held it out with both hands.

"Mentor."

His voice carried through the mic.

"This is from me. A welcome-home gift."

A show of charity. Of mercy.

I saw the satisfaction flash in his eyes.

My stomach flipped.

The reporters ate it up. A thousand pictures of Liam's generosity.

I'd become a prop. A symbol of their noble souls.

That night, every outlet in Boston ran the story. Headlines everywhere:

"BPD Offers Second Chance to Disgraced Detective"

"Captain Jenkins Welcomes Fallen Mentor"

"DA Vance Stands By Convicted Ex-Husband"

I laughed. Bitter. They'd crucified me again, and this time the whole city watched.

My parents started visiting.

Every time, they looked at Liam like he was a saint. At Serena like she was an angel.

"Serena, you work too hard. Taking care of this worthless thing."

My mother's voice dripped gratitude.

"Gideon, look at Liam. If you had half his character, we could die happy."

My father jumped in:

"That boy saved my life while you rotted in prison where you belonged."

My mom grabbed Serena's hand:

"You're pregnant. Don't stress yourself. If Gideon causes trouble, tell me. I'll straighten him out."

I watched them. My heart had gone numb.

Then one night, Liam came for dinner with my parents. Casual. Friendly.

Halfway through, he dropped it:

"Oh, Mentor, we picked up some criminals last week. The ringleader has a connection to your old case. The serial murders. He's one of the victims' brothers."

My parents froze.

"He's been making threats. About getting even."

"What?"

My father's face went red.

He slammed his hand down on the table hard.

"This is all your fault! His brother died because of you! Of course he wants revenge. He has every right to want you dead!"

My mother started crying. Not for me.

"Liam, Serena, please. I know he deserves whatever happens, but we can't have this affecting you. You're having a baby!"

Liam patted her hand.

"Don't worry, Mom. Serena and I won't let anything happen. We've already talked to these men."

The way he said "talked." The way his eyes cut to me.

Every alarm bell in my head started screaming.

What the hell were they planning?