Evie sat in the wheelchair while Mason dealt with the hospital receptionist. When he returned, he was wearing a smile so false it made him look like an editorial cartoon.
“This really isn’t necessary,” she said. “I can walk.”
“Sorry, sis. Doctor’s orders. You have to take it easy for a few days.” He took the handles and scooted her out to the front of the building, where Bill was due to collect them at any moment.
The cold air hit Evie’s legs, making her knees shake. She still hadn’t had a chance to change out of the hooker outfit. She’d worn it the night she was taken by Alison Wendell, and for as long as it was still on her body it served only as a nasty reminder. “I want to know something.”
Mason came around and knelt by her wheelchair so he could look into her eyes.
“Is it true?”
“Is what true?”
“Don’t play games with me, Mason. Is it true, what Wendell said?”
For a moment, he stared at her; then his eyes wandered, avoiding contact. “Yes. It’s true. I know you don’t approve, and I’m not exactly proud of it, but—”
“Oh, fuck that.” Evie hit his shoulder, but he didn’t budge. She struck again, letting out her frustration. “Fuck that, and fuck you. You think I care that sick bastard was sliced up? He got what he deserved. But you could’ve told me.”
Mason shook his head. “I’m sorry, Evie. I didn’t think you’d want to hear it.”
“I always…” The teardrops blurring her vision surprised her. It had always taken a lot to make her cry, so where had this come from? “I always thought you and I had this… this thing. That we could trust one another, and have no secrets.”
“I do trust you.” He took her hand.
“But I don’t trust you. Not now. How could I?”
Mason stood, a look of shame and guilt on his face as a steady wind picked up and chilled them both. It gusted down from the sky and brushed Evie’s hair. She didn’t mind too much. It was just nice to be heading home. “I’ll come around, Mason. It’ll just take time to rebuild that trust.”
“Say no more.”
Bill finally arrived, hopping out of the car and helping Evie into the front seat. He made sure she was comfortable, then excused himself for a moment. “Sorry, Evie. Mason and I have one last thing to discuss, and then we’ll get you home.”
Typical, Evie thought, darkness swelling in her heart. As much as it hurt, she couldn’t help but think the trust between them was severed, and it would never return.