Tangled in a Web of Lies (33 page)

Epilogue

***

A few days go by. Keila finally lets Cole move back in with her, which I think is a stupid ass idea. Cole told Brandy to hit the trail, and call him when the baby’s born and she can prove it’s his. But Dustin says that Keila is still texting him, and I wonder if that will lead anywhere.

I make a few attempts at getting in touch with Billy. He never called after I sent him the money. I write him a letter but he doesn’t respond. A week later the letter comes back with a return to sender notice. That’s when I get this awful feeling that something is wrong. Did he not get the money? Was it too late, or not enough?

That evening as Odin and I are climbing into bed my phone rings. It’s the Wyoming State Penitentiary, but when I answer it’s not a collect call.

“Delilah Winter?” says a voice that I don’t recognize, and my heart seizes in my chest, preparing for what my head already knows.

“Yes.”

“This is Sheriff Darrel Adams. I’m calling on behalf of Inmate William Jay. He has you listed as his emergency contact.”

“What happened?” I ask, feeling my heart pounding in my chest.

“I’m sorry to tell you this but he was involved in a prison fight, and he has regrettably passed away.”

Tears prick my eyes. I don’t know what to say. The Sheriff tells me that he will take care of contacting Billy’s mom. I hang up in shock, starring at the phone.

“Everything okay?” Odin asks.

“That was the prison in Wyoming. Billy’s dead.” As I’m saying the words, I am numb to them. It’s like my heart refuses to except that he’s gone.

“Sorry,” says Odin quietly, waiting to gage my reaction. “Did they say what happened.”

“He was killed in a fight. The last time we spoke he mentioned he had been gambling. He probably got in over his head.” I remember Billy’s face, the desperation in his eyes. I sent the money, what the hell happened?

“Sorry Babe. I wish there was something I could do. I know what he meant to you.” I’m almost surprised at Odin’s compassion towards my feelings. I know he never really cared for my relationship with Billy.

“Thanks.” I force a smile as I climb into bed with Odin. One deep breath after another, I try to wrap my mind around Billy being gone forever. It hurts, but not nearly as much as it should. It’s like I don’t know how to feel anymore.

Odin’s arms wrap around me, trying to console me. I don’t know where I would be without him. Even now as I lay awake, wiping tears from my eyes over Billy, he comforts me. I snuggle closer, embracing the only man I will ever love for the rest of my life. Odin.

Author’s Note

As I’m sure you’ve guessed, the next thing to come will be Jaylie and Mason’s story.
Taming Jay
will be the third book in the Devil’s Bandit MC series, but it will be a standalone novel. I also have some fun dark ideas for a series of short stories I’d like to publish. For all the updates, teasers, and to chat with me live, join me on facebook. I love to hear from my readers!

Facebook.com/JayJaynovels.CitDS

I’ve dreamed of being an author since I was in kindergarten. I love writing, and there is no better feeling than seeing good reviews on my books. So, if you enjoyed my work, please leave your review on amazon and goodreads. Help me get my work out there, and support my dreams of being an author.

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I’m Jesse Johnson, and I live in Southern California with my husband and our four year old son. We are big time animal lovers and have a house full of pets from dogs to reptiles. I love the music and it plays a big part in my life and has an influence in my writing. I also love the beach, camping, and spending time with my friends and family when I’m not hoarded in my room, typing stories on my computer while pounding back coffee.