They took the elevator to the nightclub area John had taken her the first night at the hotel. Winston sat in the empty club at the same corner table they had met with him before. She was thankful to see it empty.
Ms. Taylor, thank you for meeting." said Winston. She just nodded as John pulled the chair out for her to sit. She did and he took the seat next to her.
"Jonathan has told me of the events that have transpired." he said. "Killing Motkova will provide a certain attention I'm not sure you're ready for."
"Was I supposed to be ready for any of this?" she asked with an angry sarcasm.
Winston smiled, "I suppose not, however, Jonathan has made the suggestion that it kept quiet you pulled the trigger on Motkova."
"Novel idea." she said looking at John from the corner of her eyes. "nut the fact remains he is dead."
"Yes, and the word will be his death came at Jonathan's hands." said Winston looking at John. He nodded.
Evie looked at John."No." she turned to Winston. "John is trying to get out of all this. Motkova had some marker he claimed was a debt owed by John to him. He said John could not kill him unless specified by another who held a marker?" she turned to John. "No, you're not doing this. This could mean you stay in? Or worse?"
"I killed your mother, Evie. What kind of life do you think I deserve?" he asked.
Ignoring John's words Evie turned back to Winston. "This," she paused, " this world is ran by honor and code. I find this dishonorable. I killed him. I'll deal with it." she turned to John. "And even though I despise what you did." she said holding back tears. "you deserve more of a life than this." she said. "and I need a drink." she said walking to the empty bar. John and Winston watched her walk away.
"Are you sure this was worth it?" asked Winston.
"Yes." he said watching Evie walk to the bar. He turned to Winston. "and no."
"Aurelio has a small apartment above his offices. He's willing to let her stay there while you finishe what needs done." said Winston.
"Thank you." he said getting up to walk to Evie.
"Jonathan." he turned back to Winston. "I can see why hou're fond of her. She will be protected. You don't need to worry."
John nodded and walked to Evie who was behind the bar opening a bottle.
"Winston has arranged a place for you to stay. You'll be safe." he said.
John drove Evie to a plain grey looking garage set up. He opened the car door for her. She refused eyes contact with him. He knew she had to do what was best for her right now. The hurt and pain he felt knowing he was the cause of hers was deserved.
"Evie, this is Aurelio." said John.
Evie extended her hand to shake his hand. "Pleasure to meet you, Evie. It's not much but you're welcome to it. All I ask in return is to help me in the office if you're ok with that." said Aurelio looking at John. John nodded.
"Were you asking me or John?" she said looking at the two men.
"I just want to make sure you're safe." said John.
"You really need a hobby." she said looking at him. She turned to Aurelio. "I'd be happy to help and rent the space. Thank you."
"Sure thing." he said. "Why don't you look the place over. I need to go check on a few things and I'll get you the keys." he said exiting the room.
"John, where are you going?" she asked.
"Unfinished business." he said.
She said starting to feel emotional about their good bye. She struggled with how to say good bye. She was still trying to wrap her head around how she felt about him kmowing now he pulled the trigger that killed her mother. As she looked at him she realized she had gotten used to having him around. She didn't how comforting he was to her untilshe realized he wouldn't be there.. She wanted to stay strong so he would know she was fine without him. She finally decided on a simple handshake. "Take care, John, and thank you."she said extending her hand.
John took her hand gently in his. He lifted it and turned it to expose the scar. He leaned down and kissed it softly. His eyes rose to meet hers as he released her wrist. She smiled as a tear fell down her cheek. He said nothing.. Evie was left once again, speechless by this man. This good man. His gesture meant more to her than she could ever express. As much as she wanted him to get back to his life, she wanted to keep him in hers. John said nothing as he nodded to her. She took a deep breath as she watched him walk out the door.
END