I stopped in place. “They were searching for me?”
Van tugged me toward the restaurant. “It was a delay tactic.”
“To keep us in Chicago?”
“To keep you from leaving without me. Wires were crossed.” Before he could tell me more, the sound of customers and the aroma of food met us as we entered through the glass doors. “Two,” Van said to the hostess.
“I’ll be a minute,” I said, taking a step toward the back of the restaurant.
Van held tight to my hand. “Wait for Albert.”
“Is he going in the bathroom with me?”
“Humor me.”
Exhaling, I walked with Van as the hostess led us to a booth near the front windows. When I sat, Van followed on my side. After the hostess took our drink orders and left the menus, I leaned into Van’s side. “Will you talk to me while we have a few minutes?”
He nodded. “I won’t be able to scratch the surface, but I’ll try.” He placed his arm over the top of the booth, turning my way.
“I have questions to ask.”
The golden flecks that were missing in Phillip’s eyes glistened under the harsh restaurant lighting. “Ask. But before you do, make me a promise.”
“Anything.”
“Don’t leave me.”
“Why would I leave you?”
Moving his arm, he laid his hand over mine. “I don’t scare easily, Julia. Today I was terrified of what Phillip would do to you.” Van exhaled. “I was terrified because I’ve been on the other side. I’ve hurt others to hurt him.”
My gaze narrowed as a new revelation hit. “The picture of the couple in wedding clothes. That was Phillip?”
Van nodded.
“Why would you keep your brother’s wedding picture up in your office? Especially, a brother you don’t like.” I watched as Van wrestled with himself. The battle was evident in his eyes, the way his body tensed, and his hesitation. It was a conflict he had to endure alone. No matter how much I wanted to help, I couldn’t. Van hadn’t offered me the knowledge or the weapons to fight alongside of him. Instead, I was merely an observer.
I turned my hand until our palms came together and our fingers intertwined. “I won’t leave, Van. Tell me who you hurt.”
Before he could answer, Michael and Albert entered the restaurant, taking a table not far from us.
Van began to stand, undoubtedly offering me the bathroom break I’d been denied. I held tight to his hand. “Van, tell me first.”
“Madison.”
It was one word.
One name.
One dagger.
My question came out stronger than I felt, as if I hadn’t been stabbed in the heart. “You hurt her?”
Van leaned back and exhaled. “This can’t be explained over coffee and sandwiches. I won’t lie to you. I haven’t. What Madison and I shared was unhealthy at best. Obsessive would be a better description.”
“She married Phillip?”
Van nodded.