Chapter 69

Chance

Nine Years Ago

"Need another?" I look up from my empty glass and nod at the bartender. The liquid pours into the tumbler and I quickly down it, signaling him for another.

I could have made a dangerous mistake tonight. That's all I can think of as the next shot of bourbon fills the glass. I recall the night of mistakes I had as I down this one.

The gun in my hand

Watching the minivan appear, lurking in the shadows directly across the street

Watching as Detective Alberts family got out of their car, happy and care free without worry

I was going to do it. I was going to end the lives of every single one of them. Alberts was not there, but I didn't need him to be, I was going to seek the revenge I was due. An eye for an eye, family for family.

But as I neared the house, gun ready in my hand while my face was covered by a scarf, I stopped.

Ava

She was what crossed my mind the moment I crossed the threshold. She wouldn't want me to do this. I couldn't do this in honor of