Chapter 20
John’s light blue eyes turn intensely dark.
“Nick Lavigne is Rob Neilson’s killer?”, he asks
“The night I met him, Nick Lavigne was Rob Neilson’s killer. After we parted he became more than that”, I say
“Come on, mystery woman, explain”, John commands, and I slowly begin undoing the veils.
“Rick Hanson hired Nick Lavigne to do the job for him. Nick Lavigne was a good professional, he did the job. But then something went wrong. As I said, when I met Rick Hanson he was a man in love crying against a light pole”, I start
“In love with whom?”, John urges
“With Rob Neilson, of course”, I reveal at last
The surprise hushes John’s words, and I savour the pause.
“Nick Lavigne was a good professional. He observed Rob Neilson, studied his habits, learned everything about him. I suppose knowing all about someone is what it takes to truly hurt a person. To kill that person”, I continue after a moment
John remains silent.
“And I suppose that’s also what it takes to truly love somebody”, I conclude
Silence.
“How did you learn that Nick Lavigne fell in love with Rob Neilson?”, John asks, recovering at last
“I took Nick Lavigne in my arms and held his shattered body, wiping the tears from his eyes”, I smile