Her Destiny (Reverie #2)(42)
Jackass has my number. No way do I want to draw their attention back to me, especially with Krista’s dad involved. Frustrated, I grip the door handle, gritting my teeth as I ask, “What do you want?”
“I want you to tell me the truth. Man to man.” His expression goes somber and he stands up straighter. “No one else is around. It’s time to come clean, kid. Did you kill my daughter?”
I can almost feel sorry for him. Yeah, he’s drunk. He wasn’t the best father to Krista but he took care of her when she needed it. They were all each other had, kind of like how Mom and I were. Mom hated Hal Benson, thought he was a no good, angry drunk and she was right.
But he’s a man in mourning, suffering through the terrible loss of his daughter. For that alone, I want to offer him sympathy.
“I’m sorry for your loss. I understand what it feels like since I just lost my mom a few months ago too,” I say, irritated when I see the familiar nasty gleam light his eyes.
“You don’t know shit,” he mutters but I ignore him, just keep throwing the words out so he shuts up.
“I know you’re hurting and I wish I could help you but I’m not the one who killed Krista. I would never do anything like that to hurt her. She was my friend.”
“A friend you treated like shit the last few weeks of her life,” Hal points out, dropping his hand from the wall, which only causes him to start weaving again.
The man is drunk as hell. He reeks of booze and sweat and his clothes are stained. Who knows when was the last time he bathed. The rain has lessened but it’s still falling and it’s bitterly cold outside. His hair is soaked and he doesn’t have a coat on. He needs to go back home.
“You’re right. We had our problems. We should’ve never dated but we did and that’s what ruined our friendship. We argued a lot but nothing I would kill her over. You have to know that,” I say, opening the door wider so I can really look at him. Let him see me. “You’ve known me a long time, Hal. Since I was a little kid. Have you ever seen a violent streak in me?”
“You went to jail once before,” he points out. “For a violent crime.”
“That I never committed,” I point out. “They let me go. You know I wouldn’t hurt Krista, Hal. You know it.”
He slowly shakes his head, looking torn. Looking sad. “You were a good kid, Nicky. You always did right by your mama. I got thrown when they put you in jail and accused you of killing that guy. I’ve been thrown by that for years. I just…I don’t know who else could’ve hurt my girl like that. That monster raped her. He strangled her with his bare hands. You know how hard that is? How long it takes? He must’ve stared straight into her eyes while choking the life out of her. How can someone do that?” Hal starts to cry, tears streaming down his face, dropping off his jaw. Despite his drunkiness of only a minute ago, he seems to have sobered up with the conversation.
“I’m sorry,” I say with utter sincerity, horrified at the details he’s giving me. It’s awful, what happened to Krista. I have to agree with Hal—what sort of monster could do this?
“That boy David had me half convinced you murdered her. He was a big help at first, giving me the support and saying all the right things.” Hal shakes his head, running his hand beneath his nose to catch the snot before he rubs it against the side of his black sweater. Disgusting. “I had no one else on my side, everyone thought I did it. But that kid’s been helping me since the morning I learned what happened. Claims he loved Krista more than anyone else. I believe him.”
Great. That Hal fell so easily for David’s words irritates me. Everyone seems to believe what that guy says—except for me. “I’m glad he’s been there for you,” I practically choke out. “Maybe you should get back on home, Hal. It’s late and it’s cold out here.”
“Yeah.” He takes a step toward me, the overwhelming stench of alcohol and body odor blowing right at me, making me wrinkle my nose. “I’ve taken to wandering around the complex this time every night, hoping I’ll find who killed her.”
That’s just sad. “I’m guessing whoever did it is long gone.”
“Fucker,” Hal spits out, his anger directed at someone else, not me. Thank God. “I hope he rots in hell.”
“He will. They’ll catch him and he’ll have to pay for what he did.” I start to close the door but Hal snakes an arm out, halting my progress.
“You’d tell me if you knew anything, wouldn’t you Nicky? You wouldn’t hide anything from me, right?” His bloodshot gaze implores me and my heart tugs in answer. I may not like this man very much but I’ve known him since I can remember.
“I’ve been nothing but honest with you from the very beginning,” I tell him solemnly.
Hal nods once and backs away. “I appreciate that. Thank you.”
Without another word he turns and staggers away, heading back to his apartment. I watch until I can’t see him any longer, my head and heart heavy. Krista’s death is ruining him and it’s a hard thing to witness. Not finding her killer is eating him up inside. He needs an answer and proper support. Not the kind that David is offering him either.
I don’t trust him. No one should.
Sighing heavily, I shut and lock the door, turning to find Reverie standing in the middle of the living room, eyes wide, lips pursed and looking unsure. “How long have you been here?”