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“Nothing,” I answered. “She was just apologizing for the shit with Crow.”
He nodded to that, saying nothing other than, “Look, man, I hate to admit it, but I’m starting to think maybe I was wrong about—”
“I’ve got something!”
Spike and I shared a look, then dashed down the small hallway inside the spare bedroom, which consisted of nothing but a bed, dresser, TV, and an empty closet.
Kendall and a few of her fellow lab buddies helped pull the bed frame from against the wall, and it almost sounded like something had scraped down the wall and fallen onto the floor in an angry thud. It was hard for us to see thanks to Kendall, her colleagues, plus Harley and both of our bosses blocking our path, but silence filled the room instantly when everyone fled back like a flock of frightened sheep, revealing Kendall’s gloved hands holding a burner phone in one, and a blood-stained bull mask, plus Delilah’s broken beaver mask in the other.
thirty-one
Charlotte
“Peter,” Blaire gleefully called out later that evening, chuckling as my face scrunched up, the shot I’d just taken sending a burn straight from Hell’s gates down my throat. “We need another round.”
“No the hell we don’t,” I shouted, ignoring Blaire as she began laughing harder. “I’m done.”
We’d been at it for hours, though I was nowhere near as intoxicated as Blaire, and Peter had opted to drink beer instead of liquor. After my conversation with Amber, I wasn’t in the mood to go out tonight. I just wanted to stay home where I was comfortable.
“Here,” Peter said, ambling inside the living room with two full shots in his gloved hands.
I shook my head in refusal, but Blaire smiled sweetly at Peter and accepted them before I could throw in a verbal protest.
“Last one and then I’ll leave you alone,” she promised.
I really didn’t want the damn shot. I’d already taken eight and if I had any more, I’d be climbing into bed a lot earlier than planned. When I got home after making a quick detour to check up on Delilah, I’d printed what I needed to print, connected some dots, then hid everything neatly and safely under my mattress so Peter and Blaire wouldn’t stumble upon them. It was still radio silent on Phoenix and Spike’s end, which wasn’t a good sign. At all. I desperately wanted to call them, but I couldn’t exactly do that without Blaire and Peter eavesdropping. As much as I hated being that person, I frankly didn’t have a choice.
It was time for them to go so I could get back to work.
Blaire nudged my shoulder, and I let out a groan, making a face that expressed how much I did not want to do this. Peter chuckled deeply and sank down on the end of the couch, watching as I regretfully accepted the shot glass from Blaire, my face pinched.
“Jesus, fuck,” I coughed, gagging and strenuously shaking my head. “That’s disgusting.”
Blaire sighed in awe while Peter continued giggling under his breath.
“Well, it’s been a blast, guys, but I think I’m going to head out.”
“You’re leaving?” I asked as Blaire rose to her feet, and she nodded, offering me a frown.
Damn. Well, that was easy.
“It’s late, Char, and Carter should be calling me within the next hour. We’re going to have some intense phone sex, and then I’m taking my drunk ass to bed.”
“Are you even okay to drive?” asked Peter, who stared concerningly at her with his brows raised. “You’ve had a lot to drink, Blaire.”
“Thank you, Peter, but I already got it covered. I ordered an Uber. She should be pulling up any minute now.”
“Just be safe,” I told her, getting to my feet to return the hug she was offering me. “Text me when you’re home.”
“I will, Char. Goodnight.”
“Goodnight,” Peter and I said in unison.
He showed her out and shut the door, turning around to face me with a small smile tilting his lips. “Are you okay?”
“No,” was my unfortunate but honest retort. “But I will be. Thank you for coming over and being here for me, Peter. I had fun, but I think I’m going to get a shower and go to bed.”
“Your cameras are still damaged, and it doesn’t look like they’re sending anyone to patrol the house now that Karl’s in lockup. Would you like me to stay with you tonight? I could sleep on the couch.”
