“That’s the story I’ll give to the police as an eye witness, should you decide to be stupid.”
Their words drifted into the background as I remembered her funeral. My tiny body shook when they lowered her casket into the ground. It was only me and Aunt Carolyn. I remember the words she said like it was yesterday, I just didn’t know she’d meant them literally.
“She loved you more than life.”
“Hey. You need to take a breath before you pass out.”
Shayne knelt in front of me, snapping her fingers. How I’d ended up sitting on my ass against the wall, I had no clue.
“I’m not joking. Give me a sign of life or I’m calling an ambulance.”
“Where is he?”
“Thank fuck.” She lowered herself onto the floor next to me. “You had me worried.”
“Where is he, Shayne?”
“He got a text, then took off like his ass hadn’t just been kicked. Nice shot, by the way. How’s your hand?”
It hurt like a bitch. I’m sure my knuckles would be bruised later, but damn…the pain was worth it.
“I’m good.”
“Lies. But you will be. Come on.”
She stood, reaching out a hand. I took it and let her pull me up.
“Where are we going?”
“You’ll see.”
Finn
The morning had gone sideways within five minutes of walking into work. There was some sort of stomach virus running rampant through the lab. A third of the employees had to be sent home due to a mass vomiting episode, and it wasn’t even noon yet. The move had already set us back a week, otherwise I would’ve quarantined the building. As it was, Noreen took it upon herself to fumigate the executive floor with enough bottles of disinfectant spray to kill everything, including the breathable air. Her efforts were valiant, but getting sick was the least of my worries.
By now, Waverly would’ve texted at least once to check in, yet I hadn’t heard a peep from her since we left the house that morning. She was a busy woman with a demanding career, still I couldn’t help the niggling sensation in my gut that said something was wrong. So when my phone rang with an unknown number, I didn’t hesitate to answer.
“Yeah?”
“It’s Duncan. You need to get to Birds of a Feather.”
“What’s wrong?”
I was already on my feet, switching the phone tospeaker so I could send a message to Wes to meet me in the lobby. Time was of the essence.
“Some shit went down with her father. None of it good.”
“Feck. Are you with her?”
“No. Shayne is.”
In the few encounters I’d had with Detective Black, she came off as incredibly protective and loyal to the bone. No doubt she’d take care of my girl until I could get there. But the simple fact they were in a bar in the middle of the day had my steps quickening.
“I’m on my way.”
“Brace, Finn. She’s not in a good place.”
Double feck.
