Most of all, I wanted them to know what they'd done and regret every moment of it.
I wanted to know my sister could finally rest. Then I could rest, too.
"You're not going to be happy until you get us all killed," Jules said darkly.
He didn't stand up and leave. If anything, he looked more immovable than ever. Determined to stay if only because I told him to go.
Apparently reverse psychology really does work, even when you don't intend to use it. That was good to know.
"I won't be happy if any of us get killed," I insisted. "Even you."
When I thought Solomon was about to kill Archer, time stopped. My heart stopped. The whole world ceased to exist except for the moment when a man I cared deeply about was going to be murdered in front of me. Because of me.
"Especially me," Boner said.
"Especially all of you," I told him. I put another sheet on the maybe pile. Glanced down at the next one and frowned.
"Really?" I slid a glance to Cass.
He adjusted his glasses and made a 'why the hell not?' face, his lips twisted.. "I could use a change of pace. You could use someone around who could keep people like Solomon Danforth from trying to hack into your systems and steal your recipes. And I cook a mean taco."
I put his application on the 'maybe' pile. Of course I'd give him a job, but I needed more than just him to come on board. If I was going to buy Solomon's restaurant as well, I was going to need a bunch more help.
"Did Jules apply?" Boner teased, glancing in his direction.
"Jules is going to keep his day job," Jules said. "I know this might come as a surprise to you, but I'm not a people person. Circuits and wiring make much more sense."
"Excuse me while I fall off my chair in shock." Boner didn't move. "Not electric shock, the other kind."
"No shit." Jules rolled his eyes toward the ceiling. The cool light improved the ambiance of the restaurant considerably.
Boner chuckled and went back to sketching.
"They've discovered Granger Fairfield missing," Cass said, frowning at the screen.
"Also not a shock," Boner said without looking up. "Did they mention Chef Stabby or her band of merry men?"
"No, just that the investigation is ongoing. Except…" He turned the screen around so I could see it. "This is the guy doing the investigating."
I blinked a couple of times.
I recognized him.
He was at Boner's party at the gallery.
We'd spoken. I'd brushed him off.
Mr. Smooth.
EPILOGUE
ZEUS
"So, Granger and Solomon are both dead," I concluded.
Hypnos looked over at me and sipped his whiskey. "They haven't found Granger."
I scoffed. "He's been missing for weeks. Solomon is dead. His body left as a message to us."
