“Patrick was suing me for club profits. I called your brother because he’s on the board.”
“Glad the prick is dead,” I grumble, and her eyes widen, then she looks around to make sure no one hears me.
Nix chuckles and waves his hand. “Maybe we should take this conversation somewhere more private?” he suggests, Shina nods, then heads toward the room holding her ex-husband's body.
Before she can open the door, I place a hand on her arm. “Let me, baby. Go back to the bar. You don't need to see this again.”
“Yeah, um, okay,” she whispers, then turns and rushes away.
“Damn,” Nix whistles as I open the door and show him what I'm working with. “This is the ex?”
“Yeah. She left him five years ago, but he popped up tonight… or I guess yesterday. He killed her sister, Lexi. I still don't know why she was creeping around Shina's place. That's something to deal with later.”
“She did this, or you?”
“He threatened her kids.” I don't say anything more, because that's self-explanatory enough.
Nixen once had the perfect family. He's changed a lot, but I know he'd kill someone for his sons.
“Alright. Let's get to work then. I'm assuming Shaw and Hank will be here soon.”
I unhook Patrick from the ceiling and let him crash to the floor, then move him to the middle of the room, over the drain.
Nix grabs the shower head and aims it at the floor, cleaning off what we can.
“I'm going to go give Shina an update and have her close the club. The less eyes the better.”
He grunts in reply, and I leave him to it. I find Shina in the same place as before, but Patience is gone.
She hands me a scotch, and I chug it. I need it after tonight. “Where did Pay go?” I ask, and Rosie begins to laugh.
“Turns out your brother is her neighbor, and I guess his sons were her best friends at one time.”
I sigh and shake my head. “Damn, yeah that would have been awkward.”
Rosie stands and grabs her purse, pulling out two small wrapped presents, then hands them to me and Shina. “Merry Christmas guys. I will see you in seven long, glorious days.”
Shina stands and pulls her into a hug. “Have a great trip. Can’t wait to see pictures.” She gives her a smile, but I can see it’s not as bright as usual.
“Bye Rock,” Rosie says to me and waves.
I stand to walk her to her car, but spot Garrett waiting by the door for her. He nods at me, and I return it.
Once they are gone, Shina crumbles.
“This night has been a disaster. I keep replaying what he said over and over again. Why was Lexi outside my house? Did she come to see the kids?”
She continues to think out loud for a few more minutes, and I just listen. Then she turns to face me and frowns. “And you… who the hell are you… really? Your brother is Nixen? You have the contacts to clean up a murder?”
I give her a nervous smile and hold her hand. “I am the same man you have known for the last few years. My family doesn’t change that… as for the clean up crew… another thing that comes with being in the mafia.”
She pulls away from me and gasps. “The mafia?”
I reach for her once more when there is a knock. She stands and walks over to the door.
My cousins enter with supplies and scary grins. “There’s our naughty cousin. I guess Santa won’t be bringing you any gifts this year,” Hank teases, and I shake my head.
“Not the time. Let me show you where to go.” I turn back to Shina, but she’s grabbing her coat and purse.
