“I wasn’t exactly popular, being the only Irish Catholic.” The curve of his mouth was bitter amusement as he traced a finger over his scar. “And as you know, Kane was Ward’s favorite, so the others were either terrified of him or hated him. He was friendly with a handful of members—which meant so was I, by association—but that’s about it.”
“I take it you’re no longer involved.”
Fletcher shrugged again. This time, however, the action wasn’t quite as blasé. “Everything Kane did was to try and ensure I wouldn’t have to be part of the crew any longer. Well, he’s got his wish; I’m done with it.”
“But you miss him.”
“What difference does it make? I trusted him. Believed I was theone personhe would never lie to, no matter the circumstances, and he let me think it. He was bargaining with my life, Zaria, and I’m sure it wasn’t the first time. I was just toostupidto ever suspect a thing.” Fletcher’s voice was lower now, rueful. “I’m supposed to be a con man, yet I can’t tell when I’m being played. So it doesn’t matter how much I miss him, because I’m only missing the person I thought he was.”
“I’m not saying you should feel otherwise.” Zaria knew when to backpedal, but inwardly she deflated. SheneededFletcher. Had he truly washed his hands of the boy who had been his brother in all but blood?
“I told you this would happen,” he said. “I knew Kane would come untethered after killing Ward. You should have been more careful.”
“Iwascareful. What else was I supposed to do? Go into hiding?”
“You could have tried not angering him in the first place.”
Despite herself, Zaria’s temper stirred. “Thank you so much for the genius advice.”
“How about you just tell me exactly what it is you came here for?” Fletcher said, his nostrils flaring in barely concealed frustration. “Then we can be done with each other.”
Zaria couldn’t help it—she gave a short laugh.
“What’s so funny?”
“I actually came here hoping you would take me to Kane.”
There was a moment during which Fletcher only blinked,gauging whether or not she was serious. Eventually he blew out a breath, scrubbing at his clean-shaven jaw. “Mallacht Dé ort.God curse you, Zaria. Why would you want that?”
“You know why,” she said. “He has Jules, Fletcher. I don’t know where to find him, but you do. You’re the only person who can help me.”
Fletcher’s laugh was incredulous. “And why would I want to do that? You almost got me killed.”
“Do you think that was an easy choice to make? It was your life, or mine and Jules’s. What the hell was I supposed to do?”
“Gee, I don’t know. Maybenotdecide to get me killed?”
“I didn’t think that was an option!” Zaria’s voice rose, frustration making it sharp. She couldn’t bear being misunderstood, and lately, every conversation felt like trying to explain herself in a foreign language. “If the situation were reversed—if you had to choose between saving me or Kane—would you have spared me a single thought? At least I felt terrible about it, which I suspect is more than you or Kane could say about your plan to double-cross me. We all made difficult choices, and none of our options were good.”
Fletcher’s jaw twitched as he mulled that over, seemingly biting the inside of his cheek. The thing about Fletcher Collins, Zaria knew, was that he was reasonable. He had learned to be, in this city where people hated him for no reason other than the place of his birth and the lilt of his accent. In a world where he by all rights should have become as harsh and angry as Kane, Fletcher was thoughtful. Measured.
“Here’s the crux of it,” he said finally. “I know what you’re saying makes sense. But my feelings aside, I don’t think going after Kane would be a good idea for either of us.”
Zaria forced her tapping foot to freeze. Hopelessness dug a pit inher stomach. “Please, Fletcher. At the very least, just tell me where to find him. I’ll figure the rest out on my own.”
“No, you won’t.” He rested his chin in one palm, sighing as if she’d just placed the weight of the world on his shoulders. “If Kane’s where I suspect he is, you won’t make it anywhere near that place by yourself.”
“Do you really think he’d kill me?”
Fletcher hesitated for a beat, which wasn’t overly comforting. “I doubt it. But someone else might.”
“And they won’t kill you?”
“It’s far less likely.” His voice held a note of grim amusement. “I’ll come with you. Not because you’re forgiven, mind you, but because I respect how much you care about your friend. Well, that, and I don’t want your blood on my hands when you inevitably make your way there regardless.” Another heavy sigh. “Kane overstepped when he went after Jules. So if you want safe passage into the jaws of the beast, I’ll provide it.”
Zaria exhaled, the incessant rattle of her heart seeming to ebb for the first time all day. “Thank you. I know you have no reason to help either of us, and I appreciate it. No matter what your motivations are.”
“Don’t mention it,” Fletcher grunted, then stood without making eye contact, ambling over to the nearby table and pouring himself a drink from the decanter there. “Need to loosen up a bit,” he muttered over his shoulder. “Want one?”
