Tosh watched it like an omen.
“Do you think it’s one of us?” Zach asked.
Tosh didn’t look at him.
“I think proximity is a motive.”
Chapter Twenty
The Island Listens
The evening stretched gold over Avalon, guilt and secrets braided tight in the fading light. None of it would fully disappear with the morning. Music drifted from the pier, and the smell of fried fish clung, heavy as memory. Life moved forward because it had to. Bad happened daily. They couldn’t allow the fear to swallow them whole.
Cass and Harmony strolled along, enjoying the peaceful moment.
“Do you know what we need?” Cass asked. “Normal. We need margaritas, dancing, and zero homicide.”
Harmony smiled. “Is that your definition of normal?”
Cass sighed, turning. “It’s something that doesn’t involve unknown numbers and texting from the abyss.”
“Maybe the abyss needs company,” Harmony said. “And we’re polite enough to answer.”
Cass shot her a look. “Stop making killers sound poetic.”
Laughter spilled from the sidewalks; visitors drifting past without a clue of the danger surrounding them.
At El Gallion, they found Torie at the bar, eyeliner smudged, drink nearly empty, eyes burning with restless energy. Candy sat nearby, tuning her guitar, humming to herself—soft chaos and glitter wrapped in human form. The two women couldn’t have been more different.
“You’re on soon,” Torie said. Her words slurred. “The crowd’s drunk enough to think you’re Stevie Nicks.”
Candy didn’t look up. “That’s always the goal.” Miracles happened—apparently, the two of them speaking was one.
Torie smirked. “You always sing like you’re saying goodbye.”
“Maybe I am,” Candy said, adjusting a string.
“Who to? Tosh?”
“To everyone.”
Torie glanced at Harmony, who gave her a smile. Torie then stalked off, pretending not to hover. Cass and Harmony joined Tosh at a table. Torie would pout for a bit, then reappear. She always did.
Cass whispered, “There might be another implosion coming.”
Harmony shrugged. “Nah. Probably just a minor burn. Nothing catastrophic.”
Torie finally looked over. “Writer on board,” she announced. “Everyone better watch what they say.”
Cass smiled sweetly. “Women who spew hate at other women usually do it because they wish they were everything they aren’t.”
Torie’s glare had no comeback.
Harmony looked at Tosh. “You know how to choose them.”
He sighed. “It seems I’m a glutton for punishment.”
“I can drink to that,” Cass said, laughing. Torie stormed out of the bar.
