And off to the side, half in shadow, sat Fish. Long coat. Gloves. Head bowed slightly as he cleaned a piece of gear with slow, methodical movements. The left side of his face caught the light, burn scars twisting down from temple to jaw.
Prospects hovered in the background, Ghost sharpening aknife, Brick pretending not to eavesdrop, Switchblade and Vandal playing a round of darts.
Fish paused in his cleaning, the faintest shift of attention, like he’d felt the storm walk in with Rook.
Rook peeled off his wet gloves. “Was out.”
“In a storm?” Grim raised a brow. “What, needed a midnight swim?”
Havoc grinned. “Nah. He needed to brood dramatically. It’s his thing.”
“Shut up,” Rook muttered.
But his voice lacked bite, and they all heard it.
Ledger’s eyes flicked up, sharp and knowing. “Something happened.”
Rook didn’t answer.
Stone stepped closer, gaze narrowing. “Spit it out.”
Rook exhaled, long and slow. “Avery’s back.”
A dart hit hard against the dartboard as silence slammed into the room.
Havoc’s grin exploded. “No shit?”
Grim let out a low whistle. “Well, damn.”
Ledger didn’t react outwardly, but his eyes sharpened like a blade. “How long?”
“Tonight,” Noah said. “She just got in.”
Stone studied him, really studied him. “And how are you?”
“Fine.”
Three voices answered at once.
“Bullshit,” Grim said. “Liar,” Havoc added. “Incorrect,” Ledger finished.
A fourth voice didn’t join them.
Fish simply lifted his head. He didn’t speak. He didn’t have to. The weight of his attention alone felt like a judgment.
Stone didn’t laugh. He just stepped closer.
“You saw her,” he said quietly.
Rook’s jaw flexed. “Her car broke down. I helped.”
Grim smirked. “Helped? Or carried her around like a damn bride?”
Havoc cackled. “Bet he did. Look at him, he’s got that kicked-puppy-in-love face.”
“I don’t have a face,” Rook snapped.
“You do,” Ledger said calmly. “You always have it when she’s brought up.”
