Page 118 of Wicked Ruin

He stands with his hand on the frame and doesn't turn around. “She thinks the world of you. She loves you too.” He shakes his head. “God knows why.” Even from here, I can see the upturned corner of his mouth. “Don't make her wrong about that, Declan.”

Then he leaves, and the door shuts behind him. The gravel shifts under his tires, the sound fades, and it's quiet.

I stand in the wrecked kitchen for a long time before I crouch down and start picking up the glass. Then I pick up my phone and send a text.

I sold my soul to the devil once. Now it’s time to collect.

Chapter Thirty-One

BRIDGET

The last time I was alone with Erin at the McCarthy family home was the day I told her I was pregnant. This time is different. This time, she is the one with something to tell me, and she has closed the door behind us with both hands, the way she does when she means it. I already know that whatever comes next is going to change something.

She takes me into another room on the second floor that I’ve never seen before. It’s a sitting room nobody really uses, with pale-blue curtains and a tiny sofa, the kind of room that exists to be empty.

“Who knows you’re pregnant, Bridge?” she says in a whisper. “I brought you here because it’s one of the forgotten rooms, and I know there’s no video surveillance. The bedroom’s off-limits, but there are eyes everywhere and videos in all corridors and entryways. They don’t take their chances.”

“Well, you. Declan.”

She winces when I mention Declan. “How’s Declan?”

Oh no. “He’s alright. Why?” I sit on the sofa.

“Well,” she says hesitantly, “I know Cavin paid him a visit last night. I might’ve told him.”

I sigh and nod. I knew she would, and I didn’t tell her not to. “Well, he didn't say anything about it to me, so I guess he's still standing.”

Erin grimaces. “Aye, Cav said he was fine. He seemed to get it out of his system when he came back. He wants to talk to you, too, though.”

“Aye, of course he does. Am I in for a lecture?”

“Ack, probably. You know how he is.”

I do.

“I’m sorry, Bridget. I shouldn’t have told him. I should’ve warned you or Declan. I⁠—”

“Don’t.” I shake my head. It’s not on her to keep my secrets or Declan’s. “I know why you did, and it’s alright, really.”

She sighs. “Listen, Bronwyn came to me too. She has some theory that Valentina’s an imposter, but we can’t make accusations like that based on a feeling. Believe me, I wish it were true, and we could end the agreement with Espositos.”

I feel cold and hot all at once, knowing Bronwyn shared her theory with Erin too. “The Espositos came highly recommended to us, and Cavin himself met with Lorenzo Esposito. Seamus had people in New York doing background checks for months before they ever shook hands. You don’t slip a plant past all that. You can’t.” She pauses, and when she continues, her voice is quieter. I hear her, but I don’t want to.

“And even if she was right,” she says with a sigh. “Which she isn’t. Do you understand what it would mean to say that out loud? To accuse the Espositos of conspiring against us? You know what happened to our parents, Bridget, and I know that was a mercy.”

I pinch the bridge of my nose. I don’t want to hear it, but I knew it was too much to hope for.

I stand.

“I have to go,” I tell Erin. “I shouldn't be here.”

“Don't you dare,” she says. “No. We just have to find another way.”

“Another way?” I shake my head. “Erin, you know how they are. It doesn't matter that I'm your sister. You married into this family. You are not McCarthy blood.”

“No,” she says, and her eyes are fiery. “But my baby is.” She straightens. “And no matter what these McCarthy laws say, they govern this baby in my belly too. I can bargain, Bridget. And so can you.”

We pause when we hear footsteps. I fix my eyes on the door and don’t move. I’m thinking about what it looks like: two Kavanagh girls in a room they were not invited into, having an obviously private discussion. I’m thinking about what happens if that door opens. The footsteps slow. For one long, terrible second, I’m absolutely certain they are going to stop.