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“None of us can.” I pat Ellis’ back and turn to River. “Hey, River.”

River passes me an envelope. “Here is everything you asked for.”

“Thanks.” I stretch my hand out to grab the folder, but River pulls it back.

“Ah-ah. Payment first.”

“Don’t you want to say hi to your cousin first?” I ask.

“I’ve seen my cousin all my life.” He smiles. “Now, payment.”

“Are you sure you don’t prefer money? Or I can buy you a car if you want.”

“I already have one.”

“How about a bike or an island?” I say, and Ellis laughs, but River doesn’t budge.

“Cil…”

“River, I’m serious. He’s already in love with someone else.”

River waves a hand dismissively. “But it’s one-sided.”

“How do you know that?”

River grins and shakes the envelope. “Same way I found all this out… I investigated the shit out of it.”

“What if he never stops loving him?”

“Please. You know how many people I’ve been with who swore the same?” River scoffs.

Ugh…

He’s not going to give up.

“Fine! But I’m not responsible for how this ends,” I mutter. “My payment is just to introduce you.”

“Introducing me with honors.”

“Of course… with honors.”

I guide River toward Finnian, who is standing behind the counter with a tray of pastries, and Ellis follows behind.

He probably doesn’t want to miss the drama. And to be honest, neither do I.

“Finni, this is River Woods,” I introduce him.

“River Woods?” Finnian asks, blinking, and River shrugs.

“My parents are hippies.”

I point right at him. “River is the most magnificent cop in NY, one of the Midtown Cursed, a damn national treasure, and the man who helped me with, you know… my favor.”

Finnian looks impressed. “You did?!”

River crosses his tattooed arms and nods. “That and more.”

“Wow! Grand to meet you. I am Finnian. Owner of this place and baker.”