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Mercy says, “She’ll use the guest room upstairs in the funeral home.”

Bitter’s attention shifts toward the building.

“My apartment's compromised.”

“So she won't be in your apartment,” Mercy says.

Hyde joins us. “Crypt checks her. Scarecrow stays outside the upstairs hall. I’ll put men at both doors. Nobody comes up without Sweet or Mercy saying they can.”

That part matters.

Sweet or Mercy.

Not Hyde.

Not Bitter.

Me.

Mercy says, “Mourning and Vesper are nearby too, God help us.”

“Sheriff is vicious,” Boogie calls faintly.

Hyde turns his head. “Are you still here?”

“I’m multitasking.”

“Go.”

Boots scrape faster.

Bitter looks at me.

“Can I walk you there?”

“No.”

His throat moves.

“All right.”

That nearly breaks me.

Not Razor grabbing me.

Not the hole.

Not even finding Bitter inside that coffin with another woman.

All right.

He gives me my no.

Now.

After learning what happens when he does not.

Mercy starts guiding me toward the funeral home. Nevermore falls in on my other side. Scarecrow walks ahead. Petal follows behind, muttering about stress contractions and men having their brains installed backward at birth.