Page 147 of Bishop

He snickers. “Yeah, I get it.”

Really? I’ve known the man for years, but I guess I never took the time to notice he was employed for brawn not brains. “Does my mother expect an update already?”

“No. Not at all. We’ve parted ways.” He scoffs a laugh. “Could you imagine what she’d do to me if she found out I was calling you?”

Yeah, I can. And I can’t think of a reason to risk that sort of backlash.

I glance over my shoulder, seeking out Bishop, wondering if he can confirm Aaron’s story. His face is stony, eyes cold, lips tight, as if he can sense who I’m talking to. “So why call at all?”

“I thought maybe we could meet up tomorrow and see if we could help each other gain the upper hand on this tricky situation.”

It’s a trap.

A scheme at the very least.

My mother has to be right by his side, orchestrating this conversation. But why? Why not call me herself?

“Are you playing games with me, Aaron?”

“Of course not. Just trying to take advantage of a situation that can benefit us both. I’ve sat in a car with Adena for days, and although that woman doesn’t necessarily like to talk, she does have a thing for plotting. And you and your daughter were high on her agenda.”

I turn to the wooden rail fence, my stomach twisting. “She spoke to you about Tilly?”

“A little. But the conversations weren’t what you’d expect from a grandmother talking about her only grandchild. There were no comments about your daughter’s favorite ice cream or what piece of equipment she prefers at the park. It was all in relation to what the future holds for your kid.”

My heart swells as it slowly crawls into my throat.

“Look,” he continues. “I’m not far from home. Am entirely alone. And have been given the direction to take a few days off and get some sleep while your mom assembles her troops. All I want to know is—which side should I be on in this fast-approaching war? And do you want to be there with me?”

I feel myself creeping closer to his trap, wanting to inspect it, dissect it. “Where’s my mom?”

“I’m not sharing that over the phone. If it hasn’t already sunk in, I’m kinda putting my ass on the line by talking to you. But she’s close to your daughter, if that helps.”

No, it doesn’t. It snags the breath in my clogged throat.

I don’t want her anywhere near Tilly.

The only thing that’s helpful is the knowledge that he might know the exact location I’m looking for.

“Meet me tomorrow?” Geppet asks. “We can figure this out together. Just you and me, babe.”

I glance back over my shoulder. Bishop is still staring at me.

Does he know Geppet and Adena parted ways? Did he keep the information from me?

I bet he’s guilty on both counts. He said he had men waiting for Aaron’s approach to Denver. He’d have to be aware of the change in situation, right? Yet he’s kept it to himself.

“Okay.” I nod, strengthening my resolve. “When and where?”

“Eleven. I’ll text you a location tomorrow.”

“I’ll be there.”

I disconnect, pocket my cell, and return to stand in front of my brother on the bench seat, my pulse racing, my mind matching pace.

“Any problems at the label?” Matthew asks.

“No. I’m just trying to keep the staff distracted so they don’t start asking about our parents’ whereabouts.”

---