Page 153 of Sinful Sacrifice

He isn’t just one man. He’s an entire organization.

One man dies, and another man steps up.

With Cernach not having any sons or brothers, my guess is, the next boss will be Odhrán. They’d never allow a woman to be in charge. My mom told me so on numerous occasions.

“Do you think they’ll suspect Damien?” I ask. “He’s the obvious one, right? The outsider?” I cross my arms, glaring at Julian. “If Damien was responsible, why didn’t anyone tell me?”

“Those are questions you’ll need to ask him.” Julian’s eyes are on his phone as he types.

“Why? I’m sure you know the answers.”

“That doesn’t mean I answer.” He holds up his phone. “I’m going to make some phone calls.” He walks toward Damien’s office and shuts the door behind him.

I remove my heels and wiggle my toes at their freedom. My feet are sore, and there are red lines where the straps circled my ankles. Had I known Cernach would bite the bullet and we wouldn’t get through dinner, I’d have worn leggings and a tank.

I guess I can look at the bright side.

I dressed up for the celebration of Cernach’s death.

But should I be celebrating?

Is Damien okay?

What is going on?

Will he have to step up?

Ugh, too many questions.

Holding my heels by their straps in one hand, I walk upstairs to change from my dress and steal something more comfortable of Damien’s.

“Hi, Ace,” I say with a salute while passing his bedroom. “I hate to say it, but I missed you, pal.”

I flick on the light and walk into the bedroom. Everything looks the same as when I left that day. The same comforter, decor, everything. Even the book I was reading back then is still on the nightstand.

When I reach the closet, I fall back a step.

Damien’s clothes aren’t the only ones in the closet. I meander around the island and inspect the women’s clothes.

My clothes.

I pull at a dress that was in my closet before I left for Boston because I contemplated wearing it. My shoes line the shelf where they were when I lived with him. Half of my closet has been moved into here.

I start opening drawers, finding the same. My panties and bras are all in their old place. So are my leggings and tanks. I peer over at the chaise running alongside the end of the island to find my dance bag.

Great. Now, I have even more questions.

After changing, I drape the dress over the island and enter the bathroom to clean my face. My toiletries and makeup bag are there, in the same space where I kept them before.

I wander toward the vanity, ready to wash my face and hunt down Julian to ask him how and why they moved me in. Considering their line of work, you’d think they’d know Damien and Riona’s marriage contract doesn’t just poof and disappear into thin air.

As I move closer to the vanity, I discover an envelope with my name scribbled in Damien’s handwriting. Opening it, I find a letter. I unfold it and gasp.

53

Odhrán’s dead body is slumped in the chair.

His blood decorates the wall in splashes.

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