Page 19 of Volatile Vice

“You can speak freely,” Falcon says. “Raven knows everything.”

I swallow again. “I don’t want any of my family in danger.”

“There’s no reason you’ll be in danger,” Falcon says. “You had nothing to do with what happened eight years ago. This thing with Latham can’t be related.”

I bite my lower lip, looking to the ground.

“Ray…” Falcon begins.

I look up and meet his gaze. “There’s something you should probably know.”

“Fuck,” he says. “What is it?”

Mom already knows because she was there during the questioning. She’s probably told Dad by now. I can only imagine how he feels about it. “I’ve been…” I run my hand over my peach fuzz, letting it skim over my fingertips.

As much as I hate my lack of hair, it’s actually a nice feeling. Kind of soothing.

“Raven,” Leif says, “you’re going to need to be honest with us if we’re going to make sure you’re protected.”

I sigh. “I’ve become…involved with Savannah’s brother.”

“Vinnie?” Falcon shakes his head. “For Christ’s sake, Ray. I like the guy, but he’s a freaking mobster.”

I shake my head. “He’s afakemobster. He’s trying to take his family down. You know that as well as I do.”

“I know, but being anywhere near him puts you in danger. I can’t have that. Not after we almost lost you.” He runs his hand through his hair. “And now that lawyer turns up dead. In your bed, Ray. This must have something to do with Vinnie.”

Leif sighs. “I’ve got to agree with your brother. You’re better off staying far away from Vinnie Gallo. But on the other hand…”

“What?” Falcon says.

“You say she knows everything, Fal?”

“She does. She heard the guys and me talking.”

Leif shakes his head. “She may be in danger anyway, then.”

“No,” I say. “Vinnie took care of it. My father’s guys can’t dig there. The EPA is making them jump through a bunch of hoops.”

“But don’t you see?” Leif says. “That’s the problem. The EPA is now involved. But not just the EPA. Bad guys in the EPA.” He shakes his head again.

Chills course through me.

“I…”

“What is it, Raven?” Falcon demands. “You know I love you, sis, and I’m so glad you’re still here with us, but you have to be honest with us.”

“He left me,” I say succinctly. “It’s embarrassing, but he left me last night. We fell asleep, or at leastIdid, and when I woke up in the middle of the night, he was gone.”

“He just fucking left you?” Falcon’s hands curl into fists.

“Ease up,” Leif says. “My guess is he’s trying to protect her as well.”

Falcon unclenches his fists, but I can see he’s still rigid.

“I swear to God, Raven,” he grits out. “I will die before I let anything happen to you.”

I shake my head. “That’s not what I want. You’ve been through enough, Falcon. You went to prison to protect our youngest brother. You’ve done your time. You and Savannah deserve happiness. Not to be pulled back into this.”

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