Page 177 of Riordan's Revenge

“There’s a place for lassies in our world, and it isn’t trying to wheedle their way into decision-making. She had one job, and that was to get married and breed the next generation of boys.” Patrick gave a mocking laugh. “She didn’t even get that right in her bid for freedom if all she produced was another girl.”

I ignored the jibe. “Did your father kill her?”

Patrick huffed. “No idea what you’re talking about, sweetheart.”

It meant he had. Poor woman.

I hung up on the relative I had no more interest in and hugged the boyfriend I wanted it all with. “If my grandfather ever gets out of jail, I’ll kill him for her. She deserved better.”

“I’ll be right by your side as you do.”

We left the apartment,meeting up with Arran and Genevieve on the way out of the warehouse.

I wrinkled my nose at Arran. “I’ve forgiven ye for not telling me about Bronson. Just.”

He pursed his lips. “I promise never to keep something like that from you again.”

“Good. Does that mean I’m inner circle now, too?”

The skeleton crew’s boss sighed. “Like I ever had any choice when it came to you. But yes, you’re on the team.”

Amused, I skipped along. “Sweet. So why do we think Bronson confessed?”

“He wanted the end to come. He knew he’d never run the Four Milers, both from what we told him and the rumbles he’d picked up from his own people. In retrospect, we should’ve dug deeper.”

“I get it. He was the obvious culprit. Next time, we’ll all be more savvy.”

“Next time?” Genevieve enquired.

“Think I’m disbanding the Skeleton Girls Detective Agency? No chance. In a city like this, some other crime will need solving, and I want us there with the string and detective wall, ready to solve it.”

She bumped my shoulder and grinned.

We drove out, and the closer we got to the Deadwater’s hospital, the more my stomach tightened. I’d waited here for hours when Dixie had been in surgery but not been back since. She hadn’t allowed it.

At last, I’d get to see the friend I’d almost lost.

Inside the huge, fifties-style building, Genevieve linked her arm through mine, and we followed brightly lit corridors to the ward Dixie was in, nerves affecting us both. In a private room, organised by the skeleton crew, a tiny figure curled up under white and blue blankets. My fingers shook as I approached.

Dixie peeked up at us, her neck thick with white bandages. Her blonde hair was ratty against the pillow and her skin almost as pale as the sheets. “You came.”

Her voice was rough. To my horror, tears formed in her eyes.

I settled beside her bed and carefully picked up her hand. “We’ve been waiting to visit for days and days.”

One of those tears spilled. “I didn’t want anyone to see me like this. But I also wanted to give you the chance to quietly slide out of my DMs.”

From beside me, Genevieve cooed. “Why would we ever want to do that? You’re our friend.”

Dixie used her free hand to wipe her cheek. “Oh, hun, you don’t have to pretend. It’s nice of you to come and all, but we aren’t in the same world anymore. I don’t have any expectations.”

I tilted my head. “What are ye talking about? We’re just waiting for ye to be released, but we have so many plans to help your recovery.”

Genevieve nodded urgently. “The nurse said you’ll be able to leave soon. If you want to go home, we’ve organised a nursing service to be there as much as you need them. If you want to stay at the warehouse, we’ll set up a bedroom for you and have the nurses come there. Whatever you need, we’ll make it happen.”

Her gaze darted between us. “Am I high, or are you two just delulu? Ain’t no way I can work there anymore.” Her fingers ghosted over the bandage at her throat, not quite touching thewhite strips. “There’s no way I can heal enough to come back to work. I know I’m out of a job. You’re kind to offer, but I’m done.”

My eyebrows merged, and Genevieve wore an equally confused expression.

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