Page 53 of King of Ruin

Lucia lets out a curse. “We’re going to have to correct that. It’s just weird.” I can hear the concern in her voice. It has nothing to do with the cat. She thinks Roman is bad news. Then again, she liked Vigo.

I can’t let her feelings sway me too much.

“I’ll call you back,” I tell her. “I’m going to call Roman.”

“Ok,” she says. “I don’t leave for work for another hour and Josh is home all day. Just let us know what you need.”

“I will. I love you.”

“I love you too.”

I hang up and instantly dial Roman, though I go straight to voicemail.

Not knowing what to do, I try again.

He doesn’t pick up. But the phone almost instantly dings. I can’t read the screen. “Siri, read text message.”

“Text message from Roman Kincaid: ‘In a meeting. Call you soon.’”

“Siri, send message. ‘Thomasina is giving birth. I need your address to send to Lucia.’”

The phone dings again. “On my way.”

“He’s coming Thomasina,” I say to the cat. “We’re going to make sure you’re all right.”

CHAPTER NINETEEN

Roman

Maddie’s callis a fucking relief.

I was in the middle of a meeting with the city official to start foreclosure proceedings on Maddie’s property when she called. I told myself that I had to do this.

But the further into the meeting I got, the more wrong it felt. I know all the reasons I started down this road. I need to make this tunnel happen for Luke. For Mason.

My family is everything.

But I…

I’m not sure I can sacrifice Maddie’s well-being for their benefit. There has to be another way.

Even knowing what the house means to Maddie, maybe she’d allow me to just buy a corner of the yard. Or lease. Or…

Something. She knows I’m trying to get Kate back too.

If there is anything left of Luke and Kate to get back.

I run a frustrated hand down my face. It’s time I asked her about the house and what kind of deal she might be willing to make.

Maddie is nothing if not kind and generous.

I read her text, tell her I’m coming, and stand up from my small chair that sits in front of the inspector’s desk. He stands too, his hands clasping and unclasping.

I’ve already handed him a generousgiftjust for sitting down with me. It’s cash and it comes with no strings attached.

“When would you like me to start the proceedings?—”

I hold up my hand. “Do nothing. This was just a conversation. No more.”

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