I shrug. I won’t apologize, that’s for sure. “I was on meth.”

“So yes,” Tanner mutters, clearly searching me for some sign of emotion about what I’ve done. He won’t find it. Maybe I shouldn’t have done any of the meth, but I’m not sorry about the murders. If that makes me fucked in the head by Tanner’s estimates…fine.

“Yes,” I answer.Fine.

“Darlene?” Tanner asks. Meaning, “Where is she and please tell me she isn’t dead”. Which she is, of course.

“Won’t come back.”

“That baby isn’t yours.”

“The government doesn’t know that.”

“Are you going to–

I glare at him.

“She’s mine. I’ll be looking after her.”

“Okay. Call Gideon.”

“I want help.”

I noticethe flicker of irritation across Tanner’s face and try to hide my joy. I know he’ll agree to what I want once he realizes I’m not asking for Barbarianresources.

“With what?I’m up to my ass in my own problems. Like identifying your kills for one thing.”

“That black chick. She could help with the baby.”

“Right.”

“I’m not sick,” I tell him. “She can keep an eye on me. I’ll give her a phone and shit. Then you won’t have to bother Wyatt.”

“You can’t hurt her.”

“I’m not racist,” I snap. “I’m not going to hurt her.”

“I never said you were…” Tanner mutters. “And… Quin won’t like this but honestly… You’re right. I need someone to watch you and she won’t run. Not after seeing what type of a fuck up you are.”

“Yeah.”

I holdthe baby close to my chest. I can feel her getting wriggly again.

“Where are you going?”Tanner asks. “I’ll have to tell Wyatt.”

“My house. Elk City.”

“Good,” Tanner says. “That way anything happens back here, it’s only a few hours.”

“Have a drink before you leave.”

“I’ll need a drink to assess your carnage,” Tanner snaps.

The baby squirms again.

“I’ll put her to bed,” I tell him. “Tell the girl she’s staying with me.”

Tanner smirks.“I’m sure she’ll be thrilled.”