Page 12 of S.O.S. Billboard

Rory had been abandoned by Mizzay’s druggie sister and brother-in-law; sold off to a radical group for money to pursue their selfish habits. Mizzay had gained custody as soon as SOS had rescued Rory, and it was the best thing that had ever happened to both of them.

“I don’t want to put anybody out,” O’Shea backtracked. “Especially if they already have plans.” The idea of seeing Billboard on her first night here after finding out he was unavailable, was something that would be hard to stomach.

“Are you kidding me? Mizzay has spoken, and when she ‘makes a suggestion’, everyone listens. Besides, they’re all excited to see you again. I’m sure Mizzay is just waiting to make sure you’re free for your first night here.”

“I guess I am,” O’Shea responded, pasting a fake smile on her face. “I can’t wait to see everybody.”

“It’s settled then. Let me call the office and tell them we’re a go. I’ll put my phone on speaker.” She hit a number, then stood her phone up on the table, waiting for her call to be answered.

“SOS, how can I help you.”

Shit, shit, shit.The deep voice on the other end of the line wasnotMizzay.

“Billboard, it’s Brigid.”

“Hey, Brig. How are you feeling?”

Of course, the big lug would reveal his empathetic side right up front.

“Feeling great. The puking is pretty much non-existent today, and I ate lunch without getting green, so I count that as a win. But speaking of eating, did Mizzay fill you in that we’re all thinking of going out for dinner tonight?”

“Nope. I haven’t seen her. Del was on the phones when I got in, and mentioned something in passing, but you know him. There was nothing definitive said before he handed the phones over to me and disappeared.”

“Oh. Sounds like the boss,” Brigid chuckled. “Where’s Mizzay?”

“Apparently Rory needed some piece of equipment she’d forgotten for her afternoon soccer game at camp. She’ll be back soon. Do you want me to leave a message?”

“Not necessary. She’s the one doing the planning. So, are you going to join us for food?”

“Is there an occasion?” Billboard asked. “Other than your little tadpole on the way?”

“Duh.” Brigid slapped her forehead, and in any other situation, O’Shea would have laughed, but she was waiting to see how Billboard would react to what Brig was about to reveal.

“You don’t know yet, but O’Shea is in town. She flew in today as a surprise. You’re on speaker, BB. Say hello.”

There were a few seconds of silence before his voice came back, seemingly gruffer than before. “Hey, O’Shea. Welcome to Boston.”

“Hey yourself,” O’Shea managed. “Happy to be here.”

Brilliant repartee. She wanted to groan.

Brigid, luckily, didn’t sense anything amiss, and immediately prodded BB for an answer. “So what do you say? Are you in? Do you want to bring Peggy?”

Shit. The last thing O’Shea wanted was to meet BB’s new squeeze right off the bat.

She laid a hand on her forehead. Was it warm? Could she pretend it was warm? Maybe she could come down with something, really fast.

“Uh, no Brig. No Peggy tonight,” Billboard answered. “But I’ll join you. Where are we headed and what time?”

Brigid chuckled. “I haven’t a clue. Mizzay is laying all the groundwork, so when she gets back, ask her, then text me to let me in on the deets. In the meantime, O’Shea and I are going to have a walk on The Common.”

“Be careful,” he came back huskily.

Brigid laughed. “Uh, we’re talking two, lethal cops here, BB? And it’s four in the afternoon.”

“Yeah. But still. There’s been a gang of youths on scooters causing havoc lately; snatching purses and stuff. But I don’t have to tell you that. You’re probably part of the investigation.”

Brigid didn’t comment, so O’Shea figured BB had hit the nail on the head.

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