Page 188 of Chasing Sparks

Her tone is clipped, the anger radiating off her in waves. She’s furious, and I can’t blame her.

But that’s fine—so long as she listens to me. So long as she’s safe.

One day, she’ll understand why I had to lie to her. And how every word, every omission, damn near broke me.

“This is a bad idea,” Trace mutters, sinking into one of the newly installed booths in the speakeasy.

He’s not wrong, but I’ve been super careful this past month, and everything still went sideways.

Now, I’ve got bigger problems than his damn case. Problems involving the woman I love and the baby she’s carrying.

“Couldn’t be helped,” I reply, sliding into the seat across from him and Lucille.

The construction crew cut out early after running out of material, and I figured this was the most secure place to talk. Not that anywhere feels safe right now.

“What’s going on?” Trace asks, his sharp gaze darting between Lucille and me.

“There’s a leak,” I say, drumming my fingers on the table.

Trace’s eyes narrow. “What do you mean? How do you know?”

I throw up my hands, my frustration boiling over. “Those aren’t the right questions. How aboutwhyis there a leak, and what the hell are you going to do about it?”

“Relax, Ash,” Lucille says softly, placing a hand on my arm.

I rip my hand from her grip and shoot her a scathing glare. “I can’t relax, Lucille. You know why? Because my world is upside down right now, and you’re the common denominator.”

Lucille leans back, her shoulders slumping. “I know. I’m so sorry you’re involved in this mess.”

Her voice carries the same exhaustion and guilt I’ve been dragging around this past month. She means what she says, and it’s not her fault. Not really.

We’re all at our breaking point.

Trace knocks on the table, calling back my attention. “What makes you think there’s a leak?”

I flex my aching hand, the stiffness worsening by the minute. “Ori is pregnant.”

Lucille gasps, her hand flying to her mouth. “Really? That’s wonderful, Ash. Congratulations.”

I bounce my foot against the floor, unable to keep still. “It would be, right? Except I’ve sworn Ori to secrecy. She thinks it’s because you’re pregnant with my baby. She believes she’s second best in my life, and I can’t tell her otherwise.”

Trace leans forward, his voice threaded with aggravation. “Congrats on the baby, but thatstilldoesn’t answer my question. Why do you think there’s a leak?”

“Kevin dropped by this morning.”

“What did he say?”

“He offered his congratulations on our impending arrival.”

A muscle jumps in Trace’s jaw. “How the hell does he know about the baby?”

“Exactly my question.” I slam my fists against the table, the wood vibrating beneath the force. “How the fuck does this psychopath know anything about Ori and me?”

Trace rakes a hand through his hair, and I can almost see the gears and switches flipping in his brain. “I need you both to think. Think hard. Have you let anything slip?”

“No,” Lucille states. “We’ve been careful, Trace. We know what’s at stake.”

“How much longer do we have to keep this shit up?” I ask, desperation edging my voice.

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