Page 111 of Property of Chaos

“Look to the gate at the roadside and then track your eye right.”

I do, still subconsciously measuring his distance behind me from the sounds of his steps. Sure enough, I can just make out the handlebars of a bike over the long grass. “Any reason why you wanted to sneak up on me rather than just ride in?”

“He thought you might spook. Didn’t need you running away from me.”

Chaos.So he saw the video then, huh? “Why didn’t he just come himself?”

“He’s not in town.”

Why does my chest feel heavy with that revelation? “Yeah?” The giant says nothing, tracking me silently until I say something else. “Why not?”

“Can’t say.”

Of course.I stop walking and turn side-on to show that I want him to catch up. I tilt my head back to look him in the eye when he reaches my side. “What’s your name?”

He points to a badge on his chest. “Crow.”

Right.“Circus busy today?”

That earns a sly grin. “Can’t say.”

For fuck’s sake.I size the guy up again as I turn and start walking again. He’s six foot ten thousand and something—super tall. Broad and built like a bodybuilder. Blackwork paints his arms and neck, and I’d hazard a guess they’re everywhere else on his body, too.

“How’d you get your road name?” I peek at his face. “Were you named after the movie?”

“It was a comic first, but yeah, that was pretty much it.” He chances a quick look at me. “A fan?”

“What woman isn’t?” I chuckle. “A man who’d do anything to avenge your murder? Even in death?” I sigh.

“It’s not as easy as the story makes out.” His head hangs, thumbs hooked in his pockets. “It doesn’t fix the void they leave behind.”

How fucking similar to the goddamn story is he? “I’m sorry.”

“Thanks.”

We walk silently the remainder of the way, Crow stopping when I reach my front gate.

“Well, thanks, I guess.” I shrug, then glance at his bike. “Has he got you on watch all night?”

“Does that bother you?” He tilts his head back to look at me over his cheekbones.

I shake my head. “Not as much as it should.” I draw a deep breath and unhook the catch. “If you want a coffee or something to eat, you’re welcome to come in for a break.”

His lips curl at the corners. “I don’t think he’d like that.”

I roll my eyes and step through the gate. “Suit yourself, then.” I realize Crow still stands there as I reach the porch, smirking. “What?”

“You make him happy.” He nods a few times. “I can see why. You’re suited for each other.”

Great.

THIRTY-EIGHT

CHAOS

I setmy phone down on the bar just in time to catch King leaning back to steal a kiss from his woman. She’s been hard to read since I arrived in Lincoln, shrewd gaze following me everywhere I go as though I stalk their halls with a gun in one hand and a knife in the other. But for him…

“What are the kids up to?” He pats her on the ass as he asks the question, the other hand on the bar to stabilize himself atop his stool.

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