Page 88 of The Best of Us

No, no, no.“You’re telling me they killed an innocent man?” That would mean Constantine lied to me in the kitchen about only taking out bad guys, and I refused to believe that.

“Hardly innocent. That asshole was still a murderer, just the wrong one. Hold your tears and your condolences for the fucker.”

Thank God.I hung my head in relief. Given the circumstances, I knew the only reason I was handling this so well was because I’d already been exposed to this “style of life” thanks to my brother and Carter.

Easton unknowingly paved the way for me to not panic-run at the first hint of Constantine’s closet full of skeletons.

I still might need another drink, though.“They catch the real killer?”

“From what I know, yeah. I’m unclear on the details surrounding that.”

Something told me I didn’t want to know, either. At least, not yet. I knew I could only handle so much in such a short period without freaking out. I wasn’tthatcool. “You said Wyatt worked with Constantine a second time?”

“He did. I don’t know why. Gwen mentioned something in passing to me about the Costas last fall. That’s all I remember. But I get the distinct feeling Constantine’s baggage is like Carter’s.”

“Meaning?”

“His baggage comes with threats.”

“Colin’s in danger because of his own choices, but are you saying we could be in danger because of Constantine’s, too?”Maybe two more drinks are needed.

“Maybe. But no more than the danger you’re in by being associated with me.” He grimaced. “Not a reality I want to admit, but it’s true.” He held up his hand. “I’d never let anything happen to you.”

“I know.” I forced myself to stand.

“Just like I know Constantine will protect you and Colin.”

His surprising words of support pulled me right back down.

“Why don’t I come visit?”

I held the phone in front of my face. “No, you don’t need to do that. Constantine’s going to try to bring his family over on Monday. Colin wants to meet them.”

“Wow. Y’all really are moving fast.” He pushed away from his desk and stood, reaching for the phone. “Your birthday is next weekend. I’ll come then.”

My birthday is the last thing on my mind.

“You’re strong, don’t forget that,” he said, knowing exactly what I needed to hear. “You’ll get through this.”

I’ll try.“Thank you for being so understanding. You’re taking this ten times better than I thought you would.”

“I’ll always have your back, you know that. I want what’s best for you and Colin. And I’d never want to do anything that’d jeopardize Colin having his father in his life. I just can’t believe he’s the C we were looking for. He was kind of right here all along, and I just . . . feel bad I didn’t know.”

“Oh no, not you with the guilt, too.” I flicked my wrist, about to lose it. “Don’t start. You’re just like Constantine. Want to hold the weight of the world on your shoulders.”

“Of course. We’re twice your size.” He winked. “Gotta keep it from crushing those we love.”

“Funny.” But he induced a smile. “How’d I get so lucky to have you in my life?”

“Bah.” He waved me off. “I’m the lucky one.” He turned his head, and I overheard someone calling out his name. He jerked a thumb over his shoulder. “If you don’t presently need me, Gwen apparently does.”

“Oh, she does, does she?”

He grinned, and something told me that smile had more to do with the woman he’d been assigned to protect than anything else. “Shut up.”

“Well, it sounds like you have your hands full and are too busy to fly here anyway.”

He rolled his eyes. “Just call me or text me when you have a chance and check in.”

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