Page 172 of Shadow

I could be with my siren with no strings dragging me away.

I cried for a long time, staring out at the waves, my rosary clenched so tightly in my hand it cut into my palm.

“You OK?” Stitches called out softly as he stood behind me.

“I’m free,” I whispered.

His hand rested on my shoulder. “You are.”

I wiped at my eyes as he sat next to me in the sand and stared out at the water.

“I feel awful for feeling the relief,” I admitted.

“Don’t. I’d feel relief too. Honestly, it wasn’t even me in your situation, but I’m relieved for you. You didn’t need this shit. It would have put a huge strain on our relationship with Sirena.”

I nodded, knowing it was true.

“Well, now what?” I looked over at him.

Stitches grinned. “Go knock up Sirena.”

I scoffed, but couldn’t help the smile that worked its way onto my face.

“I will. Someday,” I murmured.

Stitches clapped me on the back. “Atta boy.”

“Do you think everything will be OK?” I asked.

Stitches didn’t speak for a moment. “Yeah. I gotta tell you something, though.”

“What?” I tensed.

“Did you notice Church has been acting odd lately?”

“Yeah.” I looked back at the lake. “You know why, don’t you?”

“I do,” he said, sighing. “Our old man called him a week ago. Wants to collect on the blood contract Church signed.”

“Fuck.” I sat on my ass, my chest tight. “What does he want him to do?”

“He wants him to kidnap some sugar daddy guy.”

“One of the horsemen? A fucking mobster?”

“Yep.” Stitches shook his head and pulled a joint out. He lit it and took a deep drag before handing it to me.

I took a fortifying hit and passed it back. “So why hasn’t he said anything to the rest of us?”

“I think he’s just hoping something gives. We have enough shit going on with the baby stuff. I’m sure now he’ll mention it.”

“Or maybe someone will shoot Everett in the head and solve the problem.”

“I fucking hope it’s me,” Stitches muttered. “I owe the prick a couple of bullets.”

“Honestly, a bullet would be too kind.”

“Truth.” He took another hit and lay back. I followed, staring up at the clouds.

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