Page 19 of At the Edge of Surrender

River

Don’t make me hop on my bike and ride across town to kick your ass.

Otto

Oh, come now, brother. Know you love me, but not quite the way your sister does.

Another slew of winky faces, though this one with blowing kisses.

I laughed outright. Asshole was really asking for it.

Cash

Don’t think about showing up at my door crying when River comes for you.

I was surprised Cash even chimed in. Dude was such a recluse we rarely heard from him other than when we had society business or an actual family celebration going down.

Don’t get me wrong. He was every bit as dedicated as the rest of us. He was just…different. Locked in his past. Chained in his trauma. Refusing to trust a soul other than us.

Otto

The elusive Cash. How are you, brother?

Cash

Fine.

I could almost hear him grunt it.

Otto

You coming camping?

Cash

Since it’s unlikely any of you assholes know how to pitch a tent, then it’s probably a good idea.

Otto

Oh, I pitch plenty of tents. All thanks to Raven.

River

Otto

So stabby. Think you’d better bring your girl to keep you calm. Actually, sounds like a damned good plan. Think I’ll bring mine, too. Nolan will love it. Both his mommy, his auntie, and all his uncles on a camping trip.

Otto issued it like he was going to have to twist River’s arm, which considering both of them started sniveling whenever they wereaway from their women for more than five seconds, was a foregone conclusion.

River

Good call.

Exactly my point.

Otto

How about three weekends from now? You’ve got that thing weekend after next…

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