Page 45 of Scatter the Bones

I open my mouth to saynothing, but the word sticks in my throat.

“Maybe…make things right? If that’s even possible. I don’t know if he plans to stick around. We don’t have much in common. Crystal Ball seemed to scandalize him and,” I grimace, “he rides a fuckingNinja.”

No one laughs. My attempt at deflection crashes and burns.

“He can’t stay in a hotel forever,” Teller says. “How old is he?”

“Seventeen or eighteen.”

“Eighteen this summer,” Z says. “That’s why Malik sent him to me when he tried getting in the front door. Kid didn’t even try to use a fake id.”

“Young to be out on his own,” Wrath says.

“Youwere on your own earlier than that,” Rock points out. He glances at Teller, then Z. “We all were, more or less.”

“Nah.” Teller shakes his head. “Murphy and I hadyouto keep us in line.” He jerks his chin at Wrath. “And him to terrorize us into submission.”

“And look how well you turned out,” Wrath says.

“Grinder keptmein check,” Rock says.

I blow out a breath, guilt slamming into my chest harder than I expect. From what Cain said, it doesn’t sound like he has anyone.

“Why don’t you have him move into the apartment Dex was using,” Teller offers. “He’s living with Emily now. The apartment’s furnished.”

I turn and stare at him. “I just said I’m not sure I trust him. What if he burns your entire building down? You got other tenants living there.”

He shrugs, clearly not taking the threat seriously. “It has a sprinkler system.”

“What if he trashes the place?”

“I’ve got insurance. Things can be repaired. Besides, it puts him closer to Margot’s place, so you can keep an eye on him…”His voice trails off, like he’s silently asking if Margot and I are even still a thing.

“Yeah… I guess that might be easier.”

“I can hook him up with a job at Sully’s gym,” Wrath offers. “He could practically walk to work.”

“I can’t ask Sully to do that,” I protest. “I just told you I don’t know a damn thing about the kid.”

“I’ll pass that along to Sully and let him make up his own mind,” Wrath says in a slow, patient tone. “Jake mentioned they’re short-handed since Grinder left. Sully can’t find anyone who lasts more than a week. If your brother flakes, no harm done. If he sticks around, great.”

I shake my head again, already trying to put distance between me and the idea. “I don’t know…”

“Talk to Cain and find out what his plans are.” Wrath slaps the table like he’s finally wrapping up my interrogation. “Let me know.”

It really is a generous offer. I need to show my brothers more respect. They could’ve said “good luck with the reunion” and gone about their business.

“Thanks.” I nod at Wrath, then Teller. “I appreciate it. Really.”

Finally, I’m dismissed.

Rooster follows me out while the others stay behind and close the door. Loud voices echo from the dining room, and the scent of bacon wafts through the air, but the living room’s empty for now.

“Feel better that you have a plan of sorts, now?” Rooster asks.

I stop a few feet away from the front door and turn to face him. “For Cain? Yeah, I guess so.”

“Want me to come with you to talk to him?”

---