Page 79 of Scatter the Bones

“You fix things there?” Rooster asks.

Thanks a lot, dick.

Shelby’s eyes narrow. “Oh, yeah. Why was she lookin’ for ya?”

I blow out an irritated breath and glare at Rooster. “I’m surprised you didn’t tell her.”

“I didn’t know if you wanted me to.” He shrugs.

Shelby stares up at him, then me, her expression darkening. “Tell me what?”

“Not what you’re thinking.” I cut that off before she even says it. Christ, how do I put this into words without diving into the entire story? Shelby’s had enough ugly things happen in her life; she doesn’t need my dark past in her head. “I, uh, have a younger half-brother who showed up, looking to reconnect. Kinda threw me. Still dealing with it.”

“Well, shoot. Really?” Her eyes widen. “I didn’t know. That’s wild. Is he older or younger than Jezzie?”

Shit.I can’t have her telling Jezzie before I have a chance to. “Younger. But neither of us have seen him in years. It’s complicated. Please don’t say anything to her yet. I…I need to figure out what he wants first.”

She frowns. “You think he’s dangerous?”

“Maybe.”

Shelby blinks and stares at me as that sinks in. “Of course I wouldn’t go blabbin’ your business unless you told me it was okay. I won’t say a thing.” She swipes her finger over her chest in an X. “Promise, bestie.”

A genuine smile tugs at the corners of my mouth. “Thanks.”

“When do we get to meet him?” She glances up at Rooster. “Or have you already met him?” There’s no venom in her question. No quiet scolding that Rooster knew about this but didn’t share the info with her.

Rooster’s intense gaze is focused on me, but I can’t figure out what message he’s trying to burn into my skull. “Just once, years ago,” he says.

“Funny story, songbird,” I say, ignoring Rooster’s mood shift. “Being on tour withyouis how he foundme. His mom saw my picture in one of those gossip rags that love publishing pics of you and your biker entourage.”

She hoots with laughter. “Well, damn, look at me. The family reunion maker.” Her laughter abruptly stops. “Shoot. I sure hope my dad doesn’t find me the same way.”

Rooster and I have already discussed how we’ll handle it if he everdoesshow his face.

“Do ya guys look alike?” she asks.

“Z seemed to think so.”

She reaches out and squeezes my arm. “Well, I hope everything works out. If you need help talkin’ to Jezzie or something, let me know.”

I’m not sure how that would help, but it’s a nice offer. “I will, thanks.”

“And I hope you’re bringing Margot around again, soon?” She glances up at Rooster. “You really should have her over to the house. She hasn’t even seen your place yet. Rooster can show off his fancy new grill.”

“Yeah, I want to. She’s always on call, though. So it’s hard to get away.”

“You’re okay staying there?”

“Yeah, her place is nice.” I slap Rooster’s arm. “He saw it. She’s not keeping me in cold storage or anything.”

Shelby’s lips turn up slightly. “Okay. Well, we just miss ya.”

Behind her, Rooster shakes his head and mouths,Nah.

“Thanks, songbird,” I say, ignoring Rooster.

Her concerned eyes study me for a few more beats. “Don’t disappear on us after church today, okay? Heidi and I are making banana pancakes.” She holds her hand up and twists her middle finger over her index. “Prayin’ we don’t make a big ol’ mess.”

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