Page 133 of Single Mom's Daddies
Max barks a laugh. “Always taxes.”
“We thought the same. But turns out he was planting bugs. Working a side angle.”
Max straightens. “And you didn’t kill him?”
“No,” I say, setting my glass down. “Because when the house got hit, he fought beside us. Took out several of Costello’s men himself. Saved my ass. Almost got killed for it.”
“Shit.” Max blinks. “Didn’t think the suit had it in him.”
“Neither did we.”
Max leans back. “So, what? He’s on our side now?”
“He saw everything. Heard Joe confess. Saw the attack. It was enough to convince him that we’re not the bad guys anymore. After the smoke cleared, he told us he’d make sure we were off the board for good. Said he’d bury Costello with what he had.”
“Think he’s bluffing?”
I shake my head. “He’s tired. He’s angry. And he lost his partner in that shootout five years ago. He’s got a grudge against both sides, but I think…I think he respects us now.”
Max is quiet for a long beat. “And Costello?”
“Alive. Barely. Roman dragged him out with a gun to his head and used him to end the fight. Now he’s in federal custody.”
Max snorts. “He won’t last a month.”
“Probably not.”
He lifts his glass and finishes what’s left. “I missed everything.”
“You missed being dead,” I reply.
“Still hate the tropics.”
“I figured.”
He sighs and closes his eyes for a second, sinking deeper into the chair. I watch him—this man who raised us, bled for us, trained us to see danger around every corner. Now burned to hell, cranky, and somehow exactly the same.
After a while, he opens one eye. “You really didn’t kill the fed?”
“No.”
He grunts. “You’re getting soft.”
I smile. “No. I’m finally getting good at sleeping.”
Max grumbles something under his breath and leans forward to top off his glass, hand moving slower than usual. “You sleeping now because the girl’s in your bed, or because there’s nothing left to shoot?”
I laugh. “Yes.” I pause and add, “And Ivy got a new heart.”
The relief on his face surprises me. He’s barely said a word to her since she’s been around, but his face relaxes and his shoulders drop an inch. “That is very good to hear.”
“The doctors expect her to make a full recovery and have a healthy, happy life.”
The corners of his mouth twitch like he might be smiling. “You love her?”
“Completely. She’s our daughter, Max. And even if she wasn’t, she’s a great kid. I’d love her either way, if I’m being honest.”
“And the mom?”
