Page 68 of Accepted Precedent
“I’ll tell you if it’s negative.”
“You’re impossible.” I snatch up the box of tests and march down the hall to the small bathroom. Kristin is hot on my heels, and once we are out of earshot, I whisper-shout, “This is bullshit.”
“I know, Evie. I’m sorry.” She follows me into the bathroom and I close the door behind us. “Okay, we don’t have much time. I have to tell you what I found out today: Finn is responsible for Tim’s death.”
“What?” I slap my hand over my mouth, then lower my voice. “How? What happened?”
“What part of ‘we don’t have much time’ didn’t you get? Pee on the stick while I explain.”
I strip my pants down to my ankles and sit on the toilet, then unwrap one of the tests. “Okay, happy? I know Finn loves Ileah, but why did he have to kill Tim? What happened?”
“You just answered your own question. Finn’s been unreachable all day, and Ileah’s room has already been scrubbed by Ned. He won’t tell us anything since Ileah is his client, but I think Finn did it to be with her himself.”
I quickly pee on the test and cap it, then shimmy my pants back up and wash my hands.
As much as I love Mickey, the Gallaghers are dangerous men, and I’ve become too comfortable in their world. Would they kill Andrew if we remain married? Could Kristin disappear without a trace? I’m not sure I want to risk it.
“What do we?—”
“Don’t you dare askwhat do we do now?like some helpless damsel in distress,” she growls. “You removed a bullet from a man’s skull last night. We both know what has to happen if you decide to have Mick’s baby. You’ll have to be the dutiful wife to Andrew a little longer, just until we announce Jaclyn is running for President. Then, you can quietly divorce Andrew. The spotlight will be on her and Ileah—no one will be the wiser.”
“President? I love Jaclyn, but she’s not ready. She’ll lose.”
“You’re right.” Kristin bites her lip to hide her smirk. “Which is why we’re preparing her for the next election cycle. Ileah will be her running mate.”
“Are you insane?”
“That’s what I asked Mickey,” she laughs, then glances behind her to the door and lowers her voice barely above a whisper. “I’m going to be Ileah’s assistant and quietly run her campaign until it’s time to announce.”
“A two-woman ticket? I mean, that’s fucking fantastic, but in what universe would they be elected?”
“Don’t worry about that part. The Gallaghers have it handled—or at least Mickey does.” Kristin checks the test for me and her eyes widen. “Um, I… it’s too soon to check it.” She sets it down.
“You’re going to rig an election?”
With a quick shake of her head, she insists, “No. They’ll create the circumstances that would make any logical person vote for them.”
“Like funding candidates who could destroy this country," I mutter to myself. My eyes meet hers as my jaw tightens. “That’s just as bad as the PAC who funded the protest.”
“Do you trust me?”
“Yes.”
Her voice softens, and the little lines between her eyebrows are no longer present. “Then let me do my job.” We both glance at the test and she sighs, “When I checked, it was already positive, which means very elicited hCG levels… you’re probably having twins.” Before I can react, she adds, “Don’t worry about Mickey or Andrew. They can go fuck themselves. Do whatever makes you happy.”
“Even if your happiness is destroyed?”
“What’s the saying?He’s just a guy, hit him with your car?” Kristin chuckles, making me feel lighter than I have in a while. “Is it Mickey’s?” I nod. “Don’t worry about me, or the guys. We’re sisters—family comes first. You want to end this? I’ll hold your hand through it. Want to see it through? My hand is still here. I love you, Evie. You’re my priority, not them.”
“Okay,” I say softly, checking the dreaded stick for myself. “If you can keep me safe, then I’m ready.”
She hugs me in what has to be the tightest hug I’ve ever received from her. “I love you, Evie. I can’t promise your safety, but I’ll die trying.”
A tear slips from my eye and I brush it away on her shoulder. “I love you too, but we also need to protect Ileah and Jaclyn. We can’t let them be caught in the crossfire.”
“I have enough money saved. If you want to disappear, I can make it happen. Plus, Finn owes me big time for killing that guy last night.”
“No.” I huff a small laugh, shaking my head and pulling back enough to remind her, “Family comes first, but that includes you, Andrew, Jaclyn, and Ileah. Unless everyone is happy, my work isn’t done.”
