Page 117 of Collateral Claim
“We’re on high alert,” Marquis says.
Cass Macarley, whom I officially met on the plane ride to Couldermouth, climbs the steps to the Keep. “Until I make an example of your daddy and all his associates.”
“I thought you already did that at the wedding.”
Endo scrunches his nose. “Cass let him live.”
“What? Why?” I shout after Endo’s brother, hoping he’ll tell me before he disappears into the Keep.
Cass opens one side of the Keep’s door, then unlatches the other and pushes them open, widening the entrance. Endo sweeps an arm under my legs and lifts me.
“Oh!” I laugh and throw my arm over his shoulders. He carries me up the steps. No point in pressing Cass about my dad. I doubt he’ll tell me. I don’t doubt he’ll deal out his brand of justice.
I squeeze my husband’s biceps. “You’re so big and strong.”
Endo frowns.
“My caveman.”
Smirking, he shakes his head.
I press my lips against his ear. “You know what you can do to shut me up, don’t you?”
Endo gives me a side-eye. “Talking dirty now, are we?”
“We are.”
Endo crosses the threshold and puts me down. “Welcome home, Scarlett Macarley.”
Scarlett Macarley. Nice. “Thank you.”
“There is cake in the fridge,” Slada says from the kitchen before she comes out, licking her thumb. “It’s delicious.” She hugs me. “Nice to have you back, Doc.”
“Thank you.” I didn’t expect the hug. I return it warmly, and I’m surprised to notice that Slada is wearing perfume. It’s light. If it were a season, it would be spring.
When we separate, she stands back and says, “I often run on a trail in the forest in the mornings. You can join me if you like.”
“I used to run track.”
“I know,” she says.
Background checks. Right. “I’d love that.”
“Not tomorrow. Or the next few days,” Endo says, then pecks me on the cheek. “I saved the map for you. You know where to find me.” He ascends the steps to the second floor. At the top,he points to the east wing, the wing of the Keep I never visited. “This way. I have guards in the west wing in case you get lost.”
Standing at the bottom, I’m left with heated cheeks while his friends and family smile knowingly.
“I can read a map,” I mumble.
Slada giggles.
“Well, now that we know Endo’s on a honeymoon in the Keep,” Marquis says, “we can all relax and go home. Finally.” He sighs. “Cass won’t stay long. He’s packing. I’ll keep the housekeeping light. Phillip will send food. Is there anything you’re craving?”
“Croissant?”
“I’ll tell Mary.” Marquis waves goodbye.
“Hey.” I turn to Slada. “Did Mary ever see a doctor about her indigestion?”
