Page 38 of Safe Haven
I love ya cuz, and I forgive you. I hope you’ve found peace.
“Hey, you okay?” Apex bumps my shoulder, and I open my eyes.
“Yeah, just talking to Danica.”
His expression changes slightly, and then he nods as if he understands.
“Promise me something. When you leave, you won’t stay gone long. Find a reason to swing through Baltimore a few times a year.” I’d never say it, but I’ve grown attached to the man.
I’d never date him or anything, although from how full this group is, I doubt my cousin would have cared even if she were alive. He just seems more like an older protective brother, and that’s when it hits me.
The reason it’s called a brother- and sisterhood.
“Don’t you worry your little heart, Azrael. You still owe me head, and I always collect.”
Epilogue
Idon’t know how he managed it, but Corvin has handled the business while I fixed the Harlots’ mess and stepped into my role as their President. I sigh as I open another coffin in the showroom.
It’s a luminous, sleek black marble with a satin interior. I’ve got one foot inside when I hear my partner behind.
“Haven? Are you okay?” I finish climbing inside and settle my body into the confines of the small luxury coffin.
“Yeah, why?” I answer as I close the lid and close my eyes.
Yeah, this is the one.
“Um, no reason, I guess, but you’re trying out the coffins like you’re picking your final destination, and it’s freaking me the hell out. You don’t have another hit on you? Brain tumor? Cause I’m thinking I need to get you some help, but I’m trying to narrow down who I should call.” I roll my eyes and push the coffin open.
I sit up and look at Corvin.
“Stop clutching your pearls, drama queen. I’m picking out Mrs. Novar’s coffin. It has to be perfect.” I’ve put off this funeral for far too long.
I owe it to her, and I feel bad making Joel wait. he couldn’t have reentered my life at a worse fucking time. He’s been looking for me, but Corvin has kept him at bay so I could handle my shit.
But now it’s time.
“Well, before you see your ex, there is one more item we need to address. The stiff in the prep room.” He raises an eyebrow at me.
Oh, that.
“Just a few loose ends I’m going to take care of on my way home today. Let’s go with this one.” I hop out of the coffin and slip my heels back on.
“This paperwork is shit.” He waves my coroner’s report in my face.
I step closer and read the sheet, but everything looks right. I look up at Corvin and shrug my shoulders in a what’s wrong with it gesture. He points to the cause of death, then reads it so I can hear how absurd it sounds firsthand.
“He drowned in a teacup?” Ok, I admit it’s not my best idea, but it’s not often that Corvin gets this riled up, so I have to take advantage.
I grin and nod.
“His mouth was taped.” I can see the vein over his right eye starting to twitch.
“That was never proven.” I smile sweetly and bat my eyelashes, knowing damn well it’s true, cause I fucking did it.
“Cause you were the medical examiner! Are you trying to get caught and go to jail?” I sigh and take the paper from him, cleanly ripping it in half.
“Was I?” Corvin’s about to wring my neck when my phone starts to ring.
