Page 284 of Bad Wolf (Wild Men 4)

Before he leaves, though, he assures me Simon is going to jail, and will go on trial, and that’s good. It’s all I need to know right now.

Because I have just found out, by chance, that Mel is here, too. Mel Carter, the owner of the taco joint. My friend.

He had a heart attack soon after I left work. Not a very bad one, and it looks like he’s gonna be okay. His family’s here. His niece is apparently living in Madison, and she was listed as next of kin. She’s sitting by his side right now, and he’s smiling at her, partly proud, partly wistful. One hundred percent pleased.

And also pale. Sickly. So different, and yet the same guy who offered me food and a temporary shelter in bad times.

I’ve been peeking in from the half-open door. I don’t want to interrupt, and I don’t want him seeing me like this, limping, covered in scrapes and bruises.

Don’t want to intrude. He’s finally gotten back what he longed for: His family. His niece is telling him her father is on his way. They’ll reconcile. He’ll be with them.

I guess he’ll move back to the farm. Close down the taco joint. He won’t need me around anymore. Yeah, so I’m really happy for him. Fucking glad.

Doesn’t make it any easier, though. I walk away, wandering blindly through the hospital, through brightly lit passages and halls, not knowing where I’m going and not giving a damn.

Chapter Twenty-One

Amber

Armed with the lion pendant that I’ve wrapped up in red paper, dressed in an old, white and yellow summer dress that flatters my curves—or so Kayla told me—I stand outside Jesse’s apartment. According to my meticulous calculations, he should be back from working at the café by now.

I’m aware I’m taking a risk. He could be out. But Ev did say he doesn’t go out much these days. Or nights. Whatever.

And if he isn’t in… Then I’ll call him. I’ve made up my mind not to wait any longer.

The doorbell rings, and a second later the door swings open, held by a wild-eyed Travis.

I take a step back, wondering what’s going on. “Hey, Travis.”

“Amber. Is Jesse with you?” He looks around me, as if Jesse might be hiding behind my back. What with Jesse being so tiny and all…

“Is he out?”

“Yes! I mean, he isn’t here. Where he should have been, because we were going to bake muffins together.”

I gape at him, wondering briefly if this is a hallucination. “You were going to bake muffins. With Jesse Lee.”

“Yes. He said you taught him how to make them. Breakfast muffins. And he’s been really down recently, and I thought…” He stops, frowns at me. “Because of you.”

Whoa. Just a sec. “He was down because of me?”

“Read my lips.” Travis points at his mouth, which bears a smear of red lipstick. Nice. “He’s been staring at the drawings he made of you. Baking your damn muffins. Frankly, it makes me scared for the human race.”

“You make me scared for the human race,” I mutter.

“Why don’t you come in? You could wait for him, if you like.” He opens the door wider, and I notice he’s only wearing low-slung denim shorts.

Trying not to stare at his well-defined abs and more traces of red lipstick on his pecs, I sidle into the apartment, slightly dazed.

“You said he was supposed to be home by now?”

“An hour ago. Normally I wouldn’t worry, but Jesse is like clockwork. When he says he’ll be there, he is. The man can’t lie and won’t break a promise. It’s not in his genes.”

He can’t lie. He won’t break a promise. Crap. The evidence is mounting. He’s been telling me the truth all along, and I…

Oh God. I didn’t believe him.

“Amber is here,” Travis announces as he guides me into the living room, and I’m in for another shock.

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