Page 129 of Dirty Dylan: Dirty Dusters

She’s right, of course.

“Point taken. But can’t you just use bullets that aren’t engraved?”

“That won’t matter. The X is purely for show. Any gun expert would still know. They’re unique to my rifle, and it’s a one-off.”

“Sounds expensive.”

“Two million dollars’ worth of expensive. Each part is handmade and by several different gunsmiths, so it’s completely untraceable.”

“What it if stops working?”

“I have three other rifles. All of them unique in their own way.”

“So, you’re prepared for any eventuality?”

“Always.”

There’s a pause.

“Thank you, Jaine.”

“I would never let anything happen to you, Dyl. Your big brother, on the other hand…”

“Jaine,” I warn.

“I’m joking. I would never let anything happen to that pompous asshole either.” She chuckles.

“It’s good to hear you sounding so chipper.”

“That’s a Jessie word.”

“It is. How is she?”

There’s a pause, no doubt as she considers whether to answer that question or not.

“She’s doing okay. She’ll be moving back to Manhattan when I do. Makes most sense. I’ll be working between there and Rising, and she’ll be working between there and Colton.”

“She’s asked the Dusters to consider repurchasing her apartment.”

“And I hope you’ll do just that. Either that or I will. Listen, Dyl, I’m not taking sides. What’s happened has happened. I don’t want to lose either of you from my life.”

“I appreciate that, Jaine.”

I pause once more to consider whether I should even pose the next question, but what have I got to lose?

“About this Tyler fella.”

“What about him?”

“Can I ask one thing?”

“You can. What you ask will determine whether I answer or not. Go on.”

“Was he important to her in the past?”

“Yes.” Her reply is immediate.

“Good to know.” Or not, as the case may be.

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