Page 69 of Malicious Wedding

Bernie sighs, brushing at her forehead. “That’s the most effusive praise he’s ever given me.”

We decide to open a little later than usual, which gives the group a chance to inventory all the stuff Bernie purchased, plus time to unwrap and clean most of the new dishware. Fulco seems particularly pleased with a new set of knives. “Expensive,” he comments, holding the big, gleaming blade up to the light. “And sharp.”

I suspect the next Polish thug that comes in here will get that thing straight through his neck.

I’m smiling as the afternoon wears on and our regulars arrive. My friends seem happy, the events of the other day mostly forgotten, though I do notice Keely flinches every time there’s a loud noise, and Jamila’s constantly looking toward the door as if someone might come rushing in with a gun at any moment. But even if they’re struggling to get past the trauma, I still can’t help the warmth I feel deep inside of my chest.

My friends are together.

Smoke is getting some long-overdue improvements.

And I’m looking forward to going home.

It’s a strange feeling. Not that I don’t enjoy being at Smoke—I do, it’s my entire life, and I love all these people—but I have something else in my days now.

For years, it’s only been this place. Now, I have Carson, and whatever creepy, intensely obsessive relationship we’re starting to build.

I still plan on running off at the first chance I get—but now I don’t feel so motivated to make it happen.

Everything is good. For the first time in my life, I feel trulysettled.

Until I get a call from the hospital.

It comes through around five. I’m poking through a box filled with fake plants that definitely don’t match the decor when my phone rings. Thinking it’s Carson, I answer right away. “Hello?”

“Hello, ah, is this Ashlyn Locke? I’m calling about your brother, Iain Locke?” A young woman’s on the other end, sounding bored.

“Yes, hi, this is her.” My heart starts pounding into my throat. I steel myself for the worst news.

“The doctor wanted me to call and let you know that he’s awake, that he’s doing well, and he asked about you. If you wanted to visit.”

And instead, I get the best news imaginable.

“I do, I mean, that’s fantastic.” I stand up straight in shock. I didn’t think Iain would ever come back to us, much less with enough of himself intact to actually be able to talk. “Can I come now?”

“Yes, please, but visiting ends at eight.”

She hangs up.

I stare at my phone, my head dizzy. I consider calling Carson, but I don’t want to waste the time. Instead, I order an Uber and hurry into the main room. Bernie’s filling a drink order. She glances over as I approach.

“It’s Iain, he’s awake.”

Bernie nearly drops the glass. “Holy shit.”

“I’m heading to the hospital now.”

“Right, yeah, absolutely, go see him.”

“I’ll be back before closing, okay?”

“Take your time, don’t rush. We’re fine. Wow! He’s awake!”

“I know.” I give her a quick hug. “Thank you, Bernie.”

I rush out into the street, hop into the Uber, and I’m riding the elevator up to Iain’s floor twenty minutes later. In his hall, I slow down, starting to feel nervous for the first time, but a friendly nurse directs me to his private room.

It’s dark. The lights are out. Machines beep. “Iain?” I ask tentatively as I come around the curtain.

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