Page 56 of Sweet Sin

He wrinkles his forehead. “Are you serious? I only got up about a half hour before you did. Besides, there’s no way you could’ve gone into work today.”

“I’m not arguing that point, but I should’ve at least called.”

“Why didn’t you?”

“First of all, I didn’t wake up until eleven thirty, and second, I have no idea where my phone is.”

“It’s in the kitchen on the counter.”

I sigh. “All right. I guess I need to get this over with.” I walk to the door and then turn around. “And I am going with you today.”

“I figured you’d insist. I don’t blame you. I wouldn’t want to stay alone here either if I were you.”

“It’s not staying alone that’s the problem, Falcon.” I push my hair out of my eyes. “Do you think this is the first time I’ve ever seen gunfire? Knife wounds?”

He doesn’t respond.

“I need to go because I need to see firsthand the devastation I’ve caused. Mrs. Shaw is a widow because of me. And I may be a killer.”

17

FALCON

Leif Ramsey is still tall, blond, blue-eyed. It’s only been eight years, but the two of us of have aged for sure. After a couple tours in Afghanistan, he’s probably seen as much or more than I saw in prison.

“Falcon,” he says, holding out his hand.

I take it. We shake hands firmly.

We’re not the hugging type, although after all this time, I almost want to embrace him.

I’m still kind of pissed at him.

I nod to Savannah. “This is Savannah Gallo.”

“Hi. Leif Ramsey.”

Leif and Savannah shake hands.

I glance around. “Where’s your wife?”

“I didn’t bring her long. I wanted to scope out the situation first. You didn’t get real detailed with me on the phone.”

“No, I didn’t.” I touch my phone in my back pocket. “From now on I’ll be using burners.”

“You get yourself in some more trouble, man?” Leif asks.

Anger crawls at the back of my neck. He has a lot of nerve. “No.”

Savannah steps forward. “This is all my doing, I’m afraid.”

Leif raises an eyebrow. “Oh?”

“It’s a long story,” I say. “But first, we need to check on some people who were here.”

“They’re not going to give you information unless you’re family,” he says.

I cross my arms. “Do I look like an idiot to you? I know they won’t. That’s why you and I are going to charm the pants off one of these volunteers.”

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