Page 30 of Sweet Sin

I pick the phone up from where I tossed it on top of the toilet and dial him.

“Falcon?”

“Yeah. You got a minute?”

“Sure.”

“Raven doing okay?”

“She is. She’s looking real good too.”

“Good. Glad to hear it. Because I need a favor.”

“Sure, son.”

“I need you to quash a story that may be going to the local newspapers, and because it’s us, it might be going to the national outlets.”

“For God’s sake, Falcon—”

“It’s not me. I swear.” I relay what happened as my father listens intently on the other side of the line.

“Criminy,” he says.

“I know, right?”

“Your parole officer, Fal? Really?”

I huff into the phone. “That’s what you got out of the story? We could have both been killed, Dad.”

“Yeah, yeah. I know. Believe me, I came close to losing one child, and I’m not in the mood to lose any of you.” His voice cracks, and he clears his throat. “This isn’t your fault, Falcon, and I’m sorry I assumed it was. I’ll take care of it.”

“Thanks, Dad. I owe you.”

“Not a problem. Are you okay, though? You and she both?”

“We’re handling it. The cops were here, and they’ll be sniffing around because of who I am. I’m not sure they know who she is yet, but it won’t take long.”

“You’re right about that. I’m on it, so ease your mind.”

“Thanks,” I say again before ending the call.

My shower’s been running for ten minutes, and it’s good and steamy.

I step in and inhale, waiting for all the problems to release from my shoulders.

They don’t.

But at least the water feels good as it pelts my sore muscles.

10

SAVANNAH

“You sure it was the McAllisters?” Dad asks me for the tenth time.

“No. I’m not a hundred percent sure, but who else could it be?”

“You didn’t recognize either of the men?”

---