Page 135 of Nothing to Fear

“What do you want?” So much for not allowed to talk to her. “I didn’t know you’d be here. If you think this is some scheme to force your brother—”

“I know better than to ask where your head’s at,” Tripp said.

Nice of him not to insult her intelligence by playing dumb. “Good, so what do you want?”

“A truce. A peace treaty,” he said, setting his damn smile to smolder. “I’m friends with plenty of women, my exes, my brother’s exes, I’m Switzerland in these things. Anyone can talk to me about anything—”

“Roxie told me.” She relented a little. “You’re a priest.”

“ThePriest, but whatever…”

Relaxing, his exhaled laugh loosened her muscles. “I won’t pour my heart out to you.”

“I’m here, if you need to,” he said. “I don’t repeat what’s said or read between the lines.” He shook his head, oddly stern. “I don’t interpret, or game play, or meddle… like Roxie.”

“Like Roxie what?” the woman called, coming over, Sway’s hand in hers. “Hey! You’re not supposed to talk to—”

“It’s fine,” she said on a sigh. What was she going to do? Run and hide from the guy all day? “We’re fine.”

“You really are good, Priest,” Roxie said and made brief eye contact before leading Sway out, leaving her and Tripp alone.

“I listen, that’s it. Confess your sins, I’ll absolve you.”

“Did you absolve Darroch?” With a smile, he touched a knuckle to the front of her chin and walked past. “Tripp?” Turning around, her eyes followed him to the threshold of the room. “You don’t pass messages, okay, but…”

“Might make the exception when it comes to family.”

“Thank you…” She crossed to join him. “Could you tell Buoy I’m sorry I haven’t come over to color with him… please?”

“Buoy,” he asked, his face lighting to a grin. “Wow, kudos, that boy works fast.”

“I don’t want him to think I abandoned him. I miss him.”

“But not Roch?” he asked. When she recoiled a fraction, he took her hand. “Sorry, I get it. I wouldn’t date him either.” She slid her hand from his. “Buoy…” He got in her way when she tried to pass. “He’s never taken to anyone the way he did with you. Hasn’t let some of his brothers that close.”

“He’s a good boy, I miss him.”

“You don’t have to, Mom would have you over anytime.”

She winced. “It’s too…”

“I get it. If you want me to bring the little guy over to your place…”

And she believed him. That was a huge concession from someone unrelated to her who owed her nothing.

“Make sure he knows he did nothing wrong.”

“Sure thing.”

Their hands joined again as they walked out together. Strange he should be such a comfort. Roxie was right. No animosity. No anger or judgment, he just listened, accepted, and went on with his day. Priest.

FORTY-FIVE

A BUS WAS RIGHT. There were so many bodies, talk about entourage. Roxie came with a bunch of others, some not in uniform. What a sight. The bold hostess stood at the front of their ride, taking control of the music and lighting—yes, there was music and lighting—pepping them up, answering questions, encouraging everyone to sing along. Geez, the woman must have some helluva pharmacy in her bathroom. How was she always on?

They drove into the concrete lot. The gates weren’t open to the public yet, so they’d have a little time to set up. Others had the same idea. People milled around, some with purpose, some with little. Some wore uniforms, some had a more conservative or functional look.

The bus dropped them off behind the warehouse. Inside, each team’s station was designated by temporary walls on three sides. The external wall of the warehouse ran behind them, leaving a small channel between for access and storage, backstage. From the front, cars were driven onto ramps and—

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