Page 136 of Bride By Initiation

"I'm so tired of you accusing me of knowing something more. I've been honest with you," she insists and gets up. She puts her hand on her hip, and points at me. "You've never known how to let things lie, Sean. And you need to because I know nothing. I'm so sick and tired of being accused of things. I take full blame for what I did when you were a kid—full blame. But this? This isn't on me." More tears fall from her eyes, and it just makes me feel horrible.

I rise, deciding she doesn't know anything. Disappointed, I hug her, adding, "I'm sorry. I'll drop it."

She retreats and studies me.

"I will," I lie.

"Sometimes, I wish you weren't so much like your father."

"Meaning?"

She takes a few deep breaths, then states, "You're just as stubborn. And it tended to get him in trouble. So be smarter than him, Sean. Don't dig into things that have nothing to do with you, only to hurt those you love."

I ponder her statement.

She adds, "But he also did everything to protect your sister, you, and me. So lean into that, and ensure you protect your wife at all costs. Do better than you've recently done."

More guilt hits me. I cave. I vow not to bring my mom into this anymore. She doesn't know anything, and for some reason, my father didn't want her to.

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22

Zara

It's late at night. I have yet to hear from Sean, so I text him.

Me: When will you be home?

Sean: When I get there.

Me: Seriously?

There's no response.

Me: Thanks for being a dick, dear hubby.

I wait for a response, but the radio silence continues. I toss my phone in my purse, then go into the closet and grab a light scarf. I carefully put it around my neck so the plastic isn't showing.

I text my driver and then leave Sean's—our?—apartment. He pulls up to the curb just as I step outside. I get in before he can get out to open my door, and direct him to take me to Fiona's.

It's only a few blocks away. Since I have security clearance to her apartment, it doesn't take long before I'm standing at her door. I ring thebell twice.

She finally answers, glaring at me. "What do you want, Zara?"

I brush past her. "We need to talk."

"Why? So you can lie to me again?" she accuses.

I sigh. "Fiona, things are complicated. I didn't mean to lie to you. I'm sorry."

"Sure you are." She crosses her arms. "Is there anything else?"

"Don't be like that."

She studies me for a minute, then says, "Fine. But tell me what the skulls are really about."

My stomach churns.

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