Page 73 of Salvaged Hearts

“What is that?” he asked, canting his head.

“What is what?”

“The cross around your neck.”

“Well, Max. There’s this entire demographic of our population that believes the son of God?—”

“Fuck off, smarts,” he said, throwing up a middle finger. “The necklace. That’s the one from Grey?”

“Yeah, why?”

With a jerk of his chin, he asked, “Can I see it?”

“Sure?” I responded, more a question than an answer. Handing it to him, I added, “I’ve wasted hours of my life looking for a seam or an SD slot and came up empty. I’m sure it’s some kind of tracker,” I shrugged, “but otherwise, it’s just a necklace.”His glare was intended to silence me, so with a sigh, I complied, watching as he thoughtfully rotated it in his fingers. Equally frustrated and curious, I asked, “What are you looking for, you weirdo?”

Running a thumb along the long edge, Max narrowed his eyes. “Yahtzee,” he breathed and broke it in half with a flick of his thumb.

“Hey—” I croaked, but my protest was cut short because my cross wasn’t a pendant at all.

It was a flash drive.

15

Shiny Little Euphemism

GREYSON

When Arthur pulled up to Hart House after work and hopped out to open my door, Jackson was walking Max out, both of them grinning.

It was rather unnerving, like a couple of creepy ass clowns. That sensation intensified when their focus turned on me.

“Evening, Max,” I greeted as he closed the gap with a hand outstretched. Jax retreated into the house behind him.

Grasping forearms, Max said, “Greyson, thanks for having me. It’s been a pleasure working with her.”

“Awfully formal tone for someone I’ve taken shots with. Anything I should be concerned about?”

“Nah, I just…hadn’t ever got to sit with Alice while she did her thing.”

The smile threatening my composure was entirely authentic. “She’s amazing.”

“She is. I knew that part, though.”

“Where you headed?”

“I’ve got a date,” he answered with—at least from what I could tell—an uncharacteristically sheepish grin. “Day trader in the city.”

“What’s his name?”

“Kyle Walbherg. You know him?”

“Can’t say that I do.”

“Well. Wish me luck. I’ll have your analysis and action plan back by Monday,” he promised, giving a salute of a wave.

“Appreciate it. You staying in the city?”

“Yeah, I think I’ll give you two your space for the night.”

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