Page 62 of Sins of Leo

The tunnel ended in a door carved in symbols with a body curled beside it. A familiar fedora still on its head.

Her mouth went dry, and she wavered on her feet.

“What’s wrong?” Leo asked, bracing her.

She pointed and in a faint voice murmured, “That’s my father.”

CHAPTER 18

Having experiencedfor himself the discovery of a loved one’s death, Leo understood how Ruth felt.

Shock.

Anguish.

Soul-crushing grief.

He tucked her to his chest as she trembled, stroking a hand down her back while whispering. “I’m sorry, Buttercup.”

“It’s not your fault,” she sniveled. “I knew he was dead. It’s just… just…”

“A part of you hoped he wasn’t so you could yell at him for leaving you.”

She gulped and leaned her head back. “How did you know?”

“Because I’ve had the same fantasy.”

She scrubbed at her wet face. “It’s stupid. I mean he was rarely around, and yet when he died, I felt so abandoned.”

“Would it help to know his last thought was of you?”

“What? How would you know that?” She sniffled.

He pointed at the message carved into the floor.I’m sorry, Ruth.

“Oh.” She sobbed anew, and Leo once more comforted her. Not for long. She shoved away and gave a tremulous laugh. “Look at me, a blubbering mess.”

“At least you’re not a raging drunk.”

“Don’t be so sure. I could use something stiff right about now.”

“I’ve got something stiff for you, Buttercup.” He winked, and she gaped at him. “Too soon?” he added.

“There is something seriously wrong with you,” she lamented, even as she smiled.

“Yeah. I’m aware. Good thing I’m banging a shrink.”

“Leo!”

“What? I am. And I have to say, I think we should try more oral therapy. I know I’m feeling like a new man since I licked my way to nirvana.”

She blushed. “You’re incorrigible.”

“I am. Also insatiable, where you’re concerned, so what do you say we figure out his next puzzle so we can get out of here?”

She took in a deep breath and nodded. “Where do we start?”

“Scorpio’s door was covered in zodiac marks and had to be pressed in the order of spring to winter equinox.”

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