Page 108 of Rules to Love By

“She was never the type to leave things to chance, so there must be something, right?”

“You would know, I think. Maybe better than anyone else.”

“So I want to go back and look.”

“Leave it with me.”

“What does that mean?”

“It means leave it with me. I’ll do some research and get back to you. In the meantime, let’s deal with the vandalism issue first. Get some rest, and I’ll see you tomorrow.”

“Thanks, Mr. Schiffer.”

“This is what I do, Marcus.”

Marcus studied the floor for a moment. “Feels like more than that, though. So, thanks.”

“You’re very welcome.”

Once he’d hung up, Marcus pocketed the phone again and turned to Tris, who was at the fancy stove now, putting various pots and pans into various openings. Marcus waited for him to be done, taking off his borrowed apron in the gap.

“You going back to bed?” Tris asked.

Marcus shrugged. “Need some air.”

“Marcus.”

“What?” He couldn’t keep the exasperated huff out of his voice.

“I am—or used to be—the king of the disappearing act, remember? I know all the tricks.”

“I’m seriously going for a walk around the block.”

“Then you don’t mind handing over the scooter keys.” Tris held out a hand.

Annoyance passed like a wave through Marcus, its heavy chill coursing down his spine. But he did dig the keys out of his pocket and toss them onto the counter. “Happy?”

“Not really, but I get it.” He closed the last oven door and put the gloves on the counter next to the keys. “Please be careful, and let me know when you get back in, okay?”

“Don’t need a babysitter.”

“Just a friend.”

Marcus nodded.

“I know you’re not trying to be an asshole.”

That at least got him to grin. “Just comes naturally?”

Tris grinned back, but briefly. “Not usually to you. But it comes with stress. I get that.”

Marcus finally met his eyes, and there was none of the sympathy he expected. Just Tris’s frank, honest appraisal. “I love you, you know,” he said, the words out before he could properly censor them.

“Oh, I know. I’m very loveable.”

“I really am just walking around the block a few times. I need to sleep, but I’m too wired. Maybe I can wear myself out.”

“Sounds familiar. Just use your brain.”

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