Page 201 of Scatter the Bones

Her laughter stops. “I had fun with your club. Hanging out with everyone, watching the fight.” She stretches slightly, her heel nudging my shin under the blanket. “I thought it would be weird being there without you. But it was nice. I was nervous at first, but everyone’s so… kind and down-to-earth.”

“I’m glad you went.”

“Me too.” Her voice softens again, like she’s drifting, but not ready to let go yet.

A quiet beat stretches between us, and I almost leave it there.

Almost.

“I thought a lot about Jezzie and Cain while I was gone.”

“What about them?” There’s a hopeful note in her voice she tries to bury, but I catch it anyway.

“I’m gonna talk to Jezzie,” I say, the words scraping on the way out. “She’s catching a ride home with a friend this weekend. I need to make things right. Tell her Cain’s here. Let them meet if she wants to.”

Margot shifts, cupping my cheek. Her palm is warm, anchoring. “Good.”

A slow smile pulls at my mouth. “Will you be there when I talk to her?”

Her whole face lights up. “Of course.”

“I’m not expecting you to do the hard work. Or make excuses for me. I just…” My chest tightens.

“Yes,” she says quickly. “Whatever you need.”

CHAPTER THIRTY-EIGHT

Jigsaw

A few days later,I’m pacing the cracked sidewalk outside a rest stop off the Thruway.

“I should’ve just gone to pick her up myself.”

Margot brushes her fingers along my arm, like she’s trying to calm me. “She’ll be here.”

I glance at my phone for the third time in a minute. “They’re close.”

A red Honda slows, blinker ticking, then swings into the lot. The passenger door flies open before the car even stops, and Jezzie jumps out, backpack slung over one shoulder, her grin so big my heart squeezes. Like she’s actually happy to see me.

“Hi!” Jezzie squeals, running so fast, she stumbles over the curb.

I catch her, locking my arms around her just in time. She crashes into me with a grunt and throws her arms tight around my neck. “Hi, Jensen.”

“Hey, kiddo.” My voice comes out rougher than I want it to.

She pulls back, eyes bright, then throws herself into Margot’s arms with even more force. “You came with him?”

“Sure did.” Margot laughs, hugging her back. “I was looking forward to seeing you too, Jezzie.”

“So, I finally get to see your place, Margot?”

“Yup.” Margot tosses me a quick glance. She’d been worried Jezzie might get creeped out, but my sister practically bounces with excitement.

If everything goes the way I hope, we’ll head to Cain’s place afterward. One thing at a time.

She talks nonstop the whole drive to Margot’s. Barely comes up for air.

“Oh my God, I love the new 4Runner,” she says, running her hand over the seat like she’s appraising it. She leans in and takes a sniff. “Still smells brand-new. When’d you buy it?”

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