Page 203 of Scatter the Bones

“What? I mean it in a good way. It’s a whole vibe. It’s giving haunted but elegant.”

Margot chuckles. “I like that.”

We head inside. Jezzie slows down just inside the back hallway, eyes scanning everything like she’s stepping into a museum.

“Whoa,” she murmurs. “It’s even cooler inside.”

After a quick tour of the upstairs—everywhere except the prep room—we stop in the kitchen.

“Want something to drink?” Margot asks, already opening the fridge. “We keep refreshments down here for clients.”

“Sure. Water’s great,” Jezzie says, eyes still roving over the dated kitchen.

“I’ve got cookies and brownies too.”

“Oh, yum. Yes, please.”

We settle at the small table in the corner.

Neutral ground.

Margot said the house should be empty today. Paul might be home but unless Jezzie and I get into a screaming match, it should be fine.

Jezzie tears into a brownie while I try to remember how to breathe.

Margot leans against the counter, watching us. Jezzie turns in her seat, raising an eyebrow at Margot. “What’s up. Why do you two—oh! Are you guys getting married?”

Margot ducks her head with a laugh, brushing her hair behind one ear.

“Not yet,” I say.

Jezzie blinks. “Wait, what? I thought you never wanted to take a wife.”

I bite back a smile. Sometimes she still slips into those antiquated phrases.

Jezzie finishes the brownie and grabs a chocolate chip cookie, biting into it like a little savage. “So, what’s with the weird faces?”

I rub my palms over my thighs. The words are right there, but they catch in my throat.

“I have something I need to tell you,” I say.

She freezes, mid-chew, then slowly sets the cookie down. “Are you sick?”

“No. Shit—no. Sorry. It’s not like that.” I glance at Margot. She gives me the smallest nod, like she’s willing me to go on. “At least, I don’t think it’s bad.”

Not anymore.

Rip off the Band-Aid. Just say it.

“Cain came and found me.”

Jezzie’s whole body goes still. Her breath catches. Eyes wide, locked on mine.

“Cain?” she whispers.

I nod.

A dozen emotions flash across her face—shock, disbelief, something like hope. “Really? How is he?”

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