Page 213 of Wild Card

“She could ask her dad,” Rowan suggests.

“She did, but he’s sticking to the same story. It’s a project that has him busy.”

At this, my brain catches up. “Are we talking about Max?”

They all gape at me weirdly.

“I forgot, you’ve been out of the loop all day because of your exam,” Rowan says matter-of-factly.

“Out of the loop?”

“Max comforted me the night I found out Achilles was shot,” Harley declares.

“He helped run the operation that saved me and Rowan from her psycho ex,” Jewls adds.

“Max got to me first after I shot a man,” Rowan offers like it explains everything.

“I know he’s like family and it sucks he’s not able to come to the wedding. You have to be disappointed.”

“She doesn’t get it.” Jewls tsks.

“Give her credit. She’s new to the clandestine lifestyle,” Harley says.

“It is a lot to take in. I remember that first drug bust and how Ford was…”

“Excuse me, but I’m right here. What am I missing?”

“Max doesn’t miss anything. He’s got rank and respect in the Marines. We don’t buy the slack excuse that Max can’t make the wedding.”

“You don’t think he’s tied up with work?”

“We’re scared he’s actually tied up.” Jewls crosses her wrists.

Understanding washes over me, and I reach for the counter to steady myself as my imagination goes berserk. “Oh my God, you think he’s in danger?”

They nod solemnly.

“Maybe you should have a seat.” Harley scoots a stool my way.

“Why would they lie to us?” My voice is borderline pitchy.

“They have no choice. It’s a security clearance thing, or some bullshit like that.” Jewls waves it off.

“It’s up to us to figure out how deep this goes and be prepared.”

“Prepared for what?”

“Anything,” they answer in unison.

My stomach dives to the floor. “Like, prepare for the worst?”

Harley jumps to her feet, taking my elbow and urging me to the stool. “Doll, you better sit down.”

“I don’t understand what’s happening here.”

“We need to be ready to care for the guys,” Rowan clarifies.

A bottle of water is placed in front of me.

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