Page 20 of Burn Bag

“Eva, can I talk to you privately?”

“Sure,” she said, smiling at me as she picked up her glass of wine. Carrying it to the back door, she opened the slider and stepped out onto the three-season porch, taking a seat in one of the rockers. “So, I assume you want to discuss the funeral.”

With the snick of the door, I sat across from her, wondering how the hell to do this. “Eva, are you okay?”

“Of course I am.”

“No, I mean, are you really okay? You don’t seem to understand what’s going on here.”

Quirking an eyebrow at me, she laughed. “What? You mean this whole show we’re putting on?”

“Eva—”

“Don’t.” She pushed to her feet, all humor gone from her face. “I know exactly what’s going on here. Don’t fucking lie to me.”

Leaning back, I studied her. “What exactly do you think is going on here?”

“Do you really expect me to believe that Fox killed Cash? I wouldn’t believe that if I saw it.”

“He shot Kavanaugh.”

“There’s a reason for that.”

“Like what?”

“I don’t know,” she practically shouted. “I have no idea why he would do that. But I’m telling you, there’s a reason.”

“And me?” I snarled. “Is there a reason he shot me point blank?” Her mouth gaped, but she said nothing. “Eva, he stood right in front of me. He had a choice, and he made it.”

“Yes, and I’m sure you know why he made that choice. Don’t pretend you’re mad at him. I know Cash too well to believe any of the bullshit you’re throwing at me.”

“Then explain it to me,” I snapped.

“Explain what? That you’re on some mission with Cash?” She strode up to me and got in my face. “I know you were on a job with him. I know that there is no way he would pull that trigger unless there was no other way. And I also know that you’re crazy enough to go along with it.”

“And Fox?”

She tossed her head back and laughed. “Don’t even get me started on Fox. There are two men in this world that I know for certain he would do anything for. And for some reason, all three of you think you need to keep me in the dark. What is it you’re afraid I’ll do? Not cry enough at the funeral? Don’t worry, I’ve got this under control. I can put on a good show and make sure nothing gets blown.”

I shook my head on a sigh. “This is bigger than us, Eva.”

“Don’t you think I know that?” she yelled, spreading her arms wide. “Ever since Rafe got taken, my husband hasn’t been himself. And then he had to pull the trigger and kill his own brother. Believe me, I have dealt with a lot of shit since this started, but I’m not givingup now. We have come too far for me to walk away, and if you think for one second you can leave me behind as the incapable wife who can’t help, you’ve got another think coming.”

I honestly didn’t know what to say. If Cash had been hoping to push her away for good, it didn’t work. But hopefully, not everyone would see through the front he’d been putting on since he walked out on Eva. He did a damn good job of pushing her away, and still, she wouldn’t give up on him.

“Make sure you cry at his funeral, Eva. And bring the kids. We can’t afford any mistakes.”

“Trust me. I’m well aware.”

6

KAVANAUGH

“I can’t believeI’m back here,” I muttered, keeping my eyes trained on the trees in the distance. “How many fucking times do I need to visit the cemetery?”

“You’re not here for a visit,” Red retorted. “It’s a funeral.”

I huffed in irritation. “Right, for a man who hated me so much, he fired me and then shot me.”

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