I didn’t anticipate the backlash I would get. That was a mistake. When Nora showed up at my door at seven am, pounding like some drunk New Jersian until I shuffled to the door, sleep crusties still in my eyes and started calling me names so big that I wasn’t sure if she was mad or excited, I knew something was wrong.

“You slept with her, Mike? In the hospital? Who does that? Why would you do that, especially with all the confusion surrounding you, with her?”

Please universe, don’t smite me, I think. “What are you talking about?”

Nora’s eyes bug out of her head and she looks like she might spontaneously combust before she dives into a very accurate recounting of what went down last night. I school my features best I can but it’s mighty hard given the recap I’m getting.

I toss my hands in the air in surrender. “I admit, I visited and brought flowers. We were going to watch TV and have dinner together but shit got out of hand. She told me about identifying two men with Salve and how she wanted my help avenging her. She was fixated on the idea. I kissed her. She was so fired up it was hot. I know that wasn’t the right thing to do but…” I shrug and let Nora steep in the information.

“A kiss is not sex.” She shakes her head sending red strands dancing through the air around her.

“You’re right. I didn’t sleep with her. She got mad at me and I left,” I say.

“So, you’re saying,” she pauses, considering her words, “you weren’t there in the middle of the night and you didn’t sleep with her?”

Guilt seeps into my pores as my lies pile up. “Maybe she had a bad dream? But listen, do you want a cup of coffee? It’s early and you woke me up.” I drag a hand through my hair and yawn.

Suddenly Nora grimaces, cheeks pink and stretched in a sheepish smile. “I’m so sorry, Mike. I’ll go,” she says and heads toward the door.

“It’s okay. I know you’re just worried about her like the rest of us.” With one hand on the knob she turns to face me.

“She’ll be home soon. Maybe you should not visit her for a while. Until she’s made some progress with Dr. R.”

I frown, feigning disappointment, but that’s another lie, Aubry told me to stay away and if she saw me now I have no doubt her fiery attitude wouldn’t hesitate to turn to violence against me, so no, I wouldn’t be visiting her any time soon. I have a bigger agenda to tackle anyhow.

“Just for a little bit, Mike.” Nora’s words are delicate, as if she’s trying to let me down easy. She of all people should know that when it comes to Aubry, there is no easy.

“Yeah okay, but will you at least text me to let me know how she is or when it is a good time to see her again?”

Nora’s eyes crinkle and her mouth spreads into a wide, easy, smile. “Of course,” she says. “Alright, sorry I barged in, again.” I toss her my best it’s-okay smile as she heads out.

When the latch clicks, I breathe a sigh of relief. What’s one more white lie at this point as long as Aubry’s safe?

I’ve combed through Liam’s old files on the transactions he and his father brokered with Yuri and Gregor. The docks were just one of the many properties they purchased. Liam would kill me for going through his storage unit, but hopefully, he’ll never find out and I need more information. I need something to leverage against them. To keep me alive and Aubry safe. But it’s becoming painfully obvious that my Go bag is my best option. I squat down in the dim light and squint at the deed of sale for a twenty-three acre farmhouse, four hours south of us. Useless. All this information is useless. I pull my phone from my back pocket and dial Candy from The Black. Most people don’t take the time to get to know any of the women at The Black, but because of who they please, they are a wealth of information. They are useful in their own right. I hate to make the call though. One more person with a grain of truth in a puzzle piece story doesn’t help my cause, but I’m out of options and she’s the quickest solution in the equation.

“Well hello, hot stuff,” she answers.

“Are you alone?”

“Yeah, at home. Why?” she questions, her voice lingering on the y.

“Does that arms dealer still, uh, visit, you?” My attempt at tact is poor and I hope Candy doesn’t immediately hang up on me.

She sighs and I can imagine she’s rolling her eyes. “Yeah. Again, why?”

“I need to purchase a gun. A scrubbed gun. No ties back to anyone.”

“Are you okay Mike? This is weird, even for you.”

“Gee, thanks for your concern. But yes, I’m fine.”

“I’ll text and ask him how much and when.”

“Perfect. Thanks.” I end the call. If I can’t find leverage, the only way out of this mess is murder.

Yuri and Gregor need to be taken out of the equation. I won’t give up Aubry, not now. I can’t risk Salve arresting them. If they talk … if they give me up, I lose everything. Aubry, Liam, my freedom, my trust fund.

Literally everything I give a shit about in life.