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“Did I wake you?” Mom asked.
“Yes, but it’s okay,” I assured her. “And peonies are fine.”
“Peonies are fine for what?”
“The party flower bouquets.” I shot Bones a smirk. “That’s why you’re calling, isn’t it?”
“Hayden,” Mom said, her tone low. “Your stepfather’s body was found this morning. Arnold is dead. They found him in a seedy motel about forty-five minutes away. There was a suicide note.”
All good humor fled, and it felt like someone trekked a cold finger down my spine. “A suicide note?”
“Yes.” Mom’s voice sounded strained. When I didn’t say anything, Mom prodded, “Hayden.”
“I’m still here,” I croaked. “How are you—are you okay?”
She sighed. “I guess I have to be. I was on my way out this morning to have a breakfast meeting with my divorce attorney. I should call him and… None of this feels real, Hayden. Nothing’s felt real since I found out the truth about him. I think I’m in shock.”
“Yeah, I’ve been feeling that way myself,” I admitted. “Let me throw some clothes on and I’ll come over.”
“You don’t have to do that.”
“Mom.”
“All right. I appreciate it, Hayden.”
“See you in a bit.”
I hung up with her and turned to Bones. “Something you want to share with me?”
“You start,” Bones stated. “A suicide note?”
I frowned. “Arnold’s body was found in a motel with a suicide note. And since you were here with me last night…”
“Shower. Now.” He flung off the covers and strode to the bathroom. He closed the door and I spent a moment staring at my phone, wondering what the hell was going on.
I got up to join Bones and once I was in the shower, he placed his hands on my shoulders and turned us so that the hot spray washed over me.
“We just had this conversation last night. How did this happen so quickly?” I asked.
“It wasn’t the club,” Bones announced.
“You sure?”
“Yes. My brothers knew I was going to talk to you about this. It was mine to carry out. We were supposed to find him and I was supposed to…”
“Do what you were going to do.” I nibbled my lip. “So, this is the end of it, then, isn’t it? He took care of it for us?”
“Yeah. Close your eyes for me.”
I closed my eyes. Lavender suddenly wafted through the shower and a moment later, Bones’ hands were on my head. I let him wash my hair and sank into his touch, breathing in the soothing aroma. He gently guided me underneath the spray and then I took over rinsing my hair.
He got out first and was dressed by the time I was coming into the bedroom wrapped in a towel.
“I gotta make a call,” he said.
“Who are you calling?” I asked.
“Colt. To let him know about the situation.”
