“Ask him about his living, breathing—” Oscar began.
“That’s enough,” Jude said in a tone so firm I think even Oscar was surprised. Jude never talked to Oscar with anything other than reverence. Jude turned to me. He looked almost apologetic.
“I’ve had a crush on you for years. That’s what Oscar’s trying to say. I fell for you years ago. Oscar’s hoping that if you know this,it will destroy whatever is going on between us right now, because Oscar is jealous, and he doesn’t want to share you with me, or share me with you. He never properly learned to share.” Jude glared at Oscar, who scowled back at him.
“Oh,” I said. I wasn’t sure how to process any of that. “So I’m… your…”
“Living, breathing kind of love. Yes.” Jude pushed up his glasses on his nose. “This was not the ideal way to tell you, but… yes.”
A shiver raked down my spine, either from the admission or due to the fact that I was dripping wet and freezing. My teeth clattered.
“You don’t have to do anything with the information,” he told me hastily. “You don’t have to freak out.”
I felt a little numb. What do you do when your brother’s best friend admits he loves you, capital-LLove? Oscar frowned at me.See?his eyes said.Told you Jude doesn’t do casual.
“I don’t expect you to feel the same way,” Jude said. “I don’t expect anything.” He glared at Oscar. “Because we’re adults, and we’re working this all out. At our own pace.”
“Just leave me out of it,” Oscar grumbled.
“Nobody wanted youinit,” Jude pointed out.
“Don’t come running to me when she breaks your heart,” Oscar told Jude. “That’s all.”
“Hey,” I managed, offended. “Who said I was breaking anyone’s heart?” That was just insulting.
Oscar whirled on me. “You break everyone’s heart, Thin Ice. It’s what you do. You can’t even commit to atown, much less a person.”
“Hey—”
“I love you. You’re my sister. You kick ass. Everyone knows how tough you are. But… you’re not the kind to stick around. You’re not reliable.”
“That’s not—” I protested, hurt.
“And you have to hook up with the most sensitive guy in Lake Sanguis?” Oscar gestured with frustration at Jude.
“Hey,” Jude protested.
“And then you and him run after a literal murderer putting your very lives at risk? I mean… you could’ve been killed.With Jude watching.”
Fair point.
“I love you both, but I can’t fix your death wish, El. And now you’ve dragged Jude into this insanity and… I just… can’t.” Oscar threw up his hands and began walking away.
“Oscar… wait…” I said. Oscar stopped. He turned. “I love you, too.” Oscar’s shoulders sagged. “I’m okay. I didn’t die. And… I get that you don’t want us doing anything risky. But you need to talk to Russo. He’s digging up dirt on Mateo in Milwaukee.”
“Who the hell is Russo?” Oscar asked, frowning.
“Aaron Russo. Chicago Homicide division,” I said.
“Did you really not listen to the podcast?” Jude asked, shocked.
Oscar shrugged.
“Russo was on at least three episodes,” Jude pointed out.
“Whatever.” Oscar waved a hand. “He’s got no jurisdiction here.”
“No, he doesn’t, but what he does have are actual clues and a willingness to solve this case,” I said.
