“I was already planning to swing by Saturday. I’ll stay overnight and take him to the airport on Sunday on my way home.” Which would give her time to get ready for herdatethat night. “Will that work?”
“Peachy.”
When her cousin didn’t say anything more, Jane waited for the other shoe to drop. Two years older and a hothead who often acted first and asked questions later, Raine lived for drama. Jane, not so much. She often felt like the older sibling, frequently talking her cousin off the proverbial ledge.
“And…?” Jane prodded. “This pregnant pause feels like it’s filled with quadruplets.”
“Whatever.”
“Give, Raine. Whataren’tyou saying?”
“Well, I was going to keep it a surprise, but… Hurray! Uncle Chris is coming back.”
Not fooled by Raine’s fake cheer, Jane took a deep breath and let it out slowly. “Why am I just now hearing that he’s coming? Normally, he lets me know these things.” And checked in—through Jane—on everyone’s state of well-being.
“Well, he’s a little worried about you.”
“Aboutme?” Jane unconsciously cradled her right side, her ribs still tender. She’d mostly healed, but she wasn’t yet a hundred percent. “I’m good to go.”
“That’s what I told him. But he thinks you’re screwing up your career.”
“This again?” Uncle Chris had a habit of butting in where he wasn’t needed.
“He heard from Lionel Gambol how great you did on that special task force.”
“Uncle Chris got me that gig on a favor. I was on official leave pending an investigation into my coworker’s death.” Jane rubbed her eyes, beyond tired. “I had nothing better to do.” She sighed. “That was back in January. I doubt Lionel even remembers my name.” Though he had warned Jane he might call on her again.
“Apparently, Lionel is still singing your praises. Uncle Chris wants to know why you’re dragging out your time with the feebs.”
“Don’t call me a feeb.”
“How about dweeb? Is that better?”
Jane snorted. “How old are you again?”
“Old enough to know I have too much on my plate to deal with Uncle Chris. You owe me.”
Jane gasped. “Ioweyou?I took care of MalcolmandSven when they came back. Where were you, exactly?”
“Oh please. They love you to death. Sven never needs help. The guy’s a six-foot-six rock of serenity. Plus, they saved your butt, didn’t they?”
“I saved myself,” Jane snapped, then reluctantly added, “I guess they did help me get found a lot sooner.” And killed a murderer inthe process, though she conveniently pretended that hadn’t happened.
“My point is, you should spend some time with Uncle Chris when he gets back.” Pause. “And keep him off my back.”
“Ah-ha! What are you up to?”
“Nothing.”
“Raine…”
Her cousin swore under her breath, but Jane still heard her. “I’m helping a friend out with a problem, okay? And doing that while trying to keep my sanity, working at the most boring job known to man. I can’t add our domineering uncle to the mix.”
“I knew you hated working for that firm.”
“Everyone there’s so dramatic.”
Pot calling kettle. Hello.
