Page 36 of Bound in Ashes

“Where’s Miles?” I asked.

“With Jack. Said he wanted to help him keep watch.”

“I’m not surprised,” I said.

“Me neither, but it’s good. He was so close to our brother—” She wiped at her eyes and then smiled, though her eyes remained haunted. “It’s good for him to have someone, for however long…”

I didn’t let myself think about that and instead reached over and squeezed Lourdes’s hand.

“I’m sorry,” she said.

“Don’t be.”

“I should be grateful that I’m alive. That Miles is. But…”

She shook her head, wiping her tears.

I had heard Lourdes crying before when we were on the road, but she always kept up a brave face for Miles.

I gave her a quick squeeze, letting her have her moment.

“It’s all right. We’re here, and we’re going to stay that way,” I said.

My voice was certain, confident, and I swore I would try to keep that promise.

“You should try to get some sleep,” I said, looking at her. “You know Uncle Levi runs a tight ship, and morning’s going to be here sooner than you think.”

She smiled. “He’s a good man,” she said.

“The best,” I responded.

“I was talking about Jack,” she said.

“Maybe I was, too,” I said with a flippant little smile.

“You better get to sleep before Caitlin gets in here and tries to finesse you out of the twin bed,” I said.

“After everything, I’d sleep on the floor. But don’t tell her that,” Lourdes said.

She smiled, and I did, too.

Lourdes, Caitlin, and Bridget were in the guest bedroom with bunk beds.

I was in my old room, and was surprised that it was still there.

Elliot and Miles had taken the other guest room, and as far as I could tell, Jack decided to forego sleep.

So predictable.

I walked to Uncle Levi’s door and knocked.

“You turning in?” I said after he opened it.

“Try to get as much sleep as I can,” he said.

I looked at him for a long moment.

“Any other reason you’re not sleeping, besides the obvious?” I asked.