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This. The kind of people who exist in my world.
“Mercer's suspected in at least six deaths. Probably responsible for more.”
“And someone hired you to kill him.”
It's not a question. “Yes.”
Her fingers move through Alibi's fur. “Why?”
“Because he's looking for someone.”
“Who?”
“A man who goes by Smoke.”
Her hand stops.
Alibi lifts his head.
I straighten. “What?”
She doesn't answer immediately.
“Callie.”
Her eyes meet mine. “My cousin goes by Smoke.”
Everything inside me goes still. “What?”
“Smoke. He's my cousin.”
Fuck.
42
CALLIE
Of all the names I expected to hear from Roman, Smoke wasn't one of them. Not even close.
We stare at each other, the silence stretching between us. For once, neither of us has anything smart to say.
Alibi looks between us, apparently deciding this conversation has become too serious for him, then lowers his head back onto my leg.
“Your cousin,” Roman finally says.
“Yes.”
“His name is Smoke.”
“Yes.”
“Your actual cousin.”
I blink. “How many different ways would you like me to confirm this?”
His jaw tightens. “Biological?”
Apparently at least one more.
