Page 42 of Bit's Bliss

“So we should be able to track him.”

“We are,” said Brix. “At least the vehicle he was in that night.”

I raised my head. How did he know this when I didn’t?

“So far, it appears he’s lying low or using a different vehicle. Ashford has his team monitoring video surveillance for both vehicle and man,” Brix added.

I wouldn’t waste time now, but when I was able to speak with Brix alone, I’d ask why I hadn’t been made aware of any of what he’d just said.

From the corner of my eye, I saw Tryst motioning to me. When I acknowledged him, he stood.

“What you’re suggesting is this man may have ties to the Irish mafia as well as something to do with Malcolm’s disappearance and the fraud he’s allegedly committed?” he asked.

Zin spoke up. “We’re speculating, but, for now, any theories we come up with are worth pursuing.”

Tryst murmured his agreement.

“Unless anyone else has something to add, I believe that’s it for now,” I said after thanking everyone for showing up on such short notice.

Brix and Tryst walked me out.

“You wanna explain what went on in there?” I asked Brix.

“You and I both received an update from Decker during the meeting. Since you were leading it, I was able to review it first.”

His response left me feeling like an asshole for confronting him, except not enough to apologize. He could’ve led with that information before he responded to Snapper and Kick. “How is Eberly?” my uncle asked.

“Worried, as you’d expect she’d be.”

He put his hand on my shoulder and squeezed. “I have known Malcolm since we were younger than you are now. He is a good man and a better friend. While his actions may seem unfathomable, I am proud of you for presenting Decker’s timeline with such grace.”

“Thank you, Uncle.”

My siblings and I were each close to our father’s brother in our own way. We all confided in him, turned to him for advice, and accepted the comfort few could offer in the way he did. There was no one in my life I was closer to. Tryst knew about my struggles both before and after I was attacked. He also knew about the control I had to maintain in order to stave off the depression and anxiety I was so often plagued with.

His validation always meant the world to me but especially when my self-doubt and insecurity were more acute.

After I embraced him, Brix stepped forward. “I owe you an apology,” he said.

“Yeah? What for?”

“Being an asshole for the last thirty-three years.”

I chuckled. “You’ve got seven years on me, brother. I doubt you were any better before I was born.”

He laughed too. “You’re probably right.”

“If you’ll both excuse me,” said Tryst, motioning in the direction of the room we’d come out of.

“Of course,” I responded.

“Look, I want to say you’ve really impressed me these last few weeks, but it sounds condescending as hell,” said Brix.

“You’re right. It does.”

“I have a lot of respect for you, Bit, and I’m sorry I haven’t been good about saying so.”

I raised a brow. “That sounds more like your wife talking than you.”