Page 104 of Convict's Game

“I don’t.”

“It’s just that my grandfather loved that vessel. Of all the inventory and routing work he gave me, he always reserved any task on theEdenfor himself. It’s like the sea has stolen one more piece of him.”

I earned a squeeze for my explanation.

“It reminded you of how much you miss him. I get it.”

For a long moment, he just held me, lending me his strength until I regained my own.

“Will you need to talk to the cops?”

“No, though I’ll try. There’s a temporary management of all business assets in place by a caretaker function. They’ll handle it. The relatives will still come to me, though. I’ll have to draft a statement.” I checked the time. “Later, though. I’ve got fifteen minutes until my appointment. It’s only around the corner, but I hate being late.”

He lifted his arm. Rattled the handcuffs.

With a sigh, I grabbed the key and unlocked him. “You’re lucky I didn’t tattoo that warning label on your dick while you slept.”

He leapt up and kissed me. “Like you need the reminder.”

Convict took a one-minute shower and was dressed more quickly than was reasonable. Men had it so easy.

At the door, he linked his fingers in mine. “Swear to God I won’t interfere with your appointment. I’ll sit in the waiting room like a good boy.”

I twisted my lips but didn’t have it in me to glower at him. Even if he deserved it. “You really think I’m in danger?”

“A woman tried to stab you last night, someone used explosives to make a point, your grandmother is being manipulated by criminals, and there’s a huge amount of money at stake. Yes, I do.”

I didn’t argue when he put me in his car for the two-street trip.

After my appointment, during which I informed the medic my implant had been removed and I wanted a new one immediately, and convincing them I wasn’t crazy, I exited the office to find Convict waiting in the hall, one booted foot up against the wall.

“They’ve got worse magazines than prison,” he grouched then raised his phone. “Esther’s mother is awake. Tyler said she was drunk out of her mind last night but is now ready to talk. Want to head to the warehouse?”

In no way was I surprised that they’d captured the poor woman, though I hadn’t been aware of it last night. I nodded, and we made tracks for the skeleton crew’s headquarters.

Once we were inside the warehouse, the crew member at the entrance opening the door with a nod of respect, I paused Convict. “Just so you know, I’m investigating Esther’s death with help from the women in your crew.”

He stroked his thumb over my knuckles. “Anything I can do, let me know.”

“You’re not going to tell me to stop?”

His lips twisted in a patient expression. “I love you. I won’t stop you doing anything. I’ll just make sure you’re protected while you do it.”

There was that love declaration again. So it wasn’t a heat-of-passion thing. I wasn’t touching that with a barge pole. I dropped his gaze and found my phone.

Last night, Cassie had added Lovelyn and me to a chat group titled ‘Skeleton Girls Detective Agency’. I messaged the group.

Mila: Esther’s mother is awake. Does anyone remember what she shouted at me in her attack last night?

Lovelyn: She said you were supposed to be a golden ticket. That has been bugging me all night.

Cassie: Me, too! My mind started pinging off with connections between Esther and Salter. Considering we can’t find the rat bastard, maybe she can help. Wait, are you here?

Mila: About to go into the management office.

Cassie: I’ll get out of bed and come down! Don’t let anyone else talk to her. We’ll do it ourselves.

We arrived at the office, and I smiled at the image of her still being tucked up under her blankets. Convict’s crew were night dwellers. Come to think of it, he’d seemed uncomfortable at being out in the daylight.