Page 177 of Lost Lyrebird

“See, I remember Finn talking about his Army buddy who was obsessed withBatman.Movies, comics, you name it.He said the guy was constantly throwing out one-liners, and at the time, he swore it was annoying as hell.”I pause, a fond smile tugging at my lips.“But it stuck with me over the years.How Finn would grumble about you, but it was that kind of grumbling that meant he actually liked it, sort of… in an it drives me up the fucking wall… but it’s also entertaining because he keeps life interesting.”

Bodie’s grin grows even brighter, if that’s possible.“He talked about me?”He says it like he didn’t hear another word I said.

“Yeah, you crazy nutjob.He did.And I want you to remember something, alright?”I continue, my voice softening.“Finn loves you, Bodie.He’s irritable and messed up right now, but that’s just the addiction talking.He’s going to get through it, and when he does, he’ll thank you for everything you’ve done for him, for being the friend he needed, even when life got dark, and he didn’t want anyone telling him how to fix his shitty circumstances.It means a lot to him, though he might never say it.You’re always watching his back, caring enough to see him through his dark days, and for saving his life…” I hold up a finger.“More than once.That shit means the world to him.”

The weight of my words hang in the air thick with emotion.I focus on my makeup, not looking at him, because I know how men are with “feelings”.But I had to tell him.Finn’s not the only one struggling here.

Bodie clears his throat, his voice a little rough.“Where’s my wig and my gun?”

“No gun,” I say, keeping my tone light.“Too loud.But there’s green hair spray for you in the bottom of the bag.And I’ll do your makeup.”

He grins widely.“Do I get the bat or the stabby poker thing?”

I raise an eyebrow.

“Alright.Stabby thing, it is.”

“There’s a knife too—with a purple handle.”

“Oh, hell yes.”He practically bounces in his seat, like he’s filled with pure joy.

“One more question.Do I actually get to use said stabby thing?”

“Yes, Bodie.We’re burying this guy today.”

“Seriously?”

Done with my face, I turn to him fully.“Seriously.” I pull the stapled papers from the bag and hand them over.“This is what lives on this guy’s computer.What he’s into.”It’s a summary, not the actual photos or search results that Bones found under the landlord’s IP address.The bastard had moved on from sick and twisted pornography to child pornography, confirming for me that I couldn’t wait for life to take its natural course.He needed to be put down.

Bodie reads it all and gives me a determined nod.He rubs his hands over his jean-clad thighs.“Alright.Let’s do this shit.”

“Okay, hold still.”I set the makeup on the front console and roll down the windows.Tearing off a square, I use a paper towel to shield his face and start spraying his hair green.Then I grab the white paint and spread it over his face.

As I work on his makeup, he shifts repeatedly.“I’m so fuckin’ excited right now.”I can’t help but laugh.He does too, and I feel like a little kid who has suddenly found another friend who loves playing dress-up.The only issue is, he’s too hyped to sit still, constantly wanting to check my progress in the mirror.

“Hold still or it’ll be midnight before we get in there.”

“Will you do the smiley face on my hand too?And the neck tattoos?Not exact, but something quick and badass.Can you do that?”

Smiling, I say, “Yeah, No problem.But only if you hold the fuck still.”

“Okay, okay.Sheesh, woman.”

It takes another half an hour to finish.Once I’m done, I step out of the car, peeling off the top layer of my clothes to reveal what’s underneath.Bodie follows, sliding on the colorful suit jacket I bought him.

We’re going to look like a couple of crazies walking down the street, but that can’t be helped.Hopefully, people think it’s a gig for a birthday party.

Bodie drops the bag on the hood and pulls out the fire poker.The knife he slides into his breast pocket after testing its sharpness.When I meet him on his side of the car, he hands me the bat.

I take it with a wicked grin.“You ready?”

He nods, grinning like a maniac.“And I just want to say, Lil’—you’re my new favorite person.Like, ride or fuckin’ die.I got you.”

“Yeah?”

“Fuck yes.”

I smirk and start skipping down the street, twirling the bat in my hand.“Why so serious?”I call back.