Page 127 of Misery

A knock at the door. Oskar. "Los Coyotes are calling for a meet. Tomorrow. They want to discuss Thiago's death."

"And?"

"And whether his debts died with him."

Meaning me. Whether they still want me… but am I one of his debts, or just an obsession he was trying to own?

"When?" Runes asks from behind him.

"Noon. Neutral ground. The old truck stop on Highway 50."

"Could be a trap."

"Could be. But they're following protocol. Asking for parley, not demanding." Oskar looks at me. "They might be willing to let this die with Thiago."

"Or they might want to finish what he started," I counter.

"Only one way to find out."

"I'm going," I say.

"No," everyone says at once.

"Yes. This is about me. I should be there."

"That's not how it works—" Runes starts.

"Then change how it works. I'm the one they wanted. I should get a say in how this ends."

They don't like it. But I can see them thinking. Weighing options.

"She has a point," Magnus says finally. "Her presence might show strength. That we're not hiding her."

"Or it might provoke them," Tor argues.

"Everything might provoke them. At least this way I have some control."

"I'll think about it," Runes says. Which from him is almost a yes.

The room clears slowly.

Members going home or to guard positions.

Mom and Helle stay with Dad, and Oskar stays with me.

"You don't have to?—"

"I know," he says. "But until you tell me to leave, I'm here."

"Even if I never forgive you?"

"Yeah"

"That's stupid."

"Probably."

We sit in silence that's not comfortable but not hostile either.