Page 236 of Remiss

“Did you just tell me no?”

“You’re a fuckface when you’re sober. You’ll be impossible if you’re drunk.”

“This isn’t the way to get answers from me.”

“Is there any way?”

“Sitting on my lap.”

“In your fucking dreams.”

He winced. “You wound me.”

She pushed the glass door open and leaned against it, so Bash could saunter by.

“You smell delicious.”

She glared at him.

A smile slowly curved his mouth, and he nodded, then walked to the table. She allowed him to sit at the head, and she seated herself to his right, determined to get answers once and for all.

The trip had been so fucking hard on Molly. Even though Bash allowed Easton to get a van to transport her, the distance between Salt Lake City and Hortensia was long and grueling, made worse by the unforgiving pace Bash set. They’d arrived at Celia’s early Friday morning. Bash demanded Easton accompany him, Cleaner, and Wally, Jr., even though he’d alsodecided to send Easton and Molly to a motel.

He didn’t want Celia involving herself in the Molly situation. And Easton saw no opportunity to clue his aunt in and campaign for her help.

Everything during the hour after they arrived in Hortensia had been about Meggie.

According to Bash, he’d already decided Meggie’s fate after watching her meeting with Celia in real time. Her words, her bravery, and the respect she showed his sister made an impression on him. Then, when he heard Celia say that she liked Meggie, he knew she was safe.

“Wouldn’t have done her anything anyway,” he’d announced. “Because of Kendall.”

Easton thought Bash had been fucking with him when he’d first said that, considering how fast he’d flipped and said he’d kill her because of what Charlotte said. Of course, Easton was the stupid motherfucker for putting credence into anything Bash said. Unstable fuckheads couldn’t be trusted.

Early this morning, Bash summoned Easton to Celia’s. Apparently, Wally, Jr. had slipped away. Bash didn’t care, although Easton worried that he intended to look for answers regarding Eliza. Or just seek retribution. If Bash had wanted Cleaner to stay with Molly while Easton went with him, Easton probably wouldn’t have left Molly in that motherfucker’s care.

The fact that Bash needed help choosing roses floored both Easton and Cleaner for different reasons. Cleaner seemed appalled at Bash’s softened attitude. Easton hadn’t realized how much Bash wanted to impress Kendall. Yes, he was a little obsessed with her, but he was alsodifferentwhen he talked about her.

Easton just hoped Kendall didn’t offend him much. At all. Fuck. Much. He didn’t want her to bore him either. That would be just as bad.

Molly groaned. She was lying next to him on the bed, since they’d only had a king-sized room. Ratty and rundown, the bedding was threadbare and stained. A musty odor hung in the air. It couldn’t be healthy for her, but Bash promised it was almost over.

She groaned again.

Scooting down, Easton pulled her into his arm and tucked her into his side. It always calmed her down. Right now was no different.

The medication Randolph got for her had eased her. If Bash had allowed him to accompany them, Easton would’ve sent him on the hunt for more. But Randolph went in one direction when they got on the road and they’d gone in another.

“It hurts,” Molly mumbled weakly, burning up.

“It’ll soon be over, sweetheart,” Easton swore.

She settled back into a restless sleep. He wanted to get a little shut eye as well. However, he couldn’t help but think that if Bash really meant to return Molly, he would’ve allowed Easton to bring her to Kendall’s office during their meeting.

He wasn’t sure what…

Rory came to mind. Easton hated to involve the kid, but he didn’t want to leave Molly or take her to the office without Bash’s permission. He didn’t give a fuck about his repercussions. Bash, though, would kill her because of Easton’s actions.

She was too fucking close to freedom. Back in Hortensia.