Page 254 of Ruptured

Clearing his throat, Mortician dug inside his cut and pulled the cashier’s check out of the pocket. He held it up, then placed it on the breakfast bar and slid it to her.

“It’s double what, uh, what–” He blew out a breath. “I’m begging you not to tell Outlaw what I’m about to say, Meggie. To explain…to…uh…”

She clenched her jaw and glared at him.

“I’m about to ask you to lie to him, but just hear me out—”

“I know my money’s missing, Mortician,” she cut in. “I found out a couple of days ago.” She slid the check back to him. “It isn’t your place to clean up Digger’s screw ups.”

“He can’t repay you. I…fuck, Meggie, I’m so fucking pissed with him, but I’ll get on my fucking knees and beg you if it means saving his life.”

“We all have choices in life. He made his. Why shouldyousuffer because he’s a jackass?”

His nostrils flared and he studied her. “If you intended to talk to him tonight, Prez would want to know why.”

She sniffed.

“I’m not taking the money back.”

“Then that’s a million dollars wasted, because I amnotaccepting your money.”

“Just do me this favor. He’ll learn responsibility—” Unlikely, but—

“Doubtful,” Meggie snorted just as the thought crossed his mind. “How many years have I known you?”

“Eighteen—”

“Many years,” she interrupted. “Do you think I wouldn’t protect that ingratefor you? Bunny is also one of my best friends. I’d never have her husband killed because he’s a thief and a miserable little man.”

Mort felt so much relief, he almost collapsed, though he still wanted her to take the money. “Deposit this into whatever account you used to replace the money Digger took.”

“I closed the account.”

“Meggie—”

“Why’d he do it? If he confessed he stole, he must’ve told you the reason.”

“He was worried you’d look at the account and he had no way of undoing what he’d done.”

“What was so important that he stole my money?”

“To build Bunny a bigger house.”

“All he needed to do was ask me. I would’ve found a way to give him the money that saved his stupid pride.” She looked angry and hurt. “Never mind. He doesn’t like me. He preferred this way to being honest. He wanted to get over on me.”

“Meggie—”

“Don’t, Mortician,” she ordered and stiffened her spine. “We both know it’s true. What I do, I do for you and Bunny. His children. As far asI’mconcerned, he could go the way of Johnnie.”

“He’s on your No-Kill List.”

“He’s on my Maybe Survive List,” she corrected.

Mort thought she was joking, so he chuckled, but the seriousness on her face killed his amusement.

“I’m sick of Johnnie and I’m sick of Digger. No one can get through to Johnnie, but I wanted to get through to your brother. I no longer count him asmyfriend or a member of my family. That honor goes to you and Bunny.” She snatched the check and stuffed it into one of the outer pockets of his cut. “I trusted him and he abused that trust too many times to count. I’m done with him.”

“I understand.”