Page 44 of The Sinner's Son

“What’s so funny?” Jo asked.

Eddie told her about Royce’s “mostly tastes good” comment, which made her laugh.

“Ouch, buddy,” she said. “What time is the funeral?”

“I like you, Jo,” Royce called over his shoulder. “Almost as much as my husband’s cooking.”

“Nice try.” Sawyer took the serving spoon from his hands and heaped a generous helping into Eddie’s bowl. “And yes, it’s dairy-free and low in fat and carbs.”

“Don’t forget delicious,” Royce added.

Sawyer opened his mouth to respond, but the doorbell rang. “Who could that be?”

“I’ll find out,” Royce said with more casualness than he felt. Unexpected guests rarely brought good news. Royce’s assumption was confirmed when he found Alec standing on his front porch. His light green eyes were bloodshot, and hisface was pale with a gray tinge. “I thought Sawyer discussed boundaries with you.”

Alec’s lips trembled for a few seconds before he could respond. “Yes, he did. And I’m sorry to show up at your door like this.”

Sawyer joined Royce at the door. “Alec, what’s wrong?”

“I might be in serious trouble, and I didn’t know where to turn,” Alec replied.

“Come in.” Sawyer grabbed Royce’s sleeve and tugged him to the side so Alec could enter their house. “Do you want something to drink or eat?”

“No,” Alec said. “But I might need a lawyer.”

“Christ,” Royce muttered. The last thing he wanted to do was boot his dad and Jo out, but they shouldn’t witness whatever this dipshit was about to confess. Royce headed toward the kitchen, leaving Sawyer and Alec to talk as they followed.

Eddie and Jo were rinsing the dessert bowls and loading them in the top rack of the dishwasher. “We’re about to head out, and, oh—” Eddie’s brow furrowed as he took in Alec’s distraught appearance. “Is everything okay?”

“It’s fine. Sounds like the cop shop isn’t closed for the day after all,” Royce told him.

Eddie dried his hands and set the towel on the counter. “Sounds like our cue to skedaddle.” He and Joyce took turns hugging Royce and Sawyer, not bothering to hide their curiosity about Alec. “Walk us out?” Eddie asked.

Royce slapped his dad’s shoulder and followed them to the front door. “I’m glad you guys came over for dinner. I hope we can do it again real soon.”

Jo held up the binder Sawyer made. “Thank him for me, will you?”

Eddie handed Jo the keys to his car. “Can I have a minute with Royce?”

“Of course,” she said. “We’ll see you soon.”

“Bye, Jo,” Royce called.

Eddie watched her walk away and spun back around to face Royce once she was out of earshot. “Son, you have a fox in your henhouse.” Eddie shook his head. “Rooster house?”

“I think it’s just a coop,” Royce said. But he understood his dad’s message loud and clear.

“That’s the podcast guy who wants to take up all of Sawyer’s time, right?”

“He’s the podcast guy, but I don’t know about the rest.”

“Why’s he here, looking all aflutter and in need of smelling salts?”

Royce was speechless for a few seconds. “All aflutter? Smelling salts? What have you been watching? It’sBridgerton, right? Or some other period drama.”

Eddie ignored him and said, “Is he into men?”

“Doesn’t matter,” Royce told his dad. “Sawyer loves me and would never betray our vows.”