Page 21 of Zero Divergence
“Put him in the corner? Explain to him that he’s entered the cone of silence?”
Shaking his head, Royce said, “Smartass. We can ask him to step out to the back patio.”
“I’m not going to ask your brother to step outside while the adults have a conversation,” Sawyer whisper-shouted.
“I can hear you,” Jace said dryly. “If you guys had been honest about your intentions, I would’ve let you law dogs have your secret meeting.”
“Reporter,” Felix said, pointing to his chest.
“You say that like it’s a good thing,” Rocky said jovially.
“Better than a PI,” Felix retorted. “At least I’m held tosomestandards.”
Rocky released a dry bark of laughter. “Standards? Loose ones, maybe. Reporters say whatever the fuck they want to without anyone holding them accountable. When backed into a corner, you refuse to name sources.”
“Uh-oh,” Sawyer said. “If Rocky starts screaming about fake news, I’m going to throw him out.”
Royce nodded. “Maybe this wasn’t such a good idea.”
“It’s called the Shield Law, moron,” Felix fired back. “I do not make shit up, so don’t take your beef with another reporter out on me.”
A shrill whistle split the air, causing everyone to turn their heads toward the person who made the noise. Jonah returned their stares. Everything about the man was large except his voice, which was quiet and a little raspy. He was living proof that a person didn’t need to yell to be a leader.
“I don’t know Royce and Sawyer well, but I do know they’re straight shooters. If they want us all here tonight, then they have a good reason. Why don’t we eat the delicious food they’ve provided and give them a chance to talk without us jumping to conclusions and starting fights with one another.”
“There’s always one in every crowd,” Ky said, shaking his head. One what? Instigator? Heckler? Ky laughed when he realized everyone was looking at him. “A voice of reason,” he clarified. “Listen to the big man and shove food in your faces before we piss the bruiser off. Or keep puffing out your chests like idiots so I can eat all the good snacks and leave the carrots and celery for you.” The last part motivated everyone to make their plates and stop bickering.
Rather than talk shop like they usually would, the MCU detectives discussed the weather, sports, and local politics because of the mixed crowd.
“This is as bad as some of the ladies’ luncheons my mother attends,” Ky said.
“There’s nothing ladylike about your mama, Ky,” Royce said, earning a snicker from everyone except Sawyer, who elbowed him. “What the hell?” Royce asked, rubbing his rib cage. “Get your mind out of the gutter, GB. Wait until you meet Min-Anh, then we’ll talk.”
“My ma could outdrink a sailor,” Ky said, grinning from ear to ear.
“She cusses like one too,” Blue added.
“Interesting,” Sawyer said. “I can’t wait to meet her.”
“Be careful what you wish for,” Ky returned.
Some went back for a second round of food, but Sawyer barely finished half his plate. Holly and Jace started cleaning up the kitchen until Royce shooed them out.
“Ro, I don’t mind stepping outside if you need privacy. It’s a nice evening, and hanging out by Sawyer’s pool isn’t a hardship,” Jace said.
“Nonsense,” Royce quipped. “You just need to acknowledge you’ve entered the cone of…” He turned and looked at Sawyer. “What’s the rest?”
“Cone of silence. It was just a joke.”
“You can trust me to keep my mouth shut,” Jace assured them.
“I have to admit. I’m beyond curious about this gathering. Will we actually play poker tonight?” Felix asked.
“Are you any good?” Jonah asked him.
Felix raked his gaze over the big man from head to toe, then smiled wolfishly. “Damn good.”
“We can play poker after we discuss the real reason we invited you over,” Royce said.