Chapter 38
THIRTY-EIGHT
Aspen
“I’m on my way home from classes, but Fallon just texted that she’s out of tampons.
Do you think you could grab her some? I know that’s a big ask, but I can send you a picture of what the box looks like.
” I wince as I ask Bishop the question, and I can hear my brothers’ voices in the background.
I’m not sure if they’re in the restaurant at the Avarice or Seven Sins, but there’s definitely background noise.
“Uh, sure. Never bought them before. I gotta be honest, but I’m up for the challenge. Send me a picture, and I’m sure I can figure it out.”
“Are you sure? I can see if Hazel or Dakota are around.”
“I’m positive.”
“Okay. I’ll send over a picture of the box. If you see any of the good chocolate ice cream while you’re at the store, you could grab some of that for her too.” I’m rambling my way through my thoughts as they come to me.
“Sure. But you’re gonna have to tell me what brand the good chocolate ice cream is.”
“I forget the name of it, but I can text you and tell you what it looks like.”
“Sounds good. You need anything while I’m there?”
“A one-way ticket somewhere I can be on a beach with a drink in my hand and not be thinking about anything?”
“That bad?”
“I was going to wait until I got back to tell you and my brothers at the same time, but while we were looking at the sword again today in the lab, it broke open. It’s definitely a fake or a replica of some sort.
But there was something stored in the hilt.
Pieces of metal and what looks like a map or a clue of some sort. ”
“Holy shit!” He’s loud enough that he must draw the attention of my brothers. “I’ll tell you in a minute.” I hear him mumble to them. “Anything that made sense or puts us back in the right direction?”
“No. Not that I can tell. I’m bringing it home with me, and I’ve shot over some preliminary photos and thoughts to Charlotte for her insight.
I’m baffled, to be honest. Why have a replica of the relic?
Why put clues inside it? Why not tell any of us if he knew—and did he know?
My dad, I mean. Obviously. I’m sorry. It’s been such a long day, and I’m so scatterbrained.
Fallon’s having trouble with her homework, too, and I can already tell she’s in a terrible mood and in pain.
So, unfortunately, I think you’re going to be in the lion’s den with both of us tonight.
Forewarning.” I dump everything on him as I make my way home.
“I was getting that picture from how this was all unfolding, but listen, I am gonna go to the store. I’m gonna get these things you and Fallon need—text me if there’s anything else.
Then I’m going to order us room service.
It’s a benefit of living in the penthouse of the resort right now, so we might as well take advantage of it before we’re back out in the middle of nowhere.
Let me know what you want. After dinner, I’ll help Fallon with her homework or help you with your map.
Whichever is more dire or both if there’s time. All right?”
“You’re a saint, Bishop.” I could just squeeze him for being willing to do this without argument.
This is the kind of thing I never got from my previous marriage—a partner willing to pitch in and throw down when they’re needed.
Without hesitation and without being forced to do it.
That alone might be enough for me to start giving up my pillow wall at home.
“I don’t know about that.”
“No?”
“Far from it. But I’m happy to do whatever makes you think I am.”
“All right.” I laugh. “I’ll be home in about an hour. Then we can eat and get to work. Maybe try to get to sleep early.”