“I don’t know what you—”
“Oh, you do. You changed and you’re trying to prove your point by acting all weird. The Jack I knew would never have taken lightly to someone telling him he would fuck his sister. Even someone he trusted. So tell me. What the fuck. Is wrong with you,” he says, insisting on each word with a menacing calm.
My lips part in shock but I manage to keep a steady voice.
“Nothing is wrong with me. Prue is all grown up and she can do whatever she wants with whomever she wants.”
“Bullshit.”
“I’m serious!”
“You wouldn’t let anyone get near your sister foryears. Now, you’re just okay with the idea of me fucking her in my car. What the fuck is happening?”
I clench my teeth, trying to get rid of the image, and forcing my anxiety back down.
“Things have changed, that’s all!”
“Bullshit,” he growls at me, taking a step closer, “not you. I know your sister is the person you care most about in the world. Hell, that’s the whole reason we’ve been estranged for the last ten years or so.”
My jaw is clenched so tight that my ears are buzzing.
“And now, you’re suddenly okay with the idea of me and her? Of her seeing that Grumpy—married—whatever guy? Were you even encouraging it? Because I don’t get it, and Iknowyou’re hiding something. So what is it? I won’t go pick her up until…”
“I don’t want her to be alone when I’m gone!”
My own voice feels like it echoes in my head in the silence that follows. Nate has gone still and just studies me with a hard stare.
My heart rate is going dangerously high. I’ve never admitted it out loud before. That I’m afraid for my little sister. That she wouldn’t have anyone once I’m gone. She spent most of her life looking after me, and I pushedpeople—guys—away from her for a long time. Because of me, one of the only serious relationship she ever had was with fucking Jason Jerkwood, and only because he was clever enough to make his move after I finished college.
Because of me, she’s alone. And I don’t want her to be when I’m gone.
“Alright,” Nate says simply, turning away to finish packing his bag.
“Alright?”
“Yeah. I’ll go pick her up now. Text her to wait at the precinct.”
And with that, he’s gone, leaving me completely dumbfounded, still sitting on the table. Evie comes in shortly after to help me down, but I’m still not sure what just happened.
11
NONE OF YOUR DAMN BUSINESS
Jack: Can you wait at the Precinct?
Prudence: Where else am I supposed to wait?
Jack: You don’t have to be snappy.
Prudence: I’m waitingin front of the Precinct. Outside.
Jack: You should really wait inside.
Jack: I don’t want you to be sick because of the rain.
Prudence: I won’t. It’s covered.
Jack: Fine.
