Dirty Dealers

“You could have asked for my help.” I lift the blanket to get up and stop when I realize I’m only wearing a hospital gown.

He seems to understand. “Yes, well. Perhaps this isn’t the best time. However, I will say thank you. You helped us a great deal.” The click of expensive shoes on linoleum tracks him to the door. “The queen regent brought a parcel of clothes for you. It’s on the table there.”

I don’t reply. The door clicks shut, and for a moment I don’t move. So many emotions rush in on me at once—I’m not a prisoner, Blix is dead, Logan is somewhere… Overriding them all, like a vacuum opening in the center of my chest, is the crushing memory I held off as long as possible: Cameron.

My breath stills and my eyes squeeze shut. I wrap my arms around my stomach. Hold on, Cassandra. I have to hold on just a little bit longer. I have to find Ava so she can help me… Ava. Where is Ava?

I slide off the narrow mattress and fumble to the side table where a small bag sits. My foot hits a boot, and I lean down to run my hands over tall leather. This is good.

A few clicks, and I’m in the bathroom. A chunky sweater and filmy, short skirt are quickly on. Returning to the dresser, I roll on the knee socks and stick my feet in the boots. I’m ready to face what comes next when the door opens slowly.

&nb

sp; I wish I had my glasses. I wish there was more light in this room. I don’t know who’s standing there, so I wait… for the voice that crumbles my insides.

“You’re dressed. You’re—”

My involuntary cry cuts him off, and I run to meet him at the door. His arms go around me, and I’m holding his waist, squeezing him and crying. My body won’t stop shaking, and the emotions pulse in my chest with every heartbeat.

“Cameron!” I’m soaking his shirt with my tears, but I can’t seem to care. All I can do is hold him. “Cameron…” It’s a shattered whisper.

“Hey.” His voice is soothing. “It’s okay. You’re okay now.”

“But…” I hiccup a breath and step back, still holding his forearms. “You were shot.”

“Almost.” He lifts my hand to his forehead. I feel the bandage on the side as he continues. “I guess it was too dark? Still, it knocked me out. Logan found me.” He reaches up and lightly touches my head. “We’re twins again.”

Tears are still in my eyes, and I start to laugh as gratitude heals the pain in my chest. I step forward again to hug him so tight.

“I’m so happy we’re twins again.”

“Not true. You always hated that.” He laughs and squeezes me again before struggling out of my clinging hold. “I’m happy you’re okay.”

“Take me home?” My hand slides to the crook of his arm.

“Sure.”

* * *

My brother says goodbye as I open the metal door to my apartment building. It’s been so long since I was here. It’s the first time I enter without fear.

Cameron briefly filled me in on the drive home—as he tolerated me holding his hand and touching him every few minutes. Blix is dead, Dev is dead, and Taz is in prison. He didn’t say if I would be taken into custody—I don’t know if that’s what Reggie wanted—but I’m not hiding. They know where to find me when they’re ready.

Stepping into the dark hallway, I look up the narrow flight of stairs, wondering if…

Click, click, click…

The noise of doggy nails on hardwood.

Yip! Yip!

Tears spring into my eyes again. “Henri?” I grab the rail, and he yips again, his nails dance on the floor above. “Henri! I’m home!”

I don’t hesitate this time. I jog straight up the stairs and drop to sit on the top one. The little dog is in my lap licking the tears off my face, and my smile is so big. I can’t stop laughing, and of course, he gets me right in the mouth.

“Oh!” I spit, trying to catch his happy muzzle as it dances all around my face. “So French!”

This time when the door down the hall opens, a sharp command in French is not forthcoming. Instead heavy footsteps make their way to where I’m sitting, petting the ecstatic little dog.