Page 45 of Broken Mercy
“That’s probably true.”
“I’m fine though. I know what’s expected of me.”
Alexan peers into his glass. “And what is that, exactly?”
I’m surprised by the question. I thought it was obvious, but I take a moment to consider. “I’m a hook in the McGrath family. You’re the big one, but it can’t hurt to have two. I’m guessing your brother wants to make sure they can’t wriggle away.”
He nods thoughtfully. “That’s part of it for sure, but you sell yourself short. Didn’t you think maybe Arsen wanted you for your skills?”
I tip my glass to my lips. “Doesn’t seem likely.”
“And yet here we are.”
“The Brotherhood has dozens of thieves, con men, safe crackers, and killers on its payroll. What’s it need me for?”
“You’re good.”
“Allegedly.”
“You still are.” He reaches into his jacket and produces an envelope. “This is from my brother.”
I try to make sense of it but there’s no outward markings. “What is this?”
“It’s a job. Don’t ask me what it says, he didn’t tell and I didn’t bother looking.”
I take the envelope and turn it in my hands. The opener I was playing with disappears back into my pocket. Alexan goes silent, like he tends to, and I struggle to parse out what this means for me.
Arsen’s giving me a job. Which suggests he really does think I’m a worthwhile tool and investment. But whymefor this? Why not anyone else? Is it some kind of loyalty test?
Or something worse?
“I’m guessing I don’t get to refuse.”
“You do not.”
“And I’m not getting paid.”
“My cousin isn’t payment enough?” He grins at the look on my face. “I’m kidding. Relax. I like Tallie a lot. She’s a good person.”
“You married her to a piece of shit like me though.”
“Again, you sell yourself short.” Alexan pushes himself off his stool. His glass is still mostly full. “Whatever Arsen wants, make it happen. Prove that we’re right about you.”
“If I don’t?”
“You’re family either way.”
“That’s not totally reassuring.”
He rubs a finger against his forehead and turns to the door. “By the way, when you read that, you’re going to think you have to refuse, but do it anyway.”
“I thought you just said you don’t know what it says?”
“I did? Huh.” He walks off without elaborating.
God, that man is infuriating sometimes.
I look at the envelope until my drink is empty. Justin gives me a refill. I have another murder fantasy, and that gives me enough strength to unfold the pages inside.
