That left Redmond to do busywork with Griffin and me. I couldn’t tell who was more annoyed at the grouping, but Redmond’s pouting was pushing Griffin closer to a verbal smackdown.
I glanced at Redmond. His face was hard to read as he stared at the overgrown Detroit lot. The apartment building where Mom purportedly died was long gone. Only rubble remained. I knew there was nothing to find here, yet I was so worried about keeping my father on my side I agreed to his suggestion without giving the motives behind the task further thought.
“Did you come down here that night?”
“I came the next day,” Redmond said. “Braden was with me. He didn’t believe she was dead. He thought it had to be a mistake. There was something about seeing the burned-out shell that … snapped him out of that.”
“Did you believe she was still alive?”
“I believed that … our lives were never going to be the same,” Redmond said, finally meeting my gaze. “I guess I was right on that front.”
We hopped out of the Explorer and Griffin linked his fingers with mine to keep me close as we picked our way through the lot. The bulk of the block was empty and abandoned, and what remained looked like fronts for illegal activities. The hand-drawn medical marijuana sign in front of the tattoo parlor almost made me laugh out loud.
In most cities, developers would’ve swooped in to put up a new building as soon as the smoke cleared. Detroit was a different story. This city struggled to regroup – and the struggle was nowhere close to complete.
“There’s not much left,” I mused, flinching when Griffin tugged me closer to him to keep me from stepping on a rickety-looking plank.
“Watch where you’re stepping, baby,” Griffin ordered. “You’re already a walking bruise. With your luck, you’ll fall into a hole and we’ll have the whole media circus out here when we try to get you out.”
“At least gargoyles couldn’t get me in a hole.”
“Yeah, well, that’s bugging me,” Griffin said.
“What’s bugging you?”
“Why did the gargoyles attack last night and then disappear overnight?” Redmond supplied. “They clearly wanted to make their presence known and then … poof … they’re gone. That’s what’s bugging him.”
Griffin grunted his agreement. “It’s like someone is trying to scare Aisling,” he said. “I don’t like the focus being solely on her.”
“I think it’s clear they want Aisling,” Redmond said, instinctively grabbing the shoulder of my shirt to drag me from an overturned, rusted-out metal canister. “Don’t touch anything, Ais. You’re likely to get hepatitis or something. There are used needles all over the place.”
Two days ago I would’ve been angry about his bossy nature. Today I was merely relieved he wasn’t trying to pull my hair out. “Thanks,” I murmured.
Redmond sighed. “I can tell you’re upset,” he said. “I knew you were upset after the mausoleum fire. You’ve always picked weird things to be sensitive about. Braden would punch you in the stomach and you didn’t care about anything but revenge.
“We forgot you were still a girl sometimes,” he continued. “You tried so hard to fit in with all of us boys we forgot you were a girl. I include Dad in that. It was easier for him when you acted like a boy. I’m not sure that was fair on our part.”
“Don’t worry. Jerry treated me like a girl,” I reminded him.
“I think Jerry is probably the best thing that happened to you,” Redmond said. “He’s always been the one to stand up for you, no matter what. He was the only one … until … .”
“The handsy cop?”
Redmond snorted. “Sadly, I’m starting to like him,” he said. “I can see why you do, too.”
“You know I’m right here, don’t you?” Griffin asked, nonplussed.
“Shut up,” Redmond charged. “I’m talking to my sister.”
Griffin released my hand and took a step back. “I’m going to look over there and give you two a few minutes,” he said. “I won’t be far. Do not upset her. I mean it. You and I are going to fight if she’s upset when I get back.”
“Yes, sir.” Redmond mock saluted.
“It’s cuter when she does it.” Griffin gave me a quick kiss. “Don’t touch anything. It’s as if you’re a magnet for horrific things – and I’m worried something will jump out of these piles of garbage and bite you. Yell if you need me.”
Once it was just the two of us, Redmond and I found ourselves in unfamiliar territory. As much as we argued, he could never stay angry with me for long. I knew that was exactly why my father paired us together. Redmond was the likeliest candidate for a swift reunion.
“I … um … .”
“I know you’re sorry, kid,” Redmond said, his voice low. “I know you thought what you were doing was right. It’s just … I always thought you could trust me. I think that’s what hurts most. You didn’t trust me. You trusted Griffin.”
“Griffin was with me right after Fontaine dropped his truth bomb,” I replied. “He could see I was upset. I kind of blurted it out.”
“Would you have told him if you had more time to think?”
“I … I honestly don’t know,” I admitted. “I can’t imagine the last two weeks without him, so if you’re looking for me to say that I made a mistake when I confided in Griffin, I won’t do that.”
“I guess I understand that.” Redmond shifted his weight from one foot to the other. “Why didn’t you tell Aidan? I mean, you come to me with a lot of stuff, but you almost always go to Aidan. You know he’s crushed, right?”
“He’s taking it better than Braden,” I pointed out.
“Braden is … angry for a whole other reason,” Redmond said, choosing his words carefully. “In some ways, other than you, I think Braden missed Mom most. You needed her because you were out-numbered by men. Mom evened the teams a bit.
“Braden is so much like you that it kills him to see the resemblance,” he continued. “Braden isn’t upset that you lied. In his own way, he understands it. Braden is upset about the possibility of Mom being out there and him not … feeling it. He thinks he should’ve known.”
“How could he possibly have known? It’s beyond the realm of thinking.”
“There are a lot of questions that we should’ve asked, Ais,” Redmond said. “Dad was so upset we were afraid to rock the boat because we didn’t want him going over the edge. It never occurred to us to question the Grimponds. That was stupid.”
“I should have said something after Genevieve told me she took Mom,” I offered. “That would’ve forced us to ask important questions a lot sooner. I was too caught up in Griffin. I admit it. I’m sorry.”
“Don’t do that,” Redmond ordered the second he saw my lower lip quivering. “You’re in love with Griffin. I get it. I don’t blame you for this. It’s just … I’m still your brother. You’ve always come to me to fix everything. You go to Aidan to get into trouble with and you come to me to fix your problems once you’re in too deep. I’m not sure I’m ready to let you go.”
“You don’t have to let me go,” I argued, a tear slipping down my cheek. “I’ll always need you. You’re the one who spoils me most.”
Redmond snorted. “It’s going to be okay. We’re going to find Mom and … then we’ll figure out what to do from there.”
“What if she’s evil? What if they want me because they think I’m evil?”
“You are evil,” Redmond said. “You’re not evil like that, though. We don’t know what happened to Mom. Ten years is a long time. We don’t know what measures Genevieve took to keep her alive. All we know is that she’s probably out there … and she’s been hiding from us for a long time. I don’t think that speaks well regarding her motivations.
“What you need to understand is that we’re a family,” he continued. “I will always be your big brother. I don’t care who tries to take you from us, I won’t let it happen.”
I leaned into Redmond’s broad chest as he pulled
me in for a tight hug.
“It’s going to be okay, kid. I promise.”
The sound of footsteps behind us caused me to pull away, wiping tears from my cheeks as Griffin approached.
“I told you not to upset her,” he snapped.
“He didn’t upset me,” I said. “He … we’re fine.”
Griffin didn’t look convinced. “Why are you crying? I don’t like it when you’re crying. I would much rather watch you do that stupid loser dance than cry.”
“You showed him the loser dance, huh?” Redmond grinned. “What did you beat him at?”
“I pulled it out when we played softball with his boss,” I replied. “We were on the same team. I figured that was the only way our relationship could survive.”
“Please tell me his boss wasn’t on the losing team.”
I shot Redmond a rueful smile. “You know I’m a terrible winner.”
Redmond barked out a laugh, the first real one he’d managed in more than twenty-four hours. “I wish I could’ve seen that.”
“No, you don’t,” Griffin said. “My boss is still talking about it. She also made one of my co-workers cry because he flubbed a grounder and she threatened to take over his infield duties.”
“That’s my sister.”
Griffin rolled his eyes. “I’m glad you two have made up,” he said. “I’ve walked all along the property. There’s nothing here.”
“Why did Dad send us then?” Redmond asked.
The face Griffin made was almost comical. “Because he knew you would be the first to forgive her, and he needs you on his side,” he said. “Cillian will be the next. Aidan and Braden are a toss-up.”
“And you figured all of that out after knowing us for only a few months?” Redmond asked. “I’m impressed.”
“It’s part of my job,” Griffin said. “There’s nothing here. I do have an idea, though. There’s an old file room at the precinct. Most of our stuff is on computers now. Some stuff slipped through the cracks and got shoved in that room. I’m not guaranteeing there’s something in there about the fire, but … .”
“It’s a shot,” Redmond finished. “Lead the way.”
Twenty-Six
“This place feels like a dungeon,” Redmond announced, wrinkling his forehead as he glanced around the cramped file room. “This is even worse than the dungeon we have.”
Ever since making up, Redmond seemed lighter. He wasn’t exactly chipper, but he was back to complaining about something other than me. I took it as a good sign.
“Our dungeon has bugs,” I countered. “This one doesn’t have bugs … or snakes.”
“Stop with the snakes,” Redmond ordered, grabbing a file from one of the top drawers to scan it. “Hey, this chick was afraid of snakes, too. She made a report that the guy on the corner kept trying to show her the one in his pants. He claimed it could do tricks.”
I smirked. “Ever since you told me there were snakes in the basement I’ve been afraid to go down there.”
“That was on purpose,” Redmond explained. “You liked to spy when you were younger and then you would blackmail us with all the dirt you uncovered. It got so I would automatically pick up three bags of licorice every time I went to the grocery store, because I knew you would shake me down for something.”
“You blackmailed your brothers for licorice?” Griffin asked, arching an eyebrow. He sat on the floor with a stack of files in front of him. “That’s kind of … .”
“Despicable?” Redmond supplied.
“I was going to say adorable,” Griffin countered. “You’re so cute I can’t stand it sometimes, baby.”
“I’m going to puke,” Redmond muttered.
“You’ll get over it,” Griffin said. “In fact, I think this room is too small for all of us. Aisling, why don’t you take your brother to the vending machine and shove a chocolate bar in his mouth. I could use a few minutes of quiet.”
“Are you sure? It doesn’t seem fair to leave you with the work while we stuff our faces.”
“Yes, well, you two are so busy with your mutual admiration society that I’d prefer to have a few minutes alone so I can concentrate,” Griffin said. “Go ahead. I’ll be fine.”
I dropped a kiss on his forehead and squeezed his shoulder to let him know I appreciated the gesture. “I’m going to give you a big surprise when this is all over.”
“Honey, I’ve seen all of your … gifts. I appreciate each and every one of them. They’re not surprises now, though.”
“Yeah, I’m definitely going to puke,” Redmond said.
“I was actually talking about getting us a hotel room with a Jacuzzi so we could have an extended weekend alone,” I said. “If you don’t want an entire weekend with me and bubbles, though, then I guess that’s up to you.”
Griffin narrowed his eyes. “You had me at bubbles.”
I scowled.
“You’re a nice bonus, though,” he added. “If anyone asks you what you’re doing here, tell them I had to check on a file and you’re entertaining your brother while I look for it. It’s Friday afternoon, so most people clear out early. There’s bound to be a few stragglers, though.”
“Okay.”
I led Redmond into the heart of the precinct, watching as he scanned the space with a dubious eye.
“This place is depressing. You know that, right?”
I shrugged. “It’s just an office. Not everyone can work out of a mansion.”
“Still … it’s no wonder he’s so in love with you,” Redmond said. “He lives in a boring white world. You add color to his life.”
My cheeks burned. “I … he’s not in love with me. We’re just dating.”
“Oh, now I think you’re cute,” Redmond said, pinching my cheek. “You two are still playing games on that front. Don’t worry. He loves you. He’s always going to be a pain, though.”
I made an exasperated sound in the back of my throat. “Maybe you’re the pain. Did you ever think of that?”
“We’re all pains, Ais,” Redmond clarified. “It’s in our genes. We can’t help ourselves. I like to think of it as a personality quirk that people come to love.”
“I’m not sure everyone loves those … quirks,” I said. “In fact … .”
I didn’t get a chance to finish my statement because Andrea picked that moment to round the corner and head in our direction. Her eyebrows escalated when she saw us. “Aisling, wow, twice in one week,” she said. “Are you worried that Griffin will forget about you if you don’t stalk him at work?”
I bit the inside of my cheek to keep from lashing out. “Andrea, it’s so good to see you,” I said, my voice full of faux sugar. “Why are you here on a Friday? I would think someone like you would have a hot date.”
Redmond’s gaze bounced between us. H he was trying to get a read on the situation.
“You remember my brother Redmond, right?”
Andrea shifted her attention to Redmond and the smile she graced him with was genuine. “Of course I remember him,” she said. “Who could forget a face that handsome?”
My brothers are charmers when they want to be. I’ve seen Redmond talk a girl out of her panties within five minutes of meeting her. Since Andrea was interested in Griffin, I hoped Redmond’s attention would cause her to see the error of her ways. Don’t get me wrong, I don’t want my brother dating her. He has a tendency to lose interest in women the moment after he nails them, though. She deserved being on the losing end of his special brand of romance.
“I am the handsomest Grimlock in the land,” Redmond agreed, his voice silky as he shook Andrea’s hand. “You’re Griffin’s partner, right?”
“I am,” Andrea said, darting her eyes in my direction. “We’re very close. Is he here with you?”
“He’s looking for a file,” I replied, trying to keep my claws from coming out. “We’re all going to dinner at my father’s house and we had to stop here because he needed something.”
“Oh, is it so
mething we’re working on?” Andrea asked. “Maybe I should help him.”
“He didn’t really tell me what he was looking for,” I lied. “We’re getting a snack. He said he wouldn’t be more than a few minutes.”
“Oh, well, I’m sure he has things under control,” Andrea said. “Actually, I’m on my way out. I’m meeting a friend for drinks and I don’t want to be late.”
She had friends? I was doubtful. “Well, have fun.”
“You, too,” Andrea said. She added a little swish to her step as she walked away and it didn’t escape Redmond’s attention.
“She’s kind of hot,” he said. “What’s the deal between you and her?”
I scowled. “She’s after Griffin.”
“How do you know that? Did she tell you?”
“No. I just … know.”
“Oh, is this a woman thing?” Redmond asked.
“A woman thing? That’s kind of sexist.”
“Yeah, and the only thing that conversation lacked was flying tampons,” Redmond countered. “Why do you think she’s interested in Griffin?”
“Because she keeps dropping hints about all the time they spend together and how he never talks about me,” I replied. “He has a photo of me on his desk, though. Did I tell you that?”
Redmond smirked. “These are the moments I realize you really are a girl.”
“Whatever,” I said, my eyes still trained on Andrea’s back as she strode down the hallway. “Do you know what we should do?”
“See, I already don’t like where this conversation is going,” Redmond said. “We’re supposed to be getting chocolate and waiting for Griffin.”
“Let’s just follow her and see where she goes,” I suggested.
“Why?”
“I … let’s just say I have trouble believing anyone could be friends with that woman and leave it at that,” I said.
“Aisling, I don’t want to spy on her. There’s nothing in it for me.”
“I’ll tell Dad I made up the story about you having sex in his bed when you were in high school,” I offered.
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