aisling grimlock 03 - grim discovery
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“Andrea Black is really Amber Grimpond,” Redmond said.
The room was so quiet it was as if the oxygen had been sucked out. Braden was the first to recover.
“Shouldn’t you have recognized her?”
“She’s had some work done,” I replied. “She no longer has that hooked nose. She’s dyed her hair. Oh, and her boobs are clearly fake.”
“That doesn’t mean they’re not nice,” Redmond declared.
I ignored him. “Griffin thinks she wanted to become partners with him to get dirt on us,” I said. “She conveniently showed up right after Genevieve Toth died.”
Dad rubbed the back of his neck, his mind working overtime. “I don’t remember Amber very well,” he said. “You guys were so loud and outgoing, she kind of … melted into the background. Everett was his father’s pride and joy. I think Amber was often overlooked.”
“Why wouldn’t she be a reaper?” Griffin asked. “I thought this was a family profession.”
“It is … well, for the most part,” Dad said. “It’s not mandatory, though. Aisling never wanted anything to do with the family business until recently. Perhaps Amber wanted to strike out on her own.”
“Well, we’re in a position of power now because we know who she is and she doesn’t know that we’re aware she’s working against us,” Griffin said. “We need to watch her and find out what she’s doing. She might know where Mrs. Grimlock is.”
“We should also consider feeding her false leads,” Cillian suggested. “If we can somehow manipulate her into leading us to Mom … or even more information … we should definitely do it.”
“I agree,” Dad said. “We need to figure out how to work this to our advantage.”
“Well, that’s just great,” Braden said. “Just so someone has said it, how can we be sure that Griffin isn’t working against us with Amber? They are partners. Maybe Griffin is tied up in this, too. That might explain how he convinced Aisling to lie to us. That might explain how parts of Mom’s file conveniently went missing. He could’ve chased after Aisling to get information.”
“Hey!” I pushed myself to a standing position. “Griffin has been on our side from the beginning. Don’t you ever accuse him of something like that again! You’re angry with me. Attack me. Leave him alone.”
“It’s okay,” Griffin said, his tone soothing as he grabbed my hand. “He’s lashing out. He doesn’t mean it.”
“It’s not okay,” Dad countered. “It’s pretty far from okay. Braden, that was uncalled for.”
Braden was incredulous. “Am I the only one who thinks that this stinks? Aisling lied to us for weeks. She only told this guy what was going on, and I’m sure he encouraged it. Now he’s doling out information to us, including the fact that his partner is really Amber Grimpond.”
“Griffin didn’t even know who the Grimponds were until I told him,” I argued. “He didn’t know anything was going on with Andrea until I told him. You’re way off base.”
“Of course you would think that,” Braden shot back. “You’re all about protecting your precious boyfriend at the cost of everyone else.”
“That’s enough,” Dad said, his tone muted.
“You need to take a step back,” Griffin said. “I’ve been putting up with your crap because I know you’re hurting and you need someone to blame. I’m not going to sit here and let you upset Aisling again, though. You’ve had time to think about this and you have to know that Aisling didn’t mean any harm when she kept her secret. Enough is enough, man. You need to suck it up and act like an adult.”
“Don’t you tell me what to do!”
“That’s enough,” Dad said, standing. “I’m sick of all this arguing. You’d think I would be used to it by now. I can’t take this, though. Squabbling, pointing fingers and tattling is one thing. Braden, this is something else.”
“How is this all being turned around on me again?” Braden charged. “Aisling lied!”
“And Aisling has apologized,” Dad said. “As for what you said about Griffin … well … stop. You may not like the man. I’ve tried really hard not to like him … and it’s not working. You cannot argue with the fact that he risked his life for Aisling several times. He stood by her in all of this. Don’t pick a fight with him because you’re upset.”
Braden crossed his arms over his chest. “I see I’m the odd man out here. Again.”
“You’re a part of this family no matter how you choose to act,” Dad countered. “You will always be a part of this family. Aisling will always be a part of this family. You need to … get a grip, son. I don’t know what’s going through your mind, but it can’t be good if you’re lashing out this way.”
“I’m not lashing out.”
“You are,” Dad said. “You have a right to do it. We need you to get with the program, though. We need everyone working together to figure this out.”
“What if I never forgive Aisling?” Braden asked.
“We both know that won’t happen,” Dad answered. “You and Aisling like to argue. You also love each other.”
Braden snorted and shook his head.
“Do you know what this family needs?” Dad asked, glancing around the room.
“I think you need a fashion coordinator,” Jerry replied. “I just happen to have some free time.”
Dad ignored him. “We all need a night out,” he said. “We can’t go far because of the gargoyle threat, but everyone here needs a drink … and maybe a few games of billiards … and definitely the chance to talk things out in public so the comments don’t get too down and dirty.”
“You’re suggesting we go to a bar?” Cillian asked.
“No, I’m ordering everyone to go to the bar,” Dad clarified. “No one is exempt. Everyone is going. We’re all going to get drunk and have a great time.”
“Am I the only one who thinks this is a terrible idea?” Griffin asked.
“I’m game,” Jerry announced. “I’m just sorry I didn’t think to grab a special outfit before I came here. You know I don’t feel comfortable at a bar unless I sparkle.”
“You always sparkle, Jerry,” I said.
“Everyone finish dinner,” Dad ordered. “In exactly twenty minutes we’re going to the bar. Anyone who doesn’t go is fired. Does anyone have any questions?”
Jerry’s hand shot up.
“Jerry, I don’t care what you wear,” Dad said. “Aisling is right. You always sparkle. Now … eat your dinner. I can’t take one more second of this squabbling. It’s giving me indigestion.”
Twenty-Nine
Woody’s Bar was a Grosse Pointe mainstay. The owner, Woody Thompson, was one of my father’s poker buddies. Through the years, all of the Grimlock children got in trouble at the low-key locale at one time or another. I couldn’t remember us ever visiting the establishment together. It was an odd feeling.
“Well, the apocalypse must surely be upon us,” Woody said, greeting Dad with a hearty handshake before turning his attention to the rest of us. Since the bar was so close to home, we opted to walk. If gargoyles attacked during the walk back we would be in a world of hurt. Dad was adamant, though, so I didn’t see any sense in arguing with him.
“Aisling, it’s good to see you again,” Woody said, pulling me in for a hug. “And Jerry! It’s not karaoke night, but I’m sure I could warm up the equipment if you want to put on a show.”
“He doesn’t,” Dad said.
“You don’t know that,” Jerry argued. “I like to sing. I think I could’ve been bigger than JT if I was so inclined.”
“I have no idea who that is,” Dad muttered.
“Justin Timberlake,” I supplied. “He’s a singer. Jerry has always thought he’s better looking and more talented.”
“He’s definitely a snappier dresser,” Woody said, smirking as he got a gander at Jerry’s paisley shirt.
“Yes, we had to watch him try on three different shirts before he left the house,” Dad said, moving toward the big booth again
st the rear wall of the establishment. “Can we have this table?”
“Absolutely,” Woody said. “I honestly can’t remember ever having all of you in here at the same time. Most of the young ones stopped by with their fake IDs when they were teenagers, and they still come by from time to time. This is a nice surprise.”
“You’re won’t think that in ten minutes when Braden and Aisling start smacking each other around,” Cillian offered, patting Woody’s shoulder as he moved around the amiable bar owner. “Trust me.”
“Ah, so there is a reason everyone is here together, after all.” Woody didn’t appear worried. “Why are Aisling and Braden fighting?”
“Because she’s a lying … .”
“Don’t think of finishing that sentence, Braden,” Dad warned.
Woody pursed his lips and turned his attention to Griffin. “You’re new. How did you get swept up in all of the fabulous Grimlock drama?”
Griffin pointed at me. “She’s too cute to ignore.”
“I see,” Woody said, his eyebrows moving up his forehead. “You’re the one who finally turned Aisling’s head, huh? You’re a brave man.”
“She’s not that scary,” Griffin teased, tugging on a strand of my hair.
“Oh, she’s delightful,” Woody said. “I was talking about her father and brothers.”
“They’re not that scary either.”
Dad scowled. “Don’t push your luck, Griffin … and keep your hands where I can see them.”
Woody chuckled. “What can I get everyone?”
“Just give us a few pitchers of whatever is on tap,” Dad said, his eyes thoughtful as they landed on Braden. “Keep them coming.”
ONE HOUR and three glasses of beer later I stepped away from the table. Braden refused to sit anywhere close to me, instead opting to settle at the far end of the rounded booth with Aidan and Jerry. Jerry’s nonstop chatter was starting to get to him. I could tell. Unless you’re used to his daily antics, Jerry is best doled out in small doses. I couldn’t muster a lot of sympathy for Braden right now. After he attacked Griffin, I could barely look at him.
“What are you doing up here, kid?” Redmond asked, glancing over from his stool in front of the bar. “Are you hiding from Braden?”
“I’m not hiding,” I said, hopping on the seat next to him. “I’m … tired.”
“I know you are,” Redmond said, running his hand down the back of my head. “Don’t take Braden’s … crap … personally. He’s like a woman when he pouts.”
I made a face. “That’s insulting.”
“Hey, you just found out tonight that you think like a man,” Redmond countered. “I’m not sure how you can take that as an insult.”
“It’s like you just met me,” I grumbled. “I can turn anything into an insult.”
“I’ve noticed.” Redmond glanced around the bar. “Where is Griffin?”
“He’s off playing pool with Cillian.”
“At least Cillian isn’t angry with you anymore,” Redmond pointed out. “That’s something.”
“Doesn’t it bother you that Griffin figured out you would be the first to forgive me and Cillian would be second? It’s as though he’s magic.”
Redmond snorted. “I think the only thing magic about him is the way he cares for you,” he said. “That’s how he won Dad over. I still can’t believe that.”
“Join the club,” Woody said, shuffling in front of us across the bar. “Do you want something besides beer, little Grimlock?”
“I’ll have a whiskey straight up,” I said. “Make it a double.”
“Things can’t be that bad,” Woody said.
“They’re pretty bad,” Redmond supplied. “I … .” His gaze traveled to the front of the bar. “Oh, good. They’re about to get worse.”
“Do I even want to look?” I asked.
“No.”
I looked anyway, scowling when my gaze landed on Angelina Davenport. Her mother still lived in the area, so I shouldn’t have been surprised to see her. It was a nice two weeks without her, though. “I have absolutely no luck.”
“What’s funny is that she hasn’t been in here since you two fought last time,” Woody said. “It’s like she can sense when you’re here.”
“Evil comes in many forms and has many powers,” I muttered, turning back to the bar. “Make my whiskey a triple.”
“I’m not carrying you home,” Redmond said. “We walked. Don’t forget that.”
“Then I’ll sleep here.”
Redmond rolled his eyes. “You’re in a mood. Why don’t you go smack Angelina around? That will make you feel better.”
He wasn’t wrong. I glanced over my shoulder, grimacing when I realized Angelina was nowhere to be found. “Where did she go?”
“One guess,” Redmond said, hopping off his stool.
“Cillian,” I seethed, following Redmond. “I’m going to rip her hair out of her head.”
“It would be hotter if you weren’t my sister.”
I shoved Redmond to make him move faster, and when we rounded the corner my suspicions were proved true. Angelina stood close to Cillian, her finger working as she wound a strand of her hair around it and leaned in close.
“Shouldn’t you be working the corner?” I asked, relishing the return of my snark. Who knew Angelina could make me feel better just by being her usual oily self? “I think I heard your pimp screaming for you a few seconds ago. It’s hard to tell. He could’ve just been yelling for some random whore, but I’m pretty sure he wanted you.”
Angelina straightened, running her tongue over her teeth as she regarded me. “Ugh. I should’ve known you would be here. I was having too good of a day for it to continue.”
“It’s probably karma.”
“It’s probably you,” Angelina countered. “What are you doing here?”
“We’re having a night out together as a family,” I replied. “That means no skanks are allowed.”
“If that’s the rule they wouldn’t have brought you,” Angelina shot back.
I moved toward her, my fingers itching to inflict severe hair horror, but Griffin stepped in my way. “No way, baby,” he said. “I can’t watch you murder someone and do nothing about it. That means you have to behave yourself while she’s around.”
“You should go to the bathroom,” I suggested. “Everything will be fine when you get back.”
“Why don’t I believe you?”
“Because she’s a filthy liar,” Angelina supplied.
“It’s better than being a skeezy streetwalker,” I snapped.
“Good grief,” Griffin said, grabbing me around the waist. “Why do you let her push your buttons? You know she likes to get under your skin.”
“Just like whatever form of herpes she’s carrying today,” I said.
“What’s going on?” Braden asked, clutching a fresh beer as he stepped into view. “I heard Aisling yelling. Did someone hit her?” He frowned when he saw Angelina. No matter how angry he was with me, there was no way he would take her side over mine. “Oh, man, who called for a prostitute?”
“Oh, you’re so funny, Braden,” Angelina hissed. “You’ve always been my least favorite of Aisling’s brothers. You know that, right?”
“I’m getting a T-shirt made up so I can wear it with pride,” Braden retorted.
“It’s probably because Braden and Aisling are so much alike,” Redmond said, smirking when Braden uncomfortably hopped from one foot to the other. “You hate Aisling, so you hate Braden by extension.”
Angelina wrinkled her nose. “You know what? That explains a lot. Cillian is the least like Aisling. That’s why he’s my favorite.”
“Oh, please,” I scoffed. “The only reason you like Cillian is because it bugs me.”
“Thanks,” Cillian said.
“You know what I mean,” I said. “You’re too good for her. Besides, you’re dating Maya.”
“Yes, and I’m really happy about it,” Griffin said.
I struggled to break free of Griffin’s grip again. “Let me go!”
“That’s not going to happen,” Griffin said, gritting his teeth and leaning back to ensure I couldn’t get at Angelina. “I cannot put you in jail. That means I have to stop whatever murderous ideas are playing around in that busy mind of yours.”
“I’m not going to kill her,” I countered. “I’m just going to rip her stupid hair out.”
“As much fun as that sounds, I’d rather carry your drunk behind back to your father’s house and crawl into bed with you,” Griffin said.
“I’m not drunk.”
“Well, you sound drunk,” Griffin said. “Come on. Let’s go outside so you can cool down.”
“I want her gone when I get back,” I ordered, reluctantly falling into step with Griffin. “Don’t let her touch you, Cillian. Word on the street is that she has crabs and herpes these days.”
“I’m going to make you pay for that,” Angelina seethed.
“We’ll handle her,” Redmond said, leveling his gaze on Griffin. “Just … keep her outside for at least fifteen minutes.”
“Oh, sure, task me with the impossible,” Griffin grumbled. “Come on, Rocky. If you’re good I’ll buy you a McDonald’s breakfast bagel tomorrow morning.”
Angelina snorted. “That will go straight to your thighs, Aisling. Maybe that’s what your boyfriend likes, though. That might explain a few things.”
“Shut up, Angelina,” Braden ordered. “Leave her alone.”
I was surprised Braden spoke up on my behalf.
“Ugh. You always take her side, Braden,” Angelina said.
“I’m not taking her side,” Braden countered. “I just hate you more than I hate her right now. That doesn’t mean I’m on her side.” His gaze met mine. “I’m not on her side.”
“SUCK in some air and chill,” Griffin ordered once we were outside.
“I hate her,” I seethed, jerking away from him.
“I know you do. You’re not really angry with her, though.”