Total pages in book: 143
Estimated words: 141464 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 707(@200wpm)___ 566(@250wpm)___ 472(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 141464 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 707(@200wpm)___ 566(@250wpm)___ 472(@300wpm)
Wrath rolls his eyes.
“Actually,” I say, straightening my shoulders and smoothing my tone, “I’m a funeral director here. And the mortuary cosmetologist.”
Jake nods, his cocky attitude vanishing. “Pretty sure your family handled my dad’s funeral years ago.”
“Oh,” I say, defaulting to sympathy. “I’m so sorry.”
“Don’t be. He was a worthless bastard.” Jake flashes a quick, too-bright smile, like he reflexively tosses that line out as a shield.
Men. God forbid they allow themselves to experience an emotion.
I gesture toward the viewing room. “You’re welcome to take a look. Everything’s nearly set up for tomorrow.”
Wrath dips his chin. “Thanks, Margot. I’m not sure what Ulfric told you, but there will probably be a lot of different people paying their respects to Whisper.”
The way he says “different people” sounds more like criminal element. At least he’s more subtle than Abby had been. “Ulfric and Mr. Hall’s daughter mentioned there would be a number of bikers in attendance.” I tilt my head in a small nod of acknowledgment. “He mentioned his club had a good relationship with the dominant club in the area—I assumed that was you…your club, I mean.”
Jake chuckles.
“That’s true,” Wrath says. “Our clubs go way back. There might be a few members from another New York club too.”
“As I explained to them, we’re used to handling delicate relationships. Awkward family reunions. We’ve seen it all, I promise you.”
“I’m sure you have.”
I show him into the sitting room. “We have the whole place reserved for Mr. Hall’s funeral. Overflow seating is in here. My dad’s called in extra staff, we have the permits sorted out, and I’ve been coordinating with the cemetery for the final ride.”
“That’s going to be something,” Jake mutters. “Better bring your earplugs.”
Wrath scowls in his friend’s direction.
“We’ll make sure everything goes smoothly.” I walk across the hall to the viewing room. “We’ll seat immediate family up front. Mr. Hall’s daughter has been very…involved in the planning.” That’s one word for it.
Wrath snorts as if he understands by “involved” I mean Abby has been relentless and demanding.
Jake wanders down the hall, while Wrath surveys the viewing room like he’s counting all the exits.
“Ulfric and some of his guys will probably assist you with seating,” Wrath says, nodding to the chairs.
“Usually we—”
“There’ll be multiple clubs and a few other members of other…organizations,” Wrath explains. “Everyone should get along, but to be safe, Wolf Knights will want to be visible and direct people to their seats.”
I give him a slow once-over, arching a brow. “You’re not exactly low-profile.”
The corners of his mouth curl up. “I won’t take an active role like ushering. I’ll hang back. A subtle reminder for folks to behave.”
I tilt my head, lips twitching. “No offense, but you’re about as subtle as a wrecking ball flying at a stained glass window.”
He lets out a deep, hearty laugh. “None taken.”
Apparently, I amuse him.
I glance at the hallway. Where’d Jake go? I won’t have a better time to ask Wrath this. “Uh, will, ah, Jigsaw be here too? As, you know…a subtle ‘behave yourself’ reminder? Ulfric did personally invite him.” I stumble over my words like an idiot.
A wrinkle forms between Wrath’s brows. “I assumed he’d be here to look after you.”
“Oh.” My gaze drops to my shoes. I should shine them before the funeral.
“Margot?” Wrath’s authoritative tone pulls my attention away from my shoes, forcing me to crane my neck to look up at him again. “What’s going on?”
“Nothing. I just…” Just say it. “I haven’t heard from him in a couple of days. Is he okay?”
Wrath studies me for an uncomfortably long moment, his expression wiped clean. No judgment or pity. “I haven’t heard otherwise. But I’ll see him at church later today.”
Please don’t tell him I asked. I plead with my eyes. It’s humiliating that I have to ask other people about my boyfriend’s whereabouts.
Jake returns and nods at Wrath, saving me from further embarrassing myself.
“I like your place, Margot,” Jake says. “Feels nice and homey, instead of…”
“Morbid and creepy?” I offer.
One corner of his mouth slowly slides up. “Well…I didn’t want to put it that way, but yeah.”
“Thank you.”
“We’ll let you get back to work,” Wrath says. “Do you mind if I go out the back door and make my way around?”
“Please, go ahead.” I walk them down the hallway, trying not to think of how many times Jigsaw’s come in this same way—and straight up to my apartment.
Not now.
“All right. See you at the service,” Wrath says.
Jake lifts a hand in farewell. “Nice meeting you, Margot. Hope the rest of your day’s less…intense.”
“Hope yours is less…morbid.”
His lip twitch with amusement. “If you ever want to take self-defense classes, come into Strike Back in downtown Johnsonville. I’ll take care of you.”
“Jaaake,” Wrath warns in a dry tone.
“What?” Jake spreads his hands wide. “I’ve taught almost all the club’s ol’ ladies. I don’t want to leave Margot out.”