Page 100

Chapter 22

Theo Heron

Pepper leaves Heritage Hall with Jessamine Vines on her mind. I can see it in the way she holds herself, chin lifted, notebook clutched tightly against her chest. She looks steadier than she did walking in, but not lighter. History has weight. So does proof.

Outside, festival noise spills across the sidewalk while I stand beside the woman I want and think about the mark under my own dock.

Ezra’s text sits open on Pepper’s phone.

I don’t think the house was near the route by accident.

The words keep digging in. Home was supposed to be the one place I made safe.

Pepper touches my wrist. “Sweet Tooth?”

I look down at her.

“For Ezra,” she says. “He asked for coffee. And he deserves a treat.”

“He deserves more than coffee.”

Her expression softens. “Then let’s start with coffee.”

I nod because she’s right, and because if I say anything else, every fear in my body will crawl out through my mouth.

We make it three steps before Wes Osprey says my name. He waits near the side of the museum, one shoulder against the brick, arms crossed, expression unreadable. Roman isn’t with him. I’m guessing that means this isn’t a friendly check-in.

Pepper feels me stop.

Wes looks at her first. “Scarlet and Honey are at Sweet Tooth. You’ll be in sight from here until the corner.”

I don’t like that he knows I need that sentence.

Pepper looks between us. “I can wait.”

“No,” I say.

Her brows lift.

I force my hand open at my side. “Get Ezra’s coffee.”

She studies me for a second, then rises on her toes and kisses my cheek. It is gentle, public, and more trust than I deserve. “I’ll be across the street.”

“I’ll watch until you’re inside.”

“I figured.” She squeezes my hand before walking away.

I track her past the tourists, past the flower cart, past the bakery window painted with tiny hearts and lilies. Scarlet meets her at the door. Honey’s bright hair appears behind them. Pepper turns once and gives me a small wave.

Only then do I face Wes.

He doesn’t waste time. “How much of the Saints route network overlaps with what you’re finding?”

My stomach drops. “I don’t know.”

“That the full answer?”

“It’s the honest one.”