“I wasn’t one of the team who murdered your brother—but I’ve done things like that.” As she recoiled, he nodded. “I’ve gone into homes and killed people and left them where they landed. I’ve stalked men through forests and deserts and cities and oceans and I’ve taken them out. I’m not . . . I’m not an innocent, Grier. I’ve done the worst things one human can do to another—and I got paid for it. I’m tired of carrying all those deeds around with me in my head. I’m exhausted from the memories and the night-mares and the on-edge twitch. I thought running was the answer, but it’s really not, and I just can’t live with myself any longer. Not one more night. Besides, you’re a lawyer. You know the statutes for murder. This”—he dangled the Life Alert by its chain—“is the death sentence I deserve . . . and want.”

Her eyes stayed locked on his. “No . . . no, I know the way you’ve protected me. I don’t believe you’re capable of—”

Isaac whipped off the windbreaker and sweatshirt and turned around, flashing her the massive tattoo of the Grim Reaper that covered every inch of skin on his back.

At her gasp, he hung his head. “Look at the bottom. You see those marks? Those are my kills, Grier. Those are . . . how many brothers and fathers and sons I’ve put into graves. I am . . . not an innocent to be protected. I’m a murderer . . . who’s simply getting what’s coming to him.”

CHAPTER 28

CHAPTER 28

As Adrian reappeared in the back forty of the lawyer’s house, he once again took up res next to Eddie—who was doing an excellent imitation of an oak tree.

“You send the father off?” the other angel murmured.

“Yeah. I gave us enough time for Jim to get back here. He call yet?” Like, in the five minutes he’d been out front with Isaac.

“No.”

“Damn it.”

Frustrated at everything, Ad brushed at his arms, which were still steaming a little. Man, he hated smelling like vinegar—and gee, what do you know, the skirmish with Devina’s Disposable Posse had ruined yet another fucking leather jacket. Which pissed him off.

He’d really liked this one.

Giving up, he refocused on the back of the house. Jim’s superstrength spell was all ashimmer, the red glow sparkling in the night.

“Where the hell is Jim,” Eddie growled as he checked his watch.

“Maybe a fight will come find us again.” Ad forced himself to crack a smile. “Or I could go get us another girlie.”