“Hardly innocent. That asshole was still a murderer, just the wrong one. Hold your tears and your condolences for the fucker.”

Thank God. I hung my head in relief. Given the circumstances, I knew the only reason I was handling this so well was because I’d already been exposed to this “style of life” thanks to my brother and Carter.

Easton unknowingly paved the way for me to not panic-run at the first hint of Constantine’s closet full of skeletons.

I still might need another drink, though. “They catch the real killer?”

“From what I know, yeah. I’m unclear on the details surrounding that.”

Something told me I didn’t want to know, either. At least, not yet. I knew I could only handle so much in such a short period without freaking out. I wasn’t that cool. “You said Wyatt worked with Constantine a second time?”

“He did. I don’t know why. Gwen mentioned something in passing to me about the Costas last fall. That’s all I remember. But I get the distinct feeling Constantine’s baggage is like Carter’s.”

“Meaning?”

“His baggage comes with threats.”

“Colin’s in danger because of his own choices, but are you saying we could be in danger because of Constantine’s, too?” Maybe two more drinks are needed.

“Maybe. But no more than the danger you’re in by being associated with me.” He grimaced. “Not a reality I want to admit, but it’s true.” He held up his hand. “I’d never let anything happen to you.”

“I know.” I forced myself to stand.

“Just like I know Constantine will protect you and Colin.”

His surprising words of support pulled me right back down.

“Why don’t I come visit?”

I held the phone in front of my face. “No, you don’t need to do that. Constantine’s going to try to bring his family over on Monday. Colin wants to meet them.”

“Wow. Y’all really are moving fast.” He pushed away from his desk and stood, reaching for the phone. “Your birthday is next weekend. I’ll come then.”

My birthday is the last thing on my mind.

“You’re strong, don’t forget that,” he said, knowing exactly what I needed to hear. “You’ll get through this.”

I’ll try. “Thank you for being so understanding. You’re taking this ten times better than I thought you would.”

“I’ll always have your back, you know that. I want what’s best for you and Colin. And I’d never want to do anything that’d jeopardize Colin having his father in his life. I just can’t believe he’s the C we were looking for. He was kind of right here all along, and I just . . . feel bad I didn’t know.”