Ash had told me about his chat with Fiona outside Drift, and I was in no mood to speak to her. When she got talking, she barely knew when to stop.

“Hey,” Fiona said. “Sorry I haven’t been to see you. How are you and Ash?”

“We’re okay,” I said, hoping she’d leave it at that. When she raised an expectant eyebrow and smiled, I gave her as succinct an overview as possible about the last few days.

“I only just found out about Keenan causing trouble at your house,” she said. “He’s been on a hunting trip this past week.”

I let out a grunt. “That’s why he hasn’t been around. I’d hoped he’d come to his senses. Wishful thinking, I suppose.”

“Yeah, well, he told me about how he laid into Ash.” She rolled her eyes, pushed her hair out of her face. “Christ, my brother can be such a hotheaded dipshit, particularly when he’s been enjoying his beer. What a prick.”

“No argument there.”

“The cops know Ash’s back,” Fiona said, and I shrugged. “No, it wasn’t a question. I know Keenan told Ricky, hoping he’d do something now that he’s been promoted, but you and I both know none of the officers ever bought into my brother’s ramblings, including Ricky.”

I blinked. “Still no news from Celine?”

She sighed, her breath escaping in a slow and steady stream. “No. Quite honestly I don’t think we’ll get any. I can’t see why Celine would ever forgive us. I know my dad beat us, too, but she was the youngest, and she took the brunt of it. It was our duty to help her, and we failed.”

“It wasn’t your fault. Anyway, I should—”

“I disagree, and we both feel responsible. Between us, I believe that’s Keenan’s real problem. He feels guilty and needs someone to blame because he can’t cope with the truth.”

“Maybe you can remind him it’s not Ash’s fault,” I muttered, and her face fell.

“I do, Maya, on a regular basis, I promise.” She smiled tightly. “I’d better get back to the motel. I went to tidy Dad’s grave because it’s his birthday. I’d like to say God rest his soul, although I’m not sure he had one, but I’m glad I ran into you. Don’t be a stranger, okay? Stop by sometime. And bring Ash.”