Chapter 19 · Dad's Gun

Grimm's standing at the exit with his pistol aimed at Ghost's head.

I'm still on my knees. Blood all over my hands—mine and hers. The bond's humming under my ribs like a second heartbeat, alive and sharp. Ghost is breathing. Shallow, but steady. I did that. I kept her here.

And Dad wants to undo it.

"Move aside, Rona."

His voice is flat. The kind of flat that means he's already decided.

I don't move.

"Dad."

"Now."

Dax is behind him, shoulder against the doorframe, arms crossed. He's got this look on his face—smug and tired at the same time. Like he knew this was coming and he's just waiting for me to fold.

"She knows about Mom," I say. My voice cracks. I hate that it cracks. "She was there. She—"

"She's a bounty," Grimm cuts in. "That's all she is."

Ghost laughs. It's a wet, ugly sound. She's propped against the wall now, one hand pressed to the bandage I jury-rigged over her side. Her face is pale, but her eyes are sharp.

"That all I am, Grimm?" she rasps. "You used to call me Winn. Remember? Back when your wife was still breathing."

Grimm's jaw tightens.