“So,” I say. “Paxton’s anniversary party. You’re ready to parade Genevieve in front of everyone now that your dad snapped his fingers?”
“Do I have a choice?” He scrubs a hand down his face. “People are ‘drawing conclusions.’”
“People are nosy.”
“People vote. And my dad never lets me forget it.”
“Speaking of Genevieve.”
Art groans. “What is with you two bringing each other up every chance you get?”
My heart kicks.
“Your girlfriend’s been asking about me?”
“Do you have a point here?”
“Yeah, why the fuck are you letting her go down to the Lye by herself after that guy in the bar the other night?”
“What guy?”
“The guy at the tavern the other night, who was definitely watching Genevieve.”
Art’s face goes pale. “What do you mean, watching her?”
“I mean staring, clocking her.” I cross my arms. “She didn’t tell you?”
Art’s quiet for a long moment before he exhales, dragging a hand down his face. “Fuck.”
“You know who he is?”
“I don’t know who he is specifically,” he says. “But I might know why he’s there.”
My stomach drops. “Why?”
“Her dad.” Art starts pacing, his hands shaking. “I told you he was in trouble.”
“Yeah, so?”
“Benny says the Feds are sniffing around Boston.”
A flare sparks behind my ribs. “About Myrddin and Badon Hill?”
He shrugs.
“Why would Benny know what’s going on?”
“He was Freddy’s favorite, and has a direct line to Myrddin, so I don’t know why he wouldn’t. But, Lance… This could be a good thing. If the Feds find out, they can take it all down.”
“If the Feds find out, they’ll drag me down with them.” My stomach sinks. “What’s this have to do with Genevieve’s dad?”
“Well… Benny thinks that maybe she’s being watched to make sure Leo doesn’t flip.”
“Why would he do that?”
“I don’t know, man, but I should never have brought her here. I don’t want her to get fucked because of her dad’s choices…or because ofmine. I love her, Lance.”
His voice cracks.