Shane grabbed him in a hug. Michael rocked back a little from the impact, but he closed his eyes and hung on for a moment, then slapped Shanes back. And of course Shane slapped his back, too, and they stepped way apart. Manly. Claire rolled her eyes.
I thought you were dead, Shane said. His eyes looked suspiciously bright and wet. I saw you die, man.
I die all the time. It doesnt really take. Michael gave him a half smile that looked more grim than amused. I figured it was better to let your dad think hed taken me out. Maybe he wouldnt be so hard on the rest of you. His gaze swept over the bruises on Shanes face. Brilliant plan. Im sorry, man. Once I was dead, I couldnt do much until night came around again.
He said it so matter-of-factly that Claire felt a shiver. Do you rememberyou know, what they did to you?
Michael glanced at her. Yeah, he said. I remember.
Oh hell. Shane collapsed back on the sofa and put his head in his hands. God, man, Im sorry. Im so sorry.
Not your fault.
I called him.
You called him because it looked like we were all pulling an Alamo. You didnt know
I know my dad, Shane said grimly. Michael, I want you to know, I wasntI didnt come here to do his dirty work. Notnot after the first week or so.
Michael didnt answer him. Maybe there was no answer to that, Claire thought. She scooted closer to Shane and stroked his ragged, shoulder-length fine hair. Hey, she said. Its okay. Were all okay.
No, were not. Shanes voice was muffled by his hands. Were totally screwed. Right, Mike?
Pretty much, Michael sighed. Yeah.
The cops will find them, Eve said in an undertone to Claire as both girls stood in the kitchen making pasta. Pasta, apparently, was a new thing that Eve wanted to try. She frowned down at the package of spaghetti, then at the not-yet-bubbling pot of water. Shanes dad and his merry band of assholes, I mean.
Yeah, Claire agreed, not because she thought they would, but because, well, it seemed like the thing to say. Want me to warm up the sauce?