Chapter 106

“If I wasn’t involved with your son, I’d ask you to marry me.”

“No, you won’t.” Gregor shouldered him out of the way. “I had to wait thirty-eight years for her, and no one is taking her away from me now.” He took Mother’s hand and ran gentle fingertips over her palm.

“Jesus, Novotny—” Mark shook his head. He glanced at me, and the line of his lips tightened. “You’re gonna need a compress for that cheek.” He hobbled to the dresser where a stack of towels and washcloths were placed, next to the balloons I’d brought DB, the flowers from Mother and Gregor, the red roses from Lyn and Syd, and the remains of the fruit basket from Operational Targeting. His own department had sent a gift basket of Godiva chocolates.

“You… you…!” DB’s mother cradled her cheek. She couldn’t seem to get the words out.

Mother turned to DB. “I apologize, David,” she said, “but no one strikes Quinton.”

He winced. “Please don’t call me David. No apology is necessary, Portia. Mom… what the actual fuck?”