Page 62 of Uncrowned
“What’s good here?”
He did look up then. A smile began to appear but disappeared almost just as fast. He seemed to rethink something before he twisted his mouth.
“Steak.”
“I’ll have one of those then.”
“Sides?”
“I’m not picky.”
He nodded, picking up his phone.
I turned to the books, running my finger along leather spines. None of the titles were familiar, nor did any sound appealing. It wasn’t until I was three shelves down that I smiled, pulling the book free.
“You have Little Women.”
“What?”
Redmond’s neck craned as he looked towards me, holding up the book.
“Little Women.”
His head shook, confused.
“I didn’t put that there. Must have been Vaughn’s father. Maybe it’s his mother’s. Most of these belong to his line.”
My lips separated, and I looked down to the book I was holding.
“This is his father’s room, then?”
“Not anymore. His father was murdered when Vaughn was six.”
“Oh.” My voice was so soft that I barely heard it. “What about his mother? Is she still alive?”
Silence. A good minute passed before Redmond looked up.
“It is not my place to tell you anything. If Vaughn wants you to know, you’ll know.”
My shoulders sagged, but I couldn’t stop myself. “Please. I won’t say anything. I’m just curious.”
“And I’m already almost dead. No way.”
“I won’t ask any more questions, and I’ll leave you alone for the rest of the time. I promise. Can you at least tell me if his mother is alive?”
“No.”
“No, you can’t, or no, she’s not alive?”
He threw me a hard look, placing his forearms on the desk.
“Come on. Please. I’m trying so hard to understand. I want to be able to… accept this—accept him. It’s just all such a mystery. I’ve known Vaughn for months now. Time is not helping me adjust.”
“How about this? No to both. There. No.”
I smiled but felt it melt. “So, she’s dead, too.” Sadness had me looking down at the book. “Poor Vaughn. Was it before or after—”
“Absolutely not. That’s a story you won’t get from me. That comes from Vaughn. I can’t believe I thought you might actually be quiet.”
