by Eden Summers
I hold in a laugh and lean forward, looking into the glass to find tiny white bubbles in the sea of orange.
The little shit corrupted my lunch and spat in my OJ. “I guess I’ll hold out for dinner.”
He nods and turns for the door.
“Hold up, Toby. I’m not finished with you yet.”
He freezes, like a criminal caught in the act.
“Penny mentioned you recognized Benji’s voice.” I lean back against the bedhead. Calm. Casual. “Have you been able to remember any conversations you might have overheard?”
He glances over his shoulder at me, fear clear in his eyes. “She told you?”
“She trusts me, and you can, too. I want to make sure you both feel safe here.”
He swivels slowly, returning to face me. “But he’s your brother.”
“He is.” I incline my head. “Does that worry you?”
“Baba always said a man should never turn his back on family.”
Luther may have said it. Didn’t mean that fucker lived by it. He continuously threw his children under the bus. “I agree with the sentiment, but that doesn’t mean family don’t get punished for doing the wrong thing. If you think Benji is involved in something he shouldn’t be, I need to know, okay? And I need you to tell me first so I can protect everyone. You and Penny most of all.”
His eyes narrow, almost imperceptibly.
Fuck. I pushed too far.
He shakes his head. “I don’t remember anything.”
And I don’t believe him. Not when his discomfort is increasing.
“That’s okay.” I give a half-hearted smile. “I just want you to know I’ll protect you no matter what happens. I’ve got your back.”
He nods, but there’s no belief. He’s entirely untrusting.
“Okay, kiddo. You can go play. If you find Penny can you tell her I’d like to see her?”
“She’s not allowed. Torian said she has to leave you to work in peace.”
“Right.” Now Tobias’ visit makes more sense. “That sounds like something he would say. Can you give her a message for me instead?”
He nods.
“Tell her I miss her, and that I’m working as fast as I can to get back to her.”
It’s sappy as fuck, but it’s for the kid’s benefit. I’ll earn his trust through Penny, no matter the cost.
He smiles, nods again, and dashes for the hall, leaving the door open to allow the mumble of distant chatter to enter the room.
I wait a while, attempting to decipher the garbled conversation as I picture Penny out there, surrounded by people she doubts. Her discomfort encourages me to get back on the phone in search of answers. My paranoia over Benji keeps me working for hours without so much as a snack break.
I reach out to people who know people, who know more people. I try to get my hands on Abi’s preliminary coroner’s report, along with more surveillance images from the businesses surrounding the gas station.
I dial my brother’s number over and over again, leaving innumerable messages, sending additional texts.
The more he ignores me, the more my gut protests.
I’m almost convinced he’s fucked up again. That he’s dragging me into a mess bigger than ever before.
I thought he’d settled down after becoming a husband. A father. He made me believe this new life with a crime-riddled family had been the right decision. That these circumstances weren’t the best, but at least he was.
I’ve seen it with my own eyes. I’ve noticed the positive change.
He rarely drinks anymore. He has a purpose.
Problem is, all the positive changes don’t mean dick if he’s stuck in old habits. If anything, Benji’s good fortune could be more reason for him to fuck up. He doesn’t know how to be happy. It’s a foreign concept. Self-sabotage may be the only routine he knows.
I fucking stew on those thoughts as I work. All I get in return for my hard hours are a few snapshots of a green sedan I think Robert was in. No plates. No make or model. And then there’s the vague promise that the coroner’s report might come through if my contact at the hospital can pull a few strings.
I don’t drag my ass from the bedroom until after sundown when my stomach can’t take the lack of food any longer.
Penny’s the first to see me walk into the living area. She pushes up from the sofa, relief brightening her expression as she walks up to me, her hand reaching for mine. “Any luck?”
There’s a wealth of hope in her eyes. So much fucking dependence, too.
I’ve let her down. All I have is confirmation of Robert’s existence from a kid she’d resent me for involving. “I’m still working on it. Has anyone heard news on Benji? I thought he’d be back by now.”
“No.” She sinks into my chest, her face nuzzling my neck as if she was born to mold against me. “Nobody has told me anything.”
At least Tobias didn’t spill his guts. That’s a bonus.
“Luca,” she whispers against my throat, “What happens if I recognize him?”
I fight against the need to tense. “Recognize him from where?”
“Greece. Or from here.”
Icy dread slithers through me. She means from being a rapist. From being part of the sex-trafficking operation.
“What if he was one of the men who helped lure me away?” she asks.
My brain regains its agonizing throb. The thump, thump, thump of my pulse is incessant against my temples. “Is that what you’ve been thinking about all day?”
“Not all day.” She pulls back to meet my gaze. “It’s just that Layla spoke highly of him. As a father and a husband. But I can’t stop questioning him. I keep thinking—what if? And then it gets worse because I start thinking I’m going to lose you, too.”
“I’m not going anywhere. I love my brother, Pen. I’d do anything for him. But if he’s capable of doing the things you’re talking about then he’s not the brother I know. He’s not my blood at all.”
Hollowness gnaws at me. Not because I’m lying. Because it’s the God’s honest truth.
I’d disown him for that betrayal.
Fucking kill him.
The other guys return to the house for dinner soon after. The mass of people scatter around the living room, some at the dining table, the kids on stools at the kitchen counter, while a young female nanny keeps watch. Hunt and Sarah are on the sofa. Penny remains by my side while Decker glares at me from his standing position in front of the sink.
That fucker wants to hit me again. Or worse. Definitely worse.
“Has anyone heard from Benji?” I shove a wedge of pizza in my mouth and pretend I’m not fully invested in the answer.
“Not today.” Layla sips from a wine glass. “He probably didn’t charge his cell again.”
“He’s got sketchy reception,” Torian offers around a mouth full of food. “I’m sure he’ll be here soon.”
The two hours that pass prove him wrong.
I help clean up after dinner and watch the nanny wrangle the kids to bathe, then later, put them to bed. The whole time my patience keeps levelling up. I’m left to dig through surveillance recordings on the sofa while Hunt and Decker head out to talk to more people, and Torian retires to his office. Penny doesn’t leave my side, the twitch of her fingers becoming more fidgety as she pretends to watch whatever movie plays on the big-screen TV.
“Why don’t you have a shower and get some rest?” I take a break from staring at the computer screen and run my hand through her hair. “I’ll wake you when he gets here.”
“I wouldn’t be able to sleep anyway.”
She still thinks a monster is going to walk through the door in the form of my brother. The more time that passes makes me believe it, too.
One by one, Sarah, Layla, and Keira retire to bed, leaving the two of us alone in the silent house.
I keep failing to get in contact with Benji and start praying he was in a minor car accident, for his sake, because unless he’s physically
incapable of dialing my number, I’ll break his face for not returning my calls.
It’s past eleven when Torian walks back into the living room, his cell in his hand, his hair mussed as if he’s dragged his hands through it a million times. “He’s here.” He jerks his chin toward the front of the house. “I just let him through the gate.”
Penny straightens from her leaned position against my shoulder, her eyes blinking away exhaustion.
“About fucking time.” I close my Mac and place it beside me on the sofa. “Where was he driving from, Mexico?”
“Ask him yourself. I already told you I don’t know where he’s been.” Torian continues to stare at his phone as he stalks away. “But give him my regards. Some business has come up that I’m going to have to deal with. I’ll be in my office if anyone needs me.”
Penny pushes to her feet in a flourish, her tired face turning pale.
“It’s going to be okay.” I reach for her, pulling her between my legs. “You trust me, right?”
She doesn’t respond. Doesn’t even act as if I’ve spoken.
“Penny?” I shove from the sofa to stand against her, dragging my hand over her hip. “You trust me.” This time it’s a statement. She does trust me. We both know it. I just need her to remember. “Whatever happens, I’ll take care of you.”
Her breathing labors. Her fingers fidget at her sides. When the front door opens and footsteps approach, she turns rigid under my touch.
“Breathe,” I whisper. “Just breathe.”
She nods, her attention on the entry to the hall behind me.
I don’t turn to watch my brother walk in. I keep my eagle eyes on her. Scrutinizing. If she knows him, I want to see it for myself. I need to catch the first sign of panic so I can react accordingly.
“Hey, Luc,” Benji greets. “Long time no see.”
Her stiffness doesn’t dissipate. She doesn’t flinch as he approaches, neither confirming nor denying her fears.
She gives me nothing to go on. No hints. No leads.
Fuck.
“Hey yourself, big brother.” I give her a reassuring smile and turn to the man who’s a little shorter and leaner than me, despite his older age. “I’ve been calling.”
“No shit.” He continues toward me, dumping his suitcase at my feet before grabbing me in a bear hug. “I thought you’d get the hint I wasn’t in the mood to talk.”
“And I thought you’d get the hint it was important. You should’ve answered.”
“Well, I’m here now.” He retreats, his attention shifting to Penny as his arms fall to his sides. “You must be the woman I’ve heard so much about. You’re Decker’s sister, right?”
“Penny.” I reach for her, dragging her into my side to place a protective arm around her waist. There’s still no change in her expression. No clues. “Shorty, this is my brother, Benji.”
She doesn’t move. Doesn’t speak. The only change in her appearance is the slight raise to her chin.
I can’t tell what she’s thinking. Not when she’s back in warrior mode. Everything is tightly bottled, her thoughts barricaded from view.
“The others told me about you,” Benji continues. “You sound like quite a woman.”
“Your wife told me all about you, too.” Penny clears her throat, adding strength to her tone. “But I already recognized your voice.”
The hairs on the back of my neck raise. Every nerve is on edge.
“I’ve heard you before.” Her tone is level, no hint of emotion. “Many times.”
Benji’s brows tighten as he shoots me a look. “What’s she talkin’ about?”
Now that’s an expression I can work with. He’s defensive.
“She overheard conversations between you and Luther while she was in Greece.” I rub my thumb along her side in a vain offer of support. “Turns out you spoke to your father-in-law more often than most.”
He nods. “Yeah. He was always dialing my number. What did you overhear?”
She stands taller, taking a few seconds before she says, “I don’t remember specifics. Not yet, anyway.”
“Lucky you.” Benji huffs out a laugh. “I remember vividly. How does that saying go? You can pick your wife, but you can’t choose your in-laws.”
“Yeah, it’s something like that.” I slide my hand from Penny’s waist and grab her hand instead. I need a sign to point me in the right direction when it comes to her emotions. I’ve got no fucking idea if I should be relaxing or preparing for war.
“Did you ever travel to Greece?” she asks.
“No.” He scoffs. “Fuck no. I was smart enough to keep my distance. Luther only used me to keep tabs on his daughters. Apart from that, he kept contact to a minimum.”
“But you two spoke a lot,” she counters. “I remember—”
“You remember what?” Benji’s tone thickens with warning. “Is this an interrogation? Because if it is, I’m too fucking tired to deal right now.” He grabs his suitcase handle, the veins at his temples pulsing.
“It’s not an interrogation.” I raise a hand in placation. “Let’s just chill and bench this conversation until tomorrow.”
“Fuck tomorrow and fuck this conversation.” He glares at me. “I don’t need to put up with this shit.”
“I didn’t mean to sound accusatory.” Penny backtracks, moving out of reach. “I just…”
There’s a pause of awkward-as-fuck silence while Benji holds my gaze, his eyes remaining narrowed for long seconds before he huffs out a breath.
“Forget it. Times are tough,” he mutters. “We’re all dealing with shit we don’t need. And by the look of the swelling on Luca’s face, he’s handling more than most.” His shoulders loosen slightly while he clings to the suitcase. “Did you get in a fight?”
“Decker took a cheap shot.”
He huffs a laugh. “What about my girls? How are they? It feels like forever since I’ve seen them.”
“Both are good. They went to bed a while ago.” I hike a thumb to the far hall. “They’re down that way somewhere. I don’t know which room.”
“Speaking of bed…” Penny gives a fake smile. “I’ll leave you two to talk in private.”
“You don’t need to go.” I grab her wrist before she can walk away and she gasps on impact. “Are you okay?”
She chuckles. Again, it’s fake. “I’m fine. You surprised me, that’s all.”
“You sure?” I lean in to whisper in her ear, “You’re not thinking of running, are you?”
“No. I learned my lesson last time.”
I keep watching her, looking for a tell as I release her wrist. “I’ll follow you soon.”
She inclines her head and places a kiss on my cheek. “Good night.”
“Night.” I keep quiet as she pads to the hall, all the while wishing I was alongside her. I want to know what she’s thinking. What she’s feeling. Specifically about my brother.
“So, tell me why you didn’t return my calls, Benj.” It’s time to drop the shit. Like he said, we’re both too tired for this. “You’ve been ghosting me for weeks.”
“I’ve been ghosting everyone for weeks. If you’re not aware, I’ve been stuck looking after crazy-ass women, twenty-four-seven. You’ve got no idea how fucked up they are. Lucid one minute. Psychotic the next. It was PMS on acid. I’m surprised only one of them took the easy way out.”
“Don’t joke about that,” I grate. “Don’t ever joke about Abi in front of me again.”
He laughs off my aggression. “Chill, Luc. I’m just saying they’re messed up. That’s all.”
“You also told me they were doing good.”
“Jesus Christ, that was a relative term. What’s gotten into you? And not that I should have to mention it, but you judging me for the way I handle those women is fucking rich when you’ve got your hands all over one of the damaged.”
One of the damaged?
I step back, because if I don’t, I’ll launch right through him, my headache be damn
ed. “Did you really just say that?” I clench my fists, tighter and tighter, trying to squeeze away the need to strike.
“Are you kidding?” He focuses on my hands and scoffs. “You’re going to hit me?”
I want to. What I wouldn’t give to lay him flat for running his mouth. “Tell me why you were dodging my calls,” I snarl. “Tell me what the fuck is going on with you.”
He steps closer, getting in my face. “I already did. I had a lot of shit going on. Excuse me for not wanting my judgmental brother breathing down my neck after that woman decided to slash her wrists on my watch.”
“Bullshit.” He’s lying. I don’t know why. But that feeling Penny was talking about has taken over my gut. It’s in my fucking head, poking, poking, poking me to dig deeper.
“Don’t look at me that way,” he seethes. “I bet you haven’t spared a thought as to what I’m going through. Have you wondered what it’s like knowing your innocent daughter has spent hours alone with a rapist? A fucking pedophile? Do you have any idea what it’s like to try to console a wife whose father is a monster? To have to contemplate telling your daughter why all the photos of her grandfather are being removed from the house? Have you got any idea, Luc?”
No, I don’t.
But cluelessness doesn’t stop my anger toward his newfound attitude.
“You’re only proving my point.” I release my fists and spread my fingers, forcing myself out of the aggressive stance. “You always lay your problems on the line with me. Why have I been kept in the dark?”
“Maybe I quit wanting you to fight my battles. It’s about time I grew up.”
“You grew up earlier than any kid I know. You had to. We both did.”
“Don’t start that shit. Not everything is about our childhood.”
“Isn’t it?” I lean against the side of the sofa, feigning calm despite my throbbing pulse. “That’s why we’re here, isn’t it? Why you chose to drag us down this path instead of a normal life.”
He scoffs out a hate-filled laugh. “I never asked you to follow, Luc. It was your decision to be here.” He retreats, dragging his suitcase toward the far hall. “Thanks for the warm welcome, though. It’s always good to know you’ve got my back.”