Dear Kelly,
I’m finally doing it. I’m taking your advice and leaving town. That totally accidental fire last night made me realize that life is too short to spend it doing things I don’t want to do, which includes working and living with people I don’t like (Mom, not you).
I met someone and he’s really special. Making me happy is what makes him happy, and I think he could be the one.
I’m going to tell Mom face-to-face, and I’ll give her this letter to give to you. I’d tell you not to worry, but we both know you will no matter what.
You might not hear from me for a while, and I can’t tell you where I’m going. I have my reasons, and they’re as much to protect you as me. I promise I’ll explain later. I want you to know that I love you and I’m so glad you’re my big brother.
Please, go have some fun. If you’re not careful you’re going to end up living for your job. Take Nicky along for the ride. He always makes you loosen up a bit.
Oh, and confession time: I’m glad you and Bridezilla divorced. I never liked her. She reminded me too much of Mom. Find someone who drives you crazy in a good way.
Love,
Beth
Nick clearedhis throat and handed the letter back to Kellen. “Guess she wanted you to know all along.”
“I guess so,” Kellen said.
“Are you going to visit her?” Riley asked.
“Maybe. But I’m sure as hell not going to be on camera.” He shook his head ruefully. “A reality TV show. My mother is going to hate that.” The corners of his mouth turned up. “Think I’ll go back inside and get some cake.”
They watched him go back inside. Well, Riley watched him. Nick inspected the hole in the porch roof from one of Mrs. Penny’s bullets.
“That explains the dossier on the mob boss’s ex-wife,” she said. “It was like a vision board for Sesame.”
Nick slung an arm around her shoulders. “I guess we’re supposed to call her Beth again now.”
“She’s going to make a great celebrity,” Riley mused. “I wonder what storyline she’ll go with about the warehouse fire?”
“What do you mean?”
Riley glanced at the open front door to make sure Kellen wasn’t within earshot. “Christian told me how he and Beth are connected.”
Nick slapped a hand on the porch railing. “Iknewhe knew something! I can’t believe that fucker never cracked.”
“Beth was the one who started the fire. It seems she got mad when he threatened Tommy, so she burned down his headquarters and told him if he went to the cops, she’d burn down his grandma’s house.”
“That guy loves his grandma,” Nick said.
“Hey! We found a stash of champagne in the fridge,” Blossom said, poking her head out the front door. She was holding two bottles. “You want some?”
“It’s my birthday,” Nick said. “I want champagne and cake for breakfast.”
They followed Blossom inside.
“Who else wants champagne with their cake?” Wander asked, lining up cups.
Hands went up everywhere.
“Looks like everyone,” Roger said.
“None for me,” Josie said. Her expression was unreadable, but Riley got a little nudge from the beyond. The smirk on Brian’s face confirmed it.
“No!” Riley said, then clamped her hand over her mouth.
