“What’s going on?”
“I wanted to ask you something. A favor, if you’re willing.”
His vibe was off. Cord always carried himself with confidence. Sometimes too much, teetering on the side of cocky. She wasn’t getting that from him right now. He seemed nervous and slightly unsure. She wondered what kind of favor she could provide, but she was open to hearing him out.
“Okay.”
He drew in a breath, releasing it slowly. “Jonah tell you about our parents and Sawyer?”
Oh shit.This caught her completely by surprise. It was the last topic she expected, especially from Cord. Jonah had given her a vague explanation of what had happened. They’d been in a car accident that left three children orphaned, with Jonah taking over guardianship. Roxanne was careful when asking questions. It was a sensitive topic, and she had the impression Jonah wasn’t ready to open up further. Aside from their first date, he hadn’t mentioned them again. She wouldn’t pry, especially with something so delicate.
“He did.” She inhaled a breath. “I’m really sorry, Cord.”
He jerked his chin and averted his eyes across the yard. There was a short stretch of silence. Roxanne made no move to leave. Dealing with loss came in different forms. There wasnever one specific way it was handled. Even with her own experience, she was at a loss in consoling him.
“They never found the guy,” he muttered, cupping his jaw, still not making eye contact.
What guy? Jonah hadn’t shared much but from his description, it was a one-car accident. An uneasy wave of dread washed over her.
“I mean, there’s no solid proof, but he was named as a person of interest. That’s gotta mean something, right? Twelve years and this guy is still out there with no one looking for him?” He looked up at Roxanne, and she swallowed the knot in her throat.
There were obvious details she wasn’t privy to. Parts of the story that Jonah hadn’t disclosed. He’d made it sound like it was a tragic accident. Why would someone be named a person of interest?
Cord grasped his hips and bowed his head, concealing his face. This was a side of him she’d never seen. Grief-stricken, with an element of anger.
“I think he got away with it.” Cord’s voice shook. “Then just fucking took off.”
Roxanne was at a complete loss in how to handle this situation. The last thing she wanted to do was say something that’d make him more upset. But she couldn’t just say nothing with him opening up to her.
“I was thinking maybe your brothers could look into him. Try and find something.” His voice strained. “Anything.”
Roxanne licked her lips, treading lightly. “What about the police?”
He scoffed, shaking his head. “It’s not an open case so they aren’t gonna be any help. But you could be if you do me this favor.”
She widened her eyes, placing her hand over her heart. “Cord, I don’t know if …”
“Can’t you just ask your brothers? The guy’s name is Rueben Pryor.”
That was the last thing she expected, and her expression must’ve shown it.
“That’s what they do, right? Find people?”
She shrugged, unsure how to answer. On one hand, he was right. As bounty hunters, among other outside entities, they found people. But this was an unusual request, especially going through her. She’d been out of the family business for quite some time. Long enough so that business was no longer discussed in front of her.
“Have you talked to Jonah about this?”
Cord snorted, and his face shaded to red. “Tried, but he keeps blowing me off. I don’t get how he isn’t on board with me. It’s like he doesn’t give a shit.”
Roxanne immediately shook her head. “I’m sure he cares just as much as you do.”
“Then why did he shut me down when I brought it up? I suggested we reach out to your brothers ‘cause they’re friends and he won’t even do that.”
Roxanne found herself in a difficult position. She had no place coming between the brothers, especially under these circumstances. Having this discussion with Cord felt like a betrayal to Jonah.
“Cord.” She sighed.
“If you can’t talk to your brothers, can you at least talk to Jonah about it? He’ll listen to you.” He paused. “Please, Rox.”
