The sigh that escapes him is so deep, it feels as if it originates in his toes. “Nevertheless, you’re right, and I need someone who can help me. If someone finds out that Jen died and I have made no arrangements…” His voice trails off.
I hadn’t even thought of that, but yes… that could mean he’d have to fight to keep his son. “So what’d you have in mind?” When he fixes that ice-blue gaze on me, I hesitate to share my idea.
I open my mouth hesitantly. “Well…” I start. “It might sound a little strange…”
Kyler frowns. “Layne?”
“Norah doesn’t really have anywhere else to go,” I start, my voice low. “She and Brandon… they get along surprisingly well. The two of them and Rebel are playing some game at the apartment right now. She has no idea I’m even bringing this up—I haven’t talked to her about it yet—but I was thinking…” I inhale deeply and just say it. “If Norah lived with you, Brandon would always have someone around to look after him. She could help keep the place running—tidy up, maybe cook once in a while. And in return, she’d have a roof over her head, food, and somewhere safe. Somewhere steady. You’d get a bit of extra help, and she’d get a chance to breathe.” I press my lips together, eyes fixed on the table, heart pounding.
“Hmm,” Brooks says. That’s all I hear.
“It might be an option,” Kyler says.
“Probably the best option, since otherwise I’ll have to find someone I don’t know,” Brooks says.
I slowly look up from beneath my eyelashes, but I don’t dare say anything yet.
Brooks breaks the silence. “I think we should give it a try, Layne. Shall we agree that you’ll bring her to my house tomorrow? We should also see if we can get her some clothes.”
“What about the other girl?” Kyler asks.
“Isobel?”
“Yeah?” Kyler shrugs questioningly.
Brooks seems lost in thought, staring at something behind me.
“She lives in Granite Bay and went home this afternoon. She insisted, said she had some things to take care of. Colt drove her home.
“Okay, we’ll make sure Norah moves in with Brooks tomorrow. Are you taking Brandon home now? I can make sure I take him to school with Rebel tomorrow so you can get some rest—” Kyler glances briefly at Brooks.
“Fine. Great. See ya later.” Brooks stands abruptly.
I watch him go, feeling anxious. Just before he walks out the door, he turns back and says, “Thanks for babysitting, Laylay.”
Before I can answer, he’s gone.
“What does he have planned for tomorrow that requires him to relax?” I turn my attention to Kyler.
“I’ll tell you later when we’re in bed. Let’s go to Rebel and grab something to eat with her and Norah.”
“Ky?” He turns to me and puts his hands on my waist. “Are you sure it’s safe for her to go to school? I don’t want to…" I can’t finish my sentence. Instead, I just shake my head.
“Absolutely. I’ll fill you in on what happened today when we’re alone.”
Nodding, I follow him to his apartment. I have to trust him. The last time I didn’t…
Well, we all know what happened.
After putting on my pajama bottoms and a top, I crawl under the covers next to him.
Kyler turns on his side and puts his chin in his hand. “We got a letter today.”
I look up at him, my brow furrowed, but the moment his fingers brush my skin, a shiver runs down my spine, and I freeze. My gaze remains fixed on his face, though.
It’s just Kyler, Layne. Nothing to worry about.
“The letter came from Vanderberg. A hired driver will bring Jen’s body tomorrow. Norah was right when she said they kept her. He’s using her body and a promise to leave you and Rebel alone as a means of appeasement, a desperate attempt to buy his way out of trouble.”
