“Whatever. Listen, I need to get back to my studies. Morris is just weird and there’s no law against that. Tell Willa to get over herself.”
The three men turned and walked back toward their vehicle. When they got inside, they looked back at the house and noticed that Nicole was no longer on the front porch.
“Was it just me or was that odd?” asked Irish. Gator shook his head.
“Not just you, brother.”
CHAPTER EIGHT
Seated around the auditorium, Ham, Jak, Gator, Frank, and the others asked about the various cases they were currently working. The one at the top of everyone’s mind was whatever was going on with Willa and her classmate.
“Overall, I think they all felt that Morris is just a weird guy but hadn’t reacted that way before. The one I thought was weird, was Nicole. She just seemed removed, disinterested,” said Gator.
“Maybe she and this dude, Morris, have or had something going on. Or maybe she’s hot for him,” said Ham.
“I didn’t get that vibe,” said Hoot. “Maybe it was all a fluke. Maybe he doesn’t like change or new people and when he saw the three of you he panicked.”
“Maybe,” frowned Finn. “I just got the vibe that he was pissed we were there.”
“We’re going to take Willa to her last exam this morning and wait for her, just to be certain nothing is going on. We’ll stay out of sight but be close enough to get to her if we need to,” said River.
Ham nodded at the three brothers and then looked at the rest of the men.
“Let’s see if we can find this guy. I don’t like that we haven’t found photos to verify his identity, a physical address or even a cell phone number. It’s giving me the creeps.”
When the guys pulled up to Willa’s building on campus, Finn jumped out and gave her a hug and kiss.
“We’ll be right here for you when class is done,” he said smiling at her.
“Thanks, Finn. I feel silly about this but I just know something is off with Morris, or maybe with me,” she grinned.
“Nothing is off with you. You’re trusting your gut which is exactly what we tell everyone to do. Tonight, it’s you and me and a celebratory dinner alone.”
“I’d like that,” she said smiling up at him. “I love you, Finn.”
“Love you, too,” he said kissing her once more.
He waited, watching to ensure she got into the building and was safely inside. When he turned to his brothers, he noticed them frowning, nodding toward the somber figure of Morris coming toward the building.
Finn got into the SUV quickly as they watched him.
“Do you think he saw us?” asked Finn.
“No way. The guy was looking down the entire time. No phone. No book, nothing. Just staring at his feet frowning like it was the end of the world.”
“Man, I do not like this at all,” said Finn.
“You don’t like it because it involves the woman you love. But in fairness, I don’t like it either,” said Quinn.
“How long is this exam?” asked River.
“Two fucking hours,” frowned Finn.
“I’ll go grab us some coffee.”
He stepped out of the SUV and walked across the street to the student union. There were upscale coffee shops, a cafeteria, three different fast-food restaurants and more snacks than he’d ever seen. Ordering the three coffees he took all three black, walking back across the street with his brothers.
“What now?” asked Quinn. Finn looked at his brothers, taking a sip of the hot, strong coffee.
