She nodded and glanced off in the distance before shifting her weight to turn away from him.
He stepped closer, willing her to stay. “I overheard what you said to your uncle. What did you mean when you said Braedon isn’t dead?”
Crossing her arms, she dropped her head back before nodding it forward and shaking it. “It doesn’t matter.”
“It does. Why don’t you think he’s being buried right now? Other than they never recovered his body.”
“Why? So you can tell me I’m delusional or selfish like my uncle did?”
“I have my reasons, but I want to know yours first,” he said.
Her eyes jumped back and forth as she searched his face. He didn’t know what she was looking for, but she must have found it. “You know we’re twins, right?”
He nodded.
“Braedon and I have always shared a connection. When we were babies, if one of us was sick, the other one threw up. It made doctor’s visits hell on our mom. We always knew when the other was hurt or hurting. I knew he was on that mission and I knew something was wrong.” She swiped her fingers under her eye, catching the tear before it could fall. “I know he’s not dead because I would feel it. Instead, I feel him. He’s not dead, but he’s not okay either. And no one will do anything about it because no one believes me. Everyone thinks I’m overcome with grief and in denial, so I’ve convinced myself he’s alive.”
Addison shook her head, pressing her lips together.
Devon took another step closer and touched her elbow. “I believe you.”
“Why?”
Up close, he could see the lighter flecks in her blue eyes. “The company I work for was contacted regarding one of the other men on the op and we came across information about your brother. I can’t share it with you here. Can you make it to Charleston next week?”
Two small lines formed between her brows. “South Carolina?”
“Yes.”
“I guess,” she said.
Releasing her elbow, he pulled out his wallet and took out a business card, handing it to her. “Here’s the address and my contact number. If you can be there Monday, I’ll set up a meeting with the head of the company at zero nine hundred. Does that work?”
She looked down at the card and back at him. “Yes.”
He nodded and returned his wallet to his back pocket. “I promise I’m not trying to be cryptic on purpose. I think it would be better for you to get all the information at once, and I was only told the basics on the drive up here yesterday.”
“Okay.”
“Would you like some company while you walk?” he asked.
“No, thank you. I need some time alone.”
“All right. Call if you need anything before Monday.” He shoved his hands in his pockets to keep them to himself instead of pulling her into his arms and telling her everything would be okay. He couldn’t make that promise just yet, and she probably wouldn’t appreciate the gesture from a complete stranger. He turned to leave, only getting a couple of steps.
“Devon?”
He turned back around, ignoring the pulse low in his groin at hearing her say his name. She still held his business card in both hands. “Yes?”
“Would you have told me about Braedon if you hadn’t overheard me?”
“The plan was to contact your parents. After hearing your uncle’s response, I thought it best to speak to you first.”
“Are you still going to speak to my parents?”
“I can, if you think that’s best.”
She shook her head. “No. I’ll—I don’t think telling them right now would accomplish anything.”
“I’ll leave that up to you,” he said.
“Thanks.” She turned and continued on the path toward the Tomb.
