"Honestly? I'm not sure." He shrugs. "All I know is it's getting worsenotknowing than I think it will be to know."
"Even if there's nothing you can do about it?"
Justice can soothe a lot of hurts, but in this case, justice might not be possible. It's been too many years. Depending on what happened, there might not be any way to hold the person responsiblefor her death accountable. And in the end, nothing will bring his mother—my aunt—back.
After a few seconds, Walker gives me a nod. "Even if."
I know this has been hanging over his head for decades, and I can imagine what it would be like not to know who was responsible for the car accident that killed your mother. I hope finding out can bring him the peace he's been chasing.
"I will do everything I can to find out what happened." I pass off his coffee. "Are there any rules? Or can I do whatever needs to be done?"
I’ve spent a lot of time alone over the years. While it probably wasn't the most healthy thing, it did make it possible for me to become very good at what I do. And what I do can occasionally be very morally gray.
Walker lifts his cup, letting it hover in front of his mouth. "Do whatever it takes."
"Consider it done." I select a cup for myself, setting the machine to run a second time. "I'll touch base with you next week and let you know where I'm at."
I don't know how long it will take me to track down the truth. Especially the truth from a time where cameras on every corner wasn't the norm. It's possible this could take me months—possibly years—but I hope not. Because I have some life changes of my own to juggle over the coming months. And one of them chooses this moment to wander into the kitchen.
My assumption that Mariah might be taking a nap wasn't far off. She looks like she needs to be asleep, with heavy lids and a slightly pale complexion. Not quite like she's about to pass out on me, but it's clear she's not feeling her best.
I abandon my drink. "Tea?"
She nods, giving me a weak smile. "Tea sounds good."
I haven't found anything that calms her stomach better than ginger tea, so I fill the kettle and switch it on, preparing her mug as the water heats. Once it's ready, I pour it over the bag so it can steep.
"Why don't you go lie on the couch?" I gently turn her. "I'll bring this over when it's ready."
She gives Walker a little wave, then rounds the corner into the great room. The way my kitchen is situated, I can't see her, but Walker can. He watches her go, gaze lingering before turning back to me and angling a brow in question.
I'm sure he can tell something's going on. And I'm not necessarily trying to hide anything anymore. But I don't want any pressure put on Mariah. Not from me, and sure as hell not from my family.
When her drink is ready, I grab a sleeve of her favorite crackers, setting them on a tray before adding the tea and carrying it out to her. Setting it on the coffee table, I kneel down beside her, smoothing the hair from her face. "Drink your tea, eat a few crackers, and then take a nap. You'll feel better when you wake up." She always does, and hopefully today will be no exception. I know she's worried about her appointment tomorrow. But it can't come fast enough for me.
I need to make sure she's okay. Confirm there's not some underlying reason she's been so sick and lightheaded.
"Okay." Her voice is soft. "Is Walker okay?"
"As good as he can be." I keep it simple for now, but I doubt I'll keep Walker's past from Mariah. Honestly, I doubt I'll keep anything from her. She's the first person I've genuinely wanted to talk to in years, and once I started, it's been impossible to stop.
Obviously, based on the number of notes I stacked onto empty meal trays.
Without thinking, I lean down to press a kiss to her forehead, freezing as the weight of eyes watching me registers.
So much for shielding Mariah from my family's nosiness.
Straightening, I meet Walker's gaze, surprised to find there's no question in it this time. Instead I’m met with a knowing smirk.
I rejoin him in the kitchen, taking a sip of my coffee while we stare at each other in silence. If he's expecting me to explain, he's about to be in for a very rude awakening.
"I don't know why you're looking at me like that." Walker polishes off the last of his coffee. "Because I've known since the day you hacked into my security system to watch me eat her cake."
"I'm gonna need you to phrase that a little differently." Walker's technically my cousin, but he’s as much my brother as Tobias, Trevor, and Tucker. I know he would never try to take something that's mine. Wouldn't even consider it.
He still can't talk about eating Mariah’s cake.
Unbothered by the hint of threat in my tone, Walker chuckles, standing from his seat. "I'll make sure to word it a little different the next time she brings me dessert." He rounds the corner, lowering his voice as he gives me a light slap on the shoulder. "I'm happy for you." His expression turns serious. "If anyone deserves to find peace, it's you."
