He got out with Clay, grabbed his bag and went to the front door. There were sturdy locks and cameras on it. Gale had told him Reenie had stayed here last year and why, so at least he knew there were modern conveniences in it.
When the door was opened, he realized it wasn’t that bad. Older furniture, but not horrible. Bigger than a hotel room, had a functioning kitchen, even if it was aged, and it was clean, private and secure.
The last two being the most important things.
“Bedroom through that door, bath just past the kitchen.”
He moved to the room and put his bag on the bed, then popped his head into the bathroom. His aches and pains were catching up with him and he knew damn well the minute he sator lay down he’d stiffen up fast, but staying upright wasn’t easy either.
“This is great,” he said. “Like a mountain retreat.”
“Tell that to my sister. All us boys lived here for a few years. We didn’t have any issues with it.”
“She told me it’s because of critters,” he said, laughing.
“She’s lying,” Clay said. “It’s the lack of space for her clothing and the fact that it’s not shiny and pretty enough for her. I’ve got the internet back on for you. Stay as long as you want. We mean it.”
“Thanks,” he said. He turned when the front door opened, and in came Brooke.
“I’ll bring dinner for you tonight, but here is some other food.”
Clay took the box from his mother.
“Thanks,” Rory said. “You didn’t need to go out of your way. Gale was going to bring a few things.”
“I let her know dinner was taken care of. I put together a few sandwiches from the cafe, as I’m sure you haven’t eaten lunch.”
It was close to two and he was starving, along with the aspirin wearing off. He might have had an unwanted nap earlier, but wouldn’t mind another.
“I appreciate it. All of you for everything.”
“Don’t thank us,” Brooke said. “Just find that bastard.”
Brooke left after that statement. He looked at Clay. “Damn.”
“She’s a tough one. My father is strong, but she’s the rock.”
“I think your sister takes after her,” he said.
“Definitely. If you need anything, let me know.” Clay pulled his phone out. “I just texted you the Wi-Fi password.”
“Thanks again.”
Clay left and Rory went into the box of food. He found a sandwich, pulled it out and unwrapped it, then opened a bottleof water. There was a bottle of Motrin in there for him too. They thought of everything.
It was nice to have someone take care of him.
Which reminded him of his mother.
Should he call her? He didn’t want to worry her but didn’t like keeping it from her either.
Since he had little more than some glue on a minor cut above his left eye and a body full of aches, it might be best to keep her in the dark...for now.
What the hell?Did Rory have nine lives?
His sister had gone down easy enough. Too easy. He never said her name and couldn’t. Even now, the memory festered under his skin. What he’d beenforcedto do. What had come clawing out of him that night and made him lose control.
It had only stirred once more after that, a flicker of the same dark urge, but he’d strangled it back down and buried it with the promise he’d never let it loose again. It was only to tie up that loose end. To ask a question, not even give a warning. What happened after was a mistake.Hehadn’t caused it. Nope. He was only talking. It wasn’t his fault John fell down those stairs backing away from him.
