He chuckles before unlocking the gate with his controls, the mechanics slowly opening the doors. “Nice seeing you boys again.”
They wave and share their thanks as Elias pulls through in his G-Wagon.
“Roy, I actually wanted to see if you had any updates for me.” I step up to the window he’s leaning out of.
There’s a beat of uncertainty on his face, like he isn’t quite sure how to respond, but eventually, he finds the words. “Actually, y-yes,” he stutters. “So, weird thing happened. When I went in to pull the tape, there was a gap in the footage, a missing hour or so. It just cuts out and then returns later. I’m not entirely sure how it’s possible. But I just wanted to let you know.” His lip quivers ever so slightly, telling me everything I need to know.
He’s lying. He knows it. I know it. I just don’t knowwhy.
Does he know her? Is he helping her? Willing to risk his job for her?
Regardless, I’m not ready to call him out on it. I need to talk to Dean first.
I lift my hand up to shake his, and he hesitantly takes it.
“Thanks, man. I appreciate it. If you find anything else, let me know.”
“Will do, Mr. Kensington,” he replies and I feel more confused than when I ran over here.
I salute him and take off, catching up with Elias and Finny, who are already parked in front of the house and waiting outside the Jeep.
“Pool?” I ask, desperate for a swim to help clear my mind.
“Yes!” Finny shouts, stoked at the idea. “I still can’t believe you have a pool. I mean, I feel that way about most of your life but still.”
I chuckle. “What’s mine is yours, Finny.”
Elias blows out a slow whistle. “Careful. He’ll take you up on that.”
We head inside and up to my wing to let the guys change.
“You know,” Finny mutters as we head downstairs, “I think I kind of hate you.”
“That’s fair.” I laugh. “Can I ask why?”
“Because I’m jealous thatthisis your house, you lucky fuck,” he groans.
“Trust me, I get it, bro. Remember that this isn’t always what my life looked like. Not until I was ten. I certainly never lived in a place like this when I was in foster care.”
“Shit.” He winces. “I honestly forget that you guys are adopted. You look so much alike.”
“Like long-lost twins,” I mutter, repeating the sentiment told to Dean and me since we were kids. “And don’t feel bad. I understand.”
“Howmuchdo you understand?” He side-eyes me with a smirk.
“Bro, I’ve always told you if you need anything, let me know. We’ve got to take care of our goalie.”
“I know, man. I’m just giving you shit,” he teases.
We step out the back of the house and walk toward the fenced-off pool area.
I’ve made that offer to him countless times over, and I mean it genuinely every time, but I don’t know if his pride would let him accept a handout.
He’s worked his ass off to be here. He has no shame in the life he lives, and he shouldn’t. But I know it’s not as fortunate as the life we were handed on a platter.
Elias tosses his phone onto one of the chairs and runs toward the pool, jumping and tucking his knees up. He cannonballs into the water, a massive splash exploding sky high, coating the tiles surrounding the pool.
“Woo!” Elias cheers as he flips his hair back, spraying us like a dog shaking out water. He smirks, treading with his arms. “Come on, boys. Let’s play mermaids.”
