“Trust me. Our little brother has found his talent,” Cade said, slapping Wyatt in the back of his head.
“It still doesn’t explain the black eye,” Owen said, opening the cabinet and getting a couple of aspirin.
“When I told her what I thought of her bartending skills, she decided to introduce me to her fist,” he muttered.
“Everything’s handled. Call the funeral home tomorrow and get the autopsy ordered,” Cade said, helping himself to a cold slice of pizza. “Where’s everyone?”
“The boys went to bed. Once Charlotte’s friends complete their examination, we’ll set the date for Dad’s funeral. I left a message with Mr. Williby’s office to contact us about the will. Dillon’s on watch. Everyone will know we’re here, but we don’t need anymore accidents.”
“I’ll take second watch,” Cade volunteered.
“I’ll do it,” Owen said, passing Wyatt a water.
“No. You have the boys and Leslie to take care of. Then, in the morning, you’ll need to make the calls. I can handle the watch. Tomorrow, Elias and I will mark out where we want the cameras and get ready for Gunny,” Cade informed him.
“I can do something,” Wyatt said, holding the bag to his face. “I don’t drink as much if I have something to do.”
“Inspect the cabins. I promised Dillon he could stay in one. They’re in bad shape and need repairs. You’re good with your hands. I saw the furniture in the shed. Get one of the places set up for your brother,” Owen said, finishing up the dishes.
“What about us? Do you think we want to stay in this house?” Wyatt asked, incredulously.
“Then fix a couple of the cabins,” Owen replied. “Get it done. I don’t want you drinking around the boys.”
Scowling, Wyatt snatched up the water, threw down the peas, and stomped off.
Shaking his head, Cade muttered, “Some things never change.”
“Elias won’t be any good for keeping watch. He put a nightlight in the bathroom. I think he’s scared of the dark, among other things,” Owen informed Cade.
“How’s Leslie? What do you plan to do about the kids?” Cade asked, staring at his brother.
Owen scratched the scruff along his jaw. “I don’t know.”
“It’s best to wait until we know what the lawyer has to say. Leslie’s made it clear she’ll take him,” Cade said thoughtfully.
“He’s not a damn puppy we’re rehoming,” Owen growled, echoing Leslie’s words. “Sorry, man. I’m at a loss on what to do about this situation.”
“Then maybe start where you left ten years ago,” Cade said softly. “I saw the worry in your face. It didn’t appear like a friend. You never stopped loving her.”
“I fucked up,” Owen murmured. “No matter whatI do, I can’t change the past. I live in another state and I have a son to think about. I hurt her.”
“As long as I’ve known you, you’ve always been the responsible one. What we said the night of the funeral was said out of fear, and we needed someone to blame. They say you hurt the ones who make you feel safest. We burned you badly enough, and you walked away. In turn, you torched the best thing to ever happen to you. Maybe it’s time to fix it.”
“I don’t deserve it,” he whispered. “She lost her mom, gave birth to my kid, and raised him on her own. Did you see the rust bucket she drives? It’s not fit for work here.”
“Hmmm,” Cade said, thinking. “I recall my big brother telling me, ‘actions speak louder than words.’”
Owen watched him go upstairs, leaving him in the kitchen. He gazed around the room, recalling the many chaotic family meals. Before Mom’s death, the brothers worked on chores as a team, they ate and gave each other shit. Staying here reminded him of the terrible incident upstairs, but it also reminded him of times when his life didn’t feel lonely. Sometimes, the silence of the night grew louder than a houseful of his brothers. Maybe, if he admitted he missed them, they might feel the same way.
CHAPTER 26
The next morning,Owen poured a cup of coffee and placed it on a tray with scrambled eggs, toast, and a yogurt. Taking it upstairs, he gently opened the door to his parents’ room to find the bed empty. Setting the tray down, he checked the bathroom and grew concerned when he didn’t find Leslie and her IV hung from the side of the bed.Where did she go?
Glancing around the room, he noticed the stack of clean clothes he put on the chair last night no longer sat there. Leslie always loved to wake before sunrise. He smiled as he guessed where she might’ve gone. Returning to the kitchen, he poured coffee into a thermos and grabbed two mugs.
Heading out the back door, he took the trail to his left and followed the path. When he came around the curve, he spotted her, wrapped up in a blanket. His breath hitched at finding her sitting in their favoritespot overlooking the mountain. Wyatt carved a bench for them because everyone knew where to find them. His heart raced as he realized he made a mistake all those years ago.
Avoiding startling her, Owen made some noise and walked in front of her. She put a finger to her lips and pointed down the path. Two elk grazed as the sun peaked over the mountain.
