Page 305 of The Romance Adventure

“But I want to know one thing. Was Chip murdered?” Magnus asks.

“No, but like with Mom and Dad, not everything about his life and business dealings was above board,” CJ says.

“Leave our parents out of it.” That’s Royal.

“Will you just answer the question?” Magnus asks.

“No, I don’t believe Chip was murdered. But crimes were committed,” CJ says.

“What do you know?” Magnus asks.

“Where is he? He’s not answering his cell,” Royal grumbles, annoyed.

“Probably off somewhere with Harley,” CJ says.

“I saw her with Luke earlier, going back to her uncle’s house, alone.”

The door to the Sip & Scoop opens. “Ry, you back there?” CJ calls.

Magnus sees me first and strides toward me. “Are you okay?” With one hand, he checks my pulse and with the other, he lifts my eyelids and checks my pupils. “Answer me, brother.”

“Yes. No.”

His eyebrows shoot up. “I need you to be clearer than that.”

“Is it about Harley?” CJ asks as if he recognizes my state.

I nod weakly.

“She broke up with you?” Royal slaps his hand on the counter. “I knew it. That⁠—”

Magnus and CJ slide their arms under mine and hoist me to standing. Then, as if I were injured on the field, they lead me toward the door.

The world is a blur until we’re seated in the sunroom at the Frigate at the Driftwood. It’s where Chip stayed before his passing.

They drop me into a leather chair. I have the vague notion that Magnus sits down opposite me, elbows resting on his bent knees. As always, feet planted firmly on the floor. CJ gazes out the window. Royal returns after a short time with refreshments.

“You have such a hard time loosening up,” CJ says to Royal.

“What’s that supposed to mean?”

“For instance, you don’t wear island-appropriate attire.”

“You mean I don’t look like a hobo, like you, in baggy shorts?”

“They’re quick drying.” CJ tugs the hem.

“I’m running a business. I wear business-appropriate attire.”

“I’m just saying, loosen up a little.”

Royal says, “I’m as loose as a goose. I’m just concerned.”

I sense eyes on me, but I can’t bring myself to look up. I went from flying high to crashing. This must be what rock bottom feels like.

“He’s wallowing, but did we expect her to do anything other than make him miserable?” Royal asks.

CJ scoffs. “Lighten up. He has a right to wallow. It’s still fresh.”