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“Did you report the incident to law enforcement?”
“Ruby insisted we keep it quiet. She didn’t want to create a fuss.” Dalton blew out a breath. “I disagreed with her decision but had to respect it.”
“When was this?”
“About a month before she disappeared.” Dalton stiffened, his complexion growing pale. “He didn’t stop bothering her, did he?”
Eli shared a glance with Sienna. Maybe they’d written off Dallas too quickly. “No. He didn’t.” Then he clapped his brother on the shoulder. They knew firsthand what it was like to be at the mercy of someone bigger and stronger. He sensed horrible images were running through Dalton’s head. The guilt would eat him alive if he let it. “It’s not your fault. You did everything you could. Ruby decided not to press charges. You couldn’t force her.”
Dalton rubbed his eyes. “Yeah. Still…” He dropped his hand. “She’s a sweet person. Is there anything else I can do to help?”
“Keep your eyes and ears open.” Sienna glanced back at the converted warehouse. “Talk to some of the other staff, especially any of the women Ruby was close to. She might’ve told one of them what was bothering her in the days before her disappearance.” She pulled out a business card. “This has my cell number on it. Call me anytime, day or night.”
Dalton nodded. “I can do that.” He glanced at Eli. “If you have some time to talk one day soon, I’d like to get together.”
“Come to my house for dinner,” Sienna interjected. “Tonight.”
What was she doing? They were working a case. While Eli wanted to have a frank conversation with his brother, now wasn’t the time to delve into personal issues. He barely had the emotional bandwidth to tackle his history with Sienna, and that wasn’t nearly as complicated as his relationship with Dalton.
And what about the money laundering? Eli didn’t want to believe his brother was involved, but right now, everyone was a suspect. He tossed Sienna a dirty look, but she ignored it. Per usual. She was on a mission, and nothing would deter her.
Dalton’s lips curved upward. “I run a support group tonight, but I can come tomorrow, if that’s okay.”
“Tomorrow is great.” Sienna hugged him enthusiastically. “Six o’clock. And come hungry. There’s nothing my mom loves more than feeding people.”
He laughed. “You’ve got a deal.” Dalton released her and then extended his hand to Eli. “Good to see you, brother.”
“You too.” Eli clasped Dalton’s hand in his before finally giving in to his urge and embracing his brother in a manly, one-armed hug. Dalton hesitated and then hugged him back. It was awkward and completely unfamiliar, but still felt right anyway.
With a last wave and a cheeky grin, Dalton disappeared back inside the building. Eli waited until he was gone before turning to Sienna. “You shouldn’t have invited him to dinner.”
She crossed her arms over her chest. “You’re right. You should have.”
“We’re working a case—”
“Didn’t you hear a cotton-pickin’ word I said to you yesterday?” She threw out a hand toward the building. “What about what Dalton said? He overdosed and nearly died.” Her nostrils flared as she stepped closer and then jabbed a finger in his chest. “We aren’t guaranteed tomorrow, Eli. Getting shot should’ve taught you that, but you’re hardheaded so I obviously need to help you.”
“Really?”
“Yes, really. Stop acting like you have all the time in the world to set things right. God has given you a precious gift. He’s brought you and Dalton together again, so you can heal the hurt between you. My suggestion, not that you’ll bother to listen, is that you take the opportunity.”
He grabbed her wrist, halting her offending fingertip from poking him again. The woman was infuriating. She was also right. He’d allowed far too much time to pass without mending the hurt with his brother. Finding Ruby was important, but if he was being honest, it wasn’t the real reason he was avoiding the necessary conversation with Dalton. “I’m scared, Sienna.”
The spark of anger died in her eyes, and her rigid stance softened. “Of what?”
“I don’t know.” It was a confusing knot, and Eli wasn’t sure he could sort it out. “There’s a painful history between us. Our childhood was one big mess. I did my best to protect him but failed. He made a lot of bad choices out of pain and ended up an addict. In the end, we hurt each other and I’m not sure there’s a way back from that. Some things are too broken to be fixed.”
“That’s not true.” She flattened her hand and laid it on his heart. “Both people have to want to repair the relationship, yes, but things can always be fixed with the grace of God.” She met his gaze. “Even if Dalton didn’t want to reconnect, God is the one with the power to ease the suffering in your heart. You only have to ask Him.”
“Sometimes He feels far away.”
“He isn’t.” Her gorgeous lips lifted into a smile, a mischievous twinkle in her eyes. “Sometimes our human stubbornness prevents us from listening. Know anyone like that?”
Eli kissed her nose. “Good thing I have you to help me.”
She laughed. “You better believe it.”
Their gazes caught and held. Eli knew he should back up, but his body refused to obey. The cold had added color to her cheeks and the waning sunlight highlighted the copper strands buried in her curls. She was stunning. Intelligent. Fierce in her faith and unapologetic about doing the right thing, no matter the cost to herself. Sienna was unlike anyone he’d ever met. She was one-of-a-kind.
