Bran grabbed his own phone. “I’m sending them in a file to you now.”
“Tell your friend that we will pay quadruple what the analyst usually receives if he can prioritize this case.”
“I was also thinking, Dad, that if the photos are proven fake, we have a possible psycho trailing us. We might need to consider extra security here and in Tulsa. At Gran’s as well. You too, James. For youandJo.”
Patrick was right but fuck if this whole scenario didn’t seem impossible.
James finished on his phone, setting it aside. “I sent the files and put in your request that it be a rush job.”
“I’m calling River. I should have called all along. What if something’s been wrong this whole time?”
No one spoke as Patrick found River’s name in his contacts, not hard to do, as Bran could see her in his favorites. He put the phone on speaker.
A recording. “The person you are trying to reach is not available...”
Dad was already calling Rowan. “The person you are...”
Bran immediately tried Raven. “The person...”
Bran could feel panic streaking through his limbs. The adrenaline spike made his hands shake. “James, call your sister. Fuck...” Calm down, he told himself. They were safe. Oh, God. He had done this, driven her away where she was unprotected.
Deep breath in. Out. “Sorry. Call Jo, please. I don’t like this.”
“No problem.” He was already calling. “I’ll put it on speaker so we can all hear what she has to say.”
“Hey, James.”
“Jo, I’m here with Hugh, Bran, and Patrick.” Silence. “There is a lot of shit going on with the Byrnes, and?—”
“Listen, bro, I don’t appreciate being on speaker, but since I am, you all might as well know that I will not discuss anything to do with them with you four. And James, I love you, but I know you would tell your friends what I tell you, so you’re included on the no-tell list.”
Bran started to speak, he wanted to yank Jo through the fucking phone, but James mouthed No with a hand swipe to cut him off.
“Listen to me, Josephine O’Connor. If you told me something in confidence, I assure you, I would never break it unless you gave me permission. That was uncalled for.”
She was silent for a moment. Then, “You’re right. Damn it, I’m sorry.”
“Forgiven always, sis. I know you and the sisters are good friends, and I’m glad, but I need to know—” Again, she cut him off.
“I still won’t discuss them, James. At least not right at this moment.”
“Damn it! Stop cutting me off and just listen to what I have to say. It has to do with Jane too.” That finally got her quiet, at least.
They all sat silently while James explained his suspicions about the photos and a potential stalker. About the detective, the analyst, and the sisters’ phones being shut off. Their worry that something could be very wrong.
“I know Jane is fine, or she was last night.” Looking sheepish, he admitted, “I know because I’m basically a stalker myself.”
Jo was silent for a beat, digesting the news. It was a lot to take in, so Bran forced himself to stay quiet.
“I’m floored, James. I never knew why you and Jane broke up. I knew you were hurting, but... I hope the analyst exonerates both her and Raven to your satisfaction. I don’t need the analyst to tell me they were set up. I’m also glad you’ve been watching over Jane. I make sure to call or text her at least once a week.”
James’ eyes closed briefly. Bran could tell his sister’s love was a balm.
“But... and this is for you, Bran, and your family by default, I will not tell you anything about Raven, River, or Rowan. They asked me not to, and I will not break my promise. Icantell you that I speak with all of them daily. They are fine.”
Dad stood up so fast his chair was thrown back, knocking into one of the potted plants, shattering the terra cotta. He and Patrick stood as well, watching their father warily.
“How do you know Raven isn’t being stalked as we speak? That her life isn’t in danger? If there is a stalker, we’ve certainly never been aware of it.” Bran’s hands fisted the back of his chair, knuckles white.
