Page 113 of Only the Hunter

Gabe’s jaw flexes. I almost reach across the aisle to tell him to give me the laptop and that I’ll jump in and respond, but his fingers click the keys.

Gabe

I work for a small outfit with an interest in a case Evie’s working.

Scott

Dad says she’s on personal leave.

Gabe

It’s business.

Scott

I’m not a fucking idiot. You’ve been asking about her for years. Dad already thinks you’re banging her. You might as well come clean.

Gabe

You asked me to look out for her. That’s what I’m doing. I’ll call when we land.

He closes out of the chat and glances over at me. “Your brother is a piece of work.”

“He’s your best friend.”

“You read the exchange?”

Gabe unbuckles and crosses the aisle, crouching beside my seat.

“What did Scott want?” Of course, I obviously know, but I want to hear Gabe’s interpretation of that exchange.

“To know if there’s something going on between us. Seems your dad called him.”

I remain outwardly calm, although a degree of anger simmers. Anger mostly at my brother. “What did you tell him?” He glances back at his seat, maybe measuring the distance and attempting to guess if his words were legible. “I could only make out a few words.”

That’s a total lie, but I’m curious. It’s the lawyer in me. And heck, maybe it’s something I get from my dad.

“That I’ll call him when we land.”

“Good.”

He frowns. “You don’t sound good.”

“Gabe, he asked you a direct question.”

“So you read everything.”

“Yes. And my brother’s an ass.”

“I planned to tell him in person. He caught me off guard there. It’s not something I want to share via text.”

“So it’s all up to you—what you say and when?”

He stands. “We’ll talk to him when we’re ready. Together, if that’s what you want.”

He returns to his seat before I can respond.

I stare at the side of his head, frustration simmering.