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Then again, whether he was in a Batman suit or a tux with a bowtie around his neck, he hated these events. There were too many people, with their cars lining not only the driveway, but up and down the street as well. It was his own damned house and he’d had to park all the way down by the stables.
Hundreds of costumed guests milled inside, out on the patio, and between the main house and the haunted house. He knew the money raised for the children’s hospital was essential; he just didn’t want to deal with the noisy crowd. There was a good reason he liked numbers better than people.
Earlier, he’d made his sizeable donation, so now all he had to do was make sure his mother saw him, and hang out for another half-hour or so while lying to himself he wasn’t keeping an eye out for a certain leggy, long-haired brunette. After that, he was going to answer an emergency call from Gotham City.
“You’ve certainly got the brooding intensity down pat,” Reyes Torrez observed.
Loyal hadn’t seen the guy since he’d gotten out of the Army last month. He switched his beer to his left hand, then reached to shake the younger man’s hand and pulled him in for a half-hug. “Hey, Rey, nice to have you back home, man.”
“You, too, I hear.”
“Yeah, I finally had enough of Texas. Too hot and too far away. How’s it going? Your mom said you’re working with your dad at the stables again.”
“The horses have always been my thing. Though, if the Army still had the Calvary, I would’ve stayed in for the best of both worlds.”
“I thought they did?” Shelby asked.
“For ceremonial purposes only,” Reyes advised. “That wasn’t something I was going to be able to get into, so I’m back with you guys.”
Asher clapped him on the shoulder. “Glad to have at least one of you around, seeing as how Dev and Solana don’t appear like they’ll be back anytime soon.”
“I know. Dev always seems to be on a mission somewhere. Solana’s working a big case in Washington State. They are both hoping to be home for Christmas this year, though. If they do, it’ll be the first time we’ve all been together for the holidays in over five years.”
“Your mom and dad will love that,” Loyal said.
Merit raised his glass. “Man, if that happens, I’m calling a party down at the guest house.”
“Like old times,” Reyes toasted with his beer.
“Almost,” Asher corrected as he hugged Honor to his side. “Now Celia has a husband and I have a fiancé to join in.”
“And another brother,” Shelby added.
An instant flash of annoyance brought Loyal’s scowl back. His baby sister shot him a quick glance, but looked away when she saw his glare.
Oblivious to the tense undercurrents, Reyes gave an enthusiastic, “The more the merrier.”
“Keep us posted,” Merit ordered as Celia flew up with her broom, her pointed, black hat three feet wide, and her green face makeup and warts professionally applied.
“Hey, guys, looking great.” After an exchange of mutual admiration, she turned to Asher. “Is everything okay with Rox? Mom said she’s not doing readings this year.”
At the mention of the psychic’s name, Loyal went on instant alert and his heartbeat sped up.
“She texted earlier that she cleaned out her apartment today and wasn’t feeling well after, so she was going to stay home.”
“Was she able to save anything?” he asked before he could help himself.
His brother shook his head. “Not much. I’d have gone to help, but she didn’t even le
t me know until she was done.”
Her independence was admirable until it was foolish.
Dare you to tell her that to her face. Oh, she’d tell him right where to go for sure.
“I can’t even imagine losing everything like that,” Shelby said. She looked from Celia to Honor. “I know Mom sent over a care package, but we should see if she wants to go shopping. We can get her a whole new wardrobe.”
“Asher and I already tried offering,” Honor said. “She insists she’s good with what she has for now and will replace things a little at a time.”
