AllFreeNovel
Share Us
My skin chilled. “I don’t like the sound of that.”
“What kind of man do you think I am, Brad?”
“I don’t fucking know, Dad. I saw you point a gun at a guy, remember?”
“I don’t kill people. When I say I took care of him, I mean I got out of there quickly and made sure he was well compensated to keep everything to himself.”
“Why do you have to leave, then?”
“Because it’s the smart thing to do. Besides, I want to check out some property you own down in the Caribbean.”
“I own prop—” Then I remembered. I’d seen the deeds in my father’s files, but I hadn’t paid much attention. Other stuff on my mind. “Those islands. Yeah. I saw the deeds in your files. When did you purchase them?”
“A couple years ago. I had this idea of building a huge resort, but then…other things got in the way. Anyway, my sources tell me an offer is coming in on one of them.”
“I haven’t heard anything. If I’m the owner now, wouldn’t I have heard before you?”
“Not necessarily. I’ve got eyes and ears everywhere. You should hear in the next few days. In the meantime, I want to go down and check things out. See if it’s worth selling.”
“Shouldn’t I be doing that? Or I can send someone. You shouldn’t be out in the open.”
“Who the hell is going to recognize me on a private island? Besides, it’s perfect timing. I need to lie low. I can go down there, check the place out, and get a tan. God knows I could use a vacation.”
“Being dead isn’t a vacation in itself?” I couldn’t help asking.
“Are you kidding me? It’s been more work than I realized. Do yourself a favor, son.” He looked me straight in the eye. “Never fake your own death. It’s not worth it.”
Chapter Twenty
Daphne
Brad was late for dinner, as usual.
I tried not to let it get to me so I could enjoy Ennis’s company. Unfortunately, he wasn’t his jovial self. The dream he’d had about Patty still had him rattled.
He and I sat in the family room, talking alone, after I told Belinda to hold dinner for a half hour in case Brad arrived.
“Have you thought about talking to anyone about the dream?” I asked Ennis.
“I just had the dream a couple nights ago. I haven’t been able to think about anything other than getting here and investigating.”
“I just meant…” I cleared my throat. “I work with a psychiatrist. Dr. Pelletier. He’s been a big help to me.”
“I’m sorry, love. What are you struggling with?”
I wished I could jump back in time thirty seconds and erase what I’d just said. I’d never told Ennis or Patty the truth about my junior year of high school, and I didn’t want to get into it now. They did know about my mother’s suicide attempt though, and that was still part of what I was dealing with.
“He’s helping me deal with what happened to my mother. I’ve had some anxiety and depression, and I don’t want it to affect the baby.”
“Of course. And he’s helping you?”
I nodded. “He is.”
“Honestly, this is the first time I’ve had a dream that seemed so real. I don’t think I need counseling. I just needed to come here and make sure it wasn’t true.”
“I understand.” More than he knew.
Brad walked into the kitchen then and opened the French doors. Ebony and Brandy ran in.
I stood. “Looks like it’s time for dinner.”
Ennis followed me into the kitchen. Belinda had set the table on the deck out back.
“Hey,” I said. “We have company for dinner.”
Brad looked up from the dogs. “Oh? Hey, Ennis.”
“Hope you don’t mind me barging in.”
“Not at all. When did you get back in the States?”
“Just this morning, actually.”
“Good to see you. I’m going to wash up. You two go ahead and start. Mom’s already out there. Thanks for waiting dinner for me.” He leaned down and brushed his lips across mine.
“No problem.”
Ennis and I joined Mazie on the deck. We made some small talk until Brad arrived.
Belinda’s dinner was delicious, but the conversation was mundane. Brad was quiet, and so was Ennis.
I heeded Dr. Pelletier’s advice and tried to relax and not attempt to follow every word. It was easy. No one was talking about anything important.
Until Mazie finished and excused herself.
Then, Brad, to my astonishment, turned to Ennis. “What are you really doing here?”
Ennis’s eyes widened.
“No offense, man,” Brad continued, “but no one packs up and heads over the Atlantic without letting their friends know they’re coming. Unless they left quickly.”
“Brad…” I said.
“It’s okay, Daph.” Ennis forced out a chuckle. “We both know he’s right.” He quickly explained his troubling dream.
I watched Brad. His facial muscles didn’t move as Ennis told his story. Completely immobile. Oddly immobile. As if he were forcing his expression to remain the same.
