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“And?”
“Then a detective showed up.” I set my hands on my hips to get ready for the explosion that’s about to burst from Cole’s face.
“A detective?” His head tilts slightly as his eyes grip mine. “What did the detective want, Brett?”
“He was asking about Glenn Stillwell.”
“Who the hell is—”
“Miller Lane guy.”
Both eyebrows lift high. His eyes widen. “What?”
“Yeah, his sister reported him missing or some shit.”
“Fu-ck!” He rushes a hand over his head like he’s trying to keep the explosion inside.
I gotta hand it to him. He’s taking it better than I thought he would.
“You don’t think she told him anything?”
“No.”
“But this detective was questioning her about him?”
“I’m not sure what transpired. I left.”
His eyes ping-pong my face. “Does he know the fucker was using her as his personal punching bag? What if he thinks she did it? What if he puts shit together? What if he finds out the truth—”
“Listen!” I grab his shirt and give him a well-needed shake. “He’s not going to. Cassie won’t say anything. She doesn’t know anything.”
“What if she…” he searches my face. “Shit.” His fear subsides. “That’s why she hasn’t been around. Fuck.” He sighs.
Yeah, he’s smart. He’s catching on.
“You think she might think you had something to do with it?”
I let go of his shirt. “I don’t know.”
“Oh, dude.” His face shifts to like the time he ruined my blanket fort. He felt so bad. “I’m sorry. I know what she means to you. It might have Lix worried but fuck.” He grips my shoulder. “I’m happy for you. I’m glad you found someone.”
“It doesn’t matter.” I shrug my shoulder, not about to be coddled by my younger brother. This isn’t a blanket fort. He can’t fix this. I need to stay strong…for Cassie. “Lix is right. She’s leaving in a few weeks. I have to let her go.”
“Why?”
“What can I offer her here?” I throw out my hands. “Why would she even want it? Look at us. What we do.”
He crosses his arms over his chest. “There’s nothing wrong with what we do.”
I shake my head. “It’s not safe for her.”
“What are you talking about?”
“It’s just as Lix said, I keep this shit bottled up inside. Someday, I’m going to have to let it out. I can’t have her around when that happens. It’s better this way.”
“That’s not how I see it. I think you’re afraid. And fuck that shit.” He whacks an exaggerated hand in the air. “If anything, she’s good for you. Puts things into perspective. You deserve to be happy. You’re a decent guy. You deserve her, Brett.”
I stare at him, hearing his words but not entirely listening to them. If I do, then I’d have to acknowledge there could be a future for Cassie and me. I’d have to believe I have a chance with her. So far, I’ve kept her safe from that thought, but if I entertain what Cole is saying, she could be at risk of me going after her.
