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“She doesn’t want anyone to know. But they suspect she has lupus. We’ve been trying to obtain medical history on her mother’s side to see if there were any women who may have had any symptoms.”
Lupus? Shit.He knew damn well what that was all about. It wasn’t his field of expertise, but it didn’t have to be. He’d never noticed the typical butterfly rash associated with lupus, and to his knowledge she hadn’t shown the classic symptoms of joint pain or swelling, nor complained of myalgia in her muscles. God, had she had chest pain and never mentioned it to me? Am I that cold-hearted that she didn’t want to talk to me about it? “Why didn’t she tell me?”
“Because she knew she was seeing the best person in that field. And there was nothing you could do to help. She’s a strong woman and filled with pride. Having her brothers hovering around to take care of her would only stress her out.”
“And you left her like that? She’s alone with the baby, and you’re in Tabiq.” Logan was pissed. Thinking of Zoey going through this hurt. He wanted to fix it, but he knew he couldn’t. “Are you positive that is the diagnosis?”
“I’ll talk to Zoey, and if she agrees, I’ll text you the doctor’s information. I personally think it would be good for you to look at the findings. I hope they’re wrong.”
Me too.“Make it happen. I need to know. And let me know what you find out about my mother. If she can be of any help for Zoey, I’ll do whatever you need. Even if that means I go to Tabiq.”
Logan never would’ve gone for himself, but he’d do anything for his sister. He knew that it might not be on her mother’s side. They didn’t know anything about their father’s side either. Being one of the eldest, he could remember his grandmother. She’d been old and sick, and mean as hell. Was it possible she also had the disease? He was going to need to bring the subject of Dad and Grandmother up with Brice. He was the one who knew them both the best. Although I’m sure he’s tried like hell to forget.
That didn’t leave him in a great mood for meeting with Brice and Cori. All it did was add another level of frustration over their family dynamics. No matter how hard they tried to be a normal family, they missed the mark by miles. He was upset that Zoey had been ill and had chosen not to tell them. Logan thought, through these last few years, they’d grown past that type of behavior. But learned behavior was the hardest to break. He should be happy his siblings had found spouses that they could trust and share their lives with.
Guess that leaves me where I’ve always been. Alone.
Cori entered thebar right on time. She already knew what Brice looked like. He was there, but Logan wasn’t. She hesitated. Should she go up and introduce herself? Did Brice know she was coming along? If not, this was about to get awkward.
She lingered by the door not sure what to do. A waitress came over and asked, “Are you waiting for someone or can I get you a table?”
Cori knew what table she needed to be at. In a voice that was loud enough for Brice to hear, she answered, “I’m waiting for my friend, Logan.”
Sure enough, Brice turned in her direction. He gave her a once-over glance then got up from his seat and came toward her. “That wouldn’t be Logan Henderson you’re meeting, is it?”
She smiled. “It is. You must be his brother Brice.”
Brice didn’t acknowledge her outstretched hand. Instead, he said, “Seems you know me, so why don’t I know you?”
If Cori had any question about what Logan might have told Brice, she had her answer. Nothing. That meant she needed to scramble to pull something believable out and also not something that would be questioned later when or if Logan arrived.
“Sorry. Your brother asked me to meet him here after work for a beer. Guess he figured you wouldn’t mind me tagging along.” That wasn’t really any information at all. So whatever Logan decided to tell his brother, it would fit in nicely.
“Well, since Logan is late as usual, why don’t you come and let me buy you a drink, Miss...”
“Cordelia Sparks. And that would be lovely, thank you.” She followed him to his table and sat across from him. That meant she couldn’t see the door, but she had faith Logan would show. He better, otherwise, I’m going to go into my interview role, and I won’t be able to stop myself.
She wasn’t sure that was a bad idea anyway. Logan was giving her information, but Brice was the oldest. He probably knew James the best. Of course from what she’d learned, he also was the most reticent. It surprised her that he asked her to wait with him. Maybe he already knows who I am, and I’m the one who’s not up to speed.
Nothing surprised her when it came to the Hendersons. They were difficult people to understand one at a time, never mind trying to handle two of them at the same time. Logan pulled up the seat between her and Brice. Guess I’m about to find out.
“Sorry, I’m late.” Logan leaned over and gave her a kiss on the cheek.
Cori didn’t expect that. From the look on Brice’s face, neither did he. She was willing to play along if it meant getting answers. Logan signaled the waitress and ordered his beer. She ordered an iced tea. Alcohol wasn’t going to be her friend right now. She needed all her wits to get through this little meeting.
Brice didn’t take his eyes off her as he asked Logan, “So why did you invite me on your date?”
Logan laughed. “If it were a date, you wouldn’t be here. Actually, I wanted your opinion on something.” He pulled out the two photos and handed them to Brice.
“What are these?”
Cori was dying to hear what brilliant story Logan had come up with.
“Cori and I were playing a game last night. It’s one of those solve the mystery games. We couldn’t agree on this one. I figured I could utilize your expertise to see what you thought.”
She was impressed. It was quick thinking. Brice, on the other hand, didn’t seem thrilled about being dragged out to look at pictures for a game. Cori figured she’d break the tension with a bit of humor. “I guess that’s the best he could come up with for a reason to introduce us. Guess that’s why I’m winning the game.” She gave Logan a wink.
It worked because Brice chuckled. “Sounds like my brother. Okay. So let me see if I got this right. You have two photos. One before a fire and one after. You’re supposed to determine what exactly?”
