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We settled in at the table and waited for our food to be brought up. Finally, I gathered my thoughts, then spoke. “Pierce messaged me right after I texted you all tonight. He confirmed that the FBI has Tim and Logan on their list. I don’t know why, but they’re watching them.”
Brynn rubbed her makeup-free face. “This is confirmation of what Dad shared with me.” She took a drink of her rum and Coke. Everyone was hitting the alcohol already, but I wanted to stay sober in case Pierce and Sutton located River. Even if Pierce called and said that they’d found her, Brynn, Chance, and Jace wouldn’t be allowed to go, so they might as well try to relax.
“Sounds like it.” I fidgeted in my chair and finally propped my feet up on the seat opposite me. “I’m having breakfast with Tim in the morning.”
The silence between us continued to thicken until the entire room throbbed with tension.
Brynn leaned forward, her gaze narrowing on me. “Holden, no. You’re playing with fire. Please, don’t go.” Tears welled in her eyes. “I can’t lose you, too.” She slumped, her hand covering her mouth.
I’d only seen Brynn cry a handful of times in the ten years I’d known her. She was tough, and it took a lot to rattle her.
“Brynn,” I whispered.
“Come here.” Chance pushed his chair backward and pulled Brynn into his lap. She curled into him and hid her face against his neck.
Jace reached over and gently rubbed her back. This is what close, deep friendship looked like. We would do anything for each other, even cover up a murder. I chewed the inside of my cheek, willing the fear and frustration to calm down so I could focus.
“Brynn,” I started again. “Zayne will be with me. I’ll be safe. I swear.” I glanced at Jace for a bit of help.
“I realize everyone is on edge, but we’ve got to give Holden a chance to figure out if Tim had anything to do with River. Brynn, what if Tim slips up tomorrow and River is home in a few more hours?”
Chance kissed Brynn’s forehead. “Zayne’s a fucking badass. He’ll take care of Holden. If you need us, we’ll stay with you until Holden’s back.”
Brynn fidgeted in Chance’s lap. “I want this all to go away. I love River. I love Holden. I love you all. It’s tearing me the fuck up and I don’t know how to help. I just keep falling apart.”
“You’re allowed to fall apart, Princess,” Jace said. “Every one of us are allowed to not have a goddamned clue of how to handle all of this.” Jace nodded at me. He was right. We weren’t supposed to know how to cope with River missing. My heart had splintered into a million pieces the second Zayne had handed me River’s purse. Reality had bitch-slapped me in the face. I’d failed Hannah, and now I’d failed River.
I cleared my throat in an attempt to rein in the overwhelming guilt. The one difference between Hannah and River? River was still alive. I hadn’t reached Hannah in time. I promised myself that I wouldn’t make the same mistake twice.
I placed my feet on the floor and propped my elbows on the table. “There’s more about Tim. I think he has another family.”
Jace groaned and stared at the ceiling. “Dude, I know he’s your father, but he’s such a fucking asshole.”
“He’s not my father. I refuse to acknowledge him as Dad any longer. Mom deserves so much better than that piece of shit.”
Chance shook his head in disbelief. “The older we get the less I’m surprised. It’s like we’ve belonged to a dark, secret society of evil, but we didn’t know it.”
Jace smacked Chance in the arm. “Well said. But I think Tim might be taking first place in the evil department.” His attention cut over to Chance, then to me. “At least we’re exempt from the evil shit. I won’t ever allow myself to become a monster.”
We all nodded in agreement.
Brynn raised her head, her eyes rimmed in red as she looked at me. “This shouldn’t surprise me, but somehow it does.” She wiped her tears away and sat up.
Chance continued to hold her. At times I’d wondered if they had feelings for each other, but Jace treated her the same way. Brynn, Sariah, and Payton were the only girls in the sex club, which meant they were doted on a lot. But Brynn had all three of us willing to move heaven and earth for her. None of the guys were that close with Sariah and Payton.
Even though I knew Brynn was happy for River and me, I suspected she missed the closeness we shared like she had with Chance and Jace. I’d still do anything for her, but River was the only woman I’d die for.
I dragged my fingers across my stubbled jaw. “I’m not sure if it will work or not, but I’m hoping Tim will share enough with me to give us something to go on. But there’s more.”
Three sets of eyes landed on me, and I readied myself for a speech. “I also met Logan tonight.”
Brynn jumped out of Chance’s lap and marched over to me. If shit wasn’t hanging in the balance, I would have laughed.
“Now, you listen to me Holden Alastair. You stay away from them. They’re dangerous and are connected to even more dangerous men. For all you know, Tim had something to do with Hannah’s death.” My face fell with her words. “I’m sorry, but I won’t lie. I’ve always wondered if he was a part of it. Maybe she stumbled on information or someone that put her in danger.” She leaned against the conference table and folded her arms. “Please. I’m begging you. Stay away from them.”
Shadows gathered in my mind, swirling with memories of River. Her smile, her frown, the way her lips tasted, the feel of her soft skin beneath my fingertips. I’d do anything to bring her home. Not even my best friends could stop me.
“I understand that this is scary, Brynn. Dad won’t mess with me in public. We’re just having breakfast.” I did my best to soothe her nerves, but I doubted that it would do much.
