Page 124 of Antagonist

I don’t know when she left the country, but after I handed the phone to Pete, he took over the investigation. I asked him to not tell me anything unless she was formally charged with something.

Despite everything she did, she’s George’s mom, and she knows she’s on a tight leash now. She calls him once a week, and they sometimes talk for hours, but she never asks to speak to me.

Karina’s brother was charged with arson and is currently awaiting trial in jail, but no charges were brought against her because there’s no evidence that she was ever involved in plotting the fire. Since her brother is a known arsonist, and he never gave her up, Pete’s hands are tied.

Harrison was so mad after I told him Fran confessed that the only reason she got involved in the whole arson mess was to prove that Stillwater isn't a safe place for George. It took him a whole week before he could talk about it and not threaten to kill her and dispose of her body in the lake.

As for my super-smart attorney, he got the promotion he deserved. And once Mr. Jones found out his nephew had lied about Harrison to Fran, Brad Dick was encouraged to find another job.

Sometimes I look at George and feel sad about everything that’s happened, but I’ve never been someone who dwells on the past. My parents are a great support to him and me, and we have plenty of friends around us. Our family is more than the two of us now.

“Hey, what’s got you all pensive?” Harrison asks, pulling me close enough to put his arm around me as we walk.

“Nothing much. Mostly dirty stuff.”

He gives me a side look. “Dirty? Like what exactly?”

“Oh, you know. The socks you left under the bed this morning. The dishes you forgot to put away after I washed them last night.Thatkind of dirty.”

He laughs, and the sound settles on my chest like a weighted blanket, keeping me safe and warm.

I was never the kind of man who needed someone to protect me, but Harrison showed me that it’s okay to let someone look after George and me, especially when it’s someone like him who does it so selflessly.

Stella has also become a great friend, and together we live to wind up my big man.

George runs away from us as soon as he sees Megan.

Stella and Mike are sitting on a big blanket on the grass. Next to them are Melodie and her family and Theo with his little girl, Beth.

As we approach, Mike stands, sending me a weird signal. “Hey, guys. Fletch, want to help me grab drinks for everyone?”

“Sure,” I say.

Harrison gives me a kiss and sits next to Stella.

“So, any reason for the eye twitch? You know I’m not a doctor, right?” I joke as soon as we’re out of earshot of the group.

“Right,” Mike says. “Um…thing is…I was thinking.” He clears his throat. “I want to propose to Stella. What’s the likelihood of Harrison murdering me before she has a chance to answer the question?”

“Dude.” I tap his back, and he coughs. “Harrison will be delighted. He ribs you because he likes you, and he’s still curious about how much you really experimented in college.”

Mike gives me a shy look that tells me he’s gone all the way and liked it. There’s no doubt the guy is totally hetero and so in love with Stella. But all guys have prostates, so I can’t blame Mike or any guy for enjoying bottoming once they experience what happens when that soft bundle of nerves is stimulated.

“You really think he’ll be okay with it?”

“I do. Promise.”

“Okay…good. I was wondering…could we borrow your cabin again for a weekend? I’d like to do it by the lake.”

I smile. “Absolutely. Anytime. Just let me know, and I’ll slip you the keys.”

“Thank you.”

“Right, let’s hydrate the crowd before they get rowdy.”

When we return to the group, Ellis has also arrived with his sister and two kids.

Darius’s band is opening for Hall of Fame, and it’s clear both of them are super proud of their younger brother.