Page 1 of Stolen Voices

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Eli

Two + Years Ago

Myphonerings,andthe name flashing across the top has me groaning.

“What the hell can you possibly want now, kid?” I ask my youngest brother, Cameron.

“To bug you.”

I fight a laugh. “You’ve succeeded. Now, stop yanking my dick and tell me what you want.”

Cam barks a laugh. “Damn, you’re grumpy this morning. I just called to talk shit about Jace.”

My ears perk up and I lean forward, ready to take action and help our oldest brother. “Why? Is he okay?”

Cam sighs. “He’s fine. But damn, E, it’s hard being around him when he’s like this. I swear when I leave his place, I’m like the dog onFriends.You know, the one where Joey bums the happy pup out.”

“Don’t be so hard on him.”

Not that Cam needs reminding. It’s been a rough couple of years for Jace. His previous marriage was a nightmare, and it culminated in a nasty divorce. Honestly, Jace hasn’t been the same since he came home from his best friend’s wedding in Hawaii seven years ago, where I had a front-row seat to my brother’s happily-ever-after getting shattered into a million pieces.

“I know, but I’m over his sad-sack ass. I went over to his place to check on him, but he wasn’t in the mood. All I got was a grunt this and a grunt that. Oh, and you’ll never guess who called while I was there.”

“Who?”

“Levi.”

“Damn, that name is a blast from the past.”

Levi is—was—Jace’s childhood best friend. It’s hard to say anymore. Things haven’t been the same between them since the wedding.

“That’s what I said.” I can hear the ice pack crinkle over the line as Cam shifts. He must be in the locker room after practice.

“Did Jace say what Levi wanted?”

“Nah, just that he’s been calling and texting, but he hasn’t spoken to him. I wonder what he wants.”

Me too. “Must be something important if he’s reaching out to Jace.”

“Do you think it’s about her?”

Cam doesn’t say her name, but we both know who he’s referring to. Rylann. Jace’s “the one who got away”.

My gut churns, and I think about the past for a second. Whenever I remember Jace walking away from Rylann for his ex-wife, Alina, I want to punch my brother in the dick. “I don’t know,” I respond, checking the time.

Cam guffaws. “How’s that possible? I thought you knew everything. Old, wise, and powerful Eli.”

“Dick-waffle, keeping track of Jace’s ex, or whatever she is, isn’t in my job description. Speaking of jobs, how’s yours?” I ask, hoping to change the subject.

Cam takes the bait with ease. “Fucking fantastic. I get to play baseball every day. What more can I ask for?”

He’s got me there. I loved the game too. I played in high school and probably could have played more, but I was never as dedicated as him. Just like my pops, Cam was made to play baseball. He works his ass off—always has—and it shows. Not only is he a starting pitcher for the Los Angeles Evaders, but the guy can play any position and hit like a champ. I’d never tell him, but I admire his commitment. When he goes for something, he goes all in. He thinks I don’t know what his retirement plans are, but I do. I’ll be here, patiently waiting and cheering for him.

“Nothing, brother. Which is a damn good thing.”

“Fuck yeah. So, listen, I want to check out that new club this weekend. The one in Hollywood. Think you can you get me, Thompson, and McKay on the list?”