Page 151 of The Billion Heirs Boxed Set

My mouth falls open.

My brother. Joey. He’s the dead guy in the creek. On the Bridger property.

“From when he disappeared.” My voice is wooden. Numb. I’m trying to process what the hell that all means.

Peterson nods.

Oh. My. God.

I lean into Miles unintentionally, but I’m thankful for his size and strength. All my hope of ever finding Joey is gone.

“Joseph Hopkins?” A frown mars Miles’s brow. “The body is someone in your family?”

I nod.

I swallow. “My brother. I guess he came back from Canada. Or he never went at all.”

15

MILES

Sadie’s peaches-and-cream complexion has gone stark white, and I wrap my arms around her to steady her. “Easy, baby.”

She grips the bar.

I’ve been a fucking idiot. A caveman who dragged his woman back to his cave and took possession. When I saw her come in with that guy… Yeah, I lost my shit.

Sadie is mine.

I don’t have any claim on her. We barely know each other, but whenever we’re together, the chemistry is intense. Being with her settles something inside me. And obviously riles me the fuck up.

We’ve spent most of our time since we met being mad at each other. It seems like everything is a total shit show right now. And we’re barely keeping our heads above all the mess.

And now this. The worst of all.

Her brother’s dead. On our ranch. Killed by someone.

“Listen, Hopkins,” Peterson says, clearly trying—and failing—to look contrite. “I didn’t mean to lay this on you like that.”

Without letting go of Sadie, I turn my gaze on him. “The hell you didn’t. It’s Saturday night, for God’s sake. We’re at a pool hall, not on the fucking clock. Did you even know about her brother?”

He shrugs. “No. I mean, maybe. Yeah, she might have mentioned it. That’s how she decided to enter the police academy.”

“I’m okay, Miles,” Sadie says against my shoulder.

Thank fuck she believes me about Rhonda and the baby. I want to be here for her and have nothing like that mess between us. Not any longer. The fact that she’s seeking comfort in me is proof she’s let it go. Or that she needs me no matter what clusterfuck stands in our way.

“You’re a piece of work, Peterson.” I shake my head.

“Look.” Peterson clears his throat. “This is just as big a surprise to me as it is to any of you.”

“Doubtful,” I add.

“But crime doesn’t take time off. Did you want me to wait until Monday morning to tell you?” he asks Sadie.

“No. I’m glad you told me. I’m just…surprised.”

He nods, clearly satisfied by his action now that Sadie has validated it.