Page 106 of Traces Of You

She wouldn’t want to be considered a responsibility.

It would have caused a fight last night when it was the last thing either of them needed.

“She’s not ready to hear more.”

“That’s between the two of you,” Clay said impatiently. “I’m putting cameras on both doors and security lights in the front and back by the entrances. Hidden cameras already monitor the driveway, as you know.”

“Did you see anything or anyone last night?”

“No. No one has come down the road other than you and her. Not last night. Other than family, no one has been this far down in a car.”

“That’s good to know. Do you think it was her imagination?”

“Probably, but I’m not stupid enough to insult her with it. There are some limbs down. The wind was whipping last night. There are footprints all over the cabin outside.”

“Again, you should have led with that.”

“They look like hers and Mom’s. She said Mom and Dad have been out there doing things. I know they’ve walked down or driven too.”

It all made sense. “That’s it? Nothing more?”

“There isn’t much more at this point,” Clay said. “The cameras will be delivered today and I’ll get them installed. I ordered them to be expedited yesterday afternoon. It’s my fault for only having them at the top of the driveway.”

Ford didn’t need his brother taking the blame for something no one would have thought of. In his mind, Reenie was safe on his family's land.

“Don’t,” he said. “Nothing has happened. I appreciate everything you’ve done. I’m going to talk to her about staying with me.”

“How do you think that is going to go over?” his brother asked. He didn’t like the older brother smirk being sent his way.

“What does that mean?”

“It means that she gets out of work at three and you barely get home by seven half the time. Do you want her in your house for hours when you’re not around? Where no one else can watch out or get to her if they need to? You know as well as I do, she’s safer and more protected here.”

Ford didn’t like being told what he should already know.

“I don’t like this. Not until we find out more information from Grady.”

“He’s working on it,” Clay said. “It takes time. I’ll reach out tomorrow if I hear nothing.”

He looked around the land his parents owned. That had been in his family for generations.

Few would dare step foot here without reason or consequences unless welcomed.

“Thanks. I don’t say it enough, but I should thank you daily. All of you.”

“Don’t,” Clay said. “You’d do the same for any of us. We know it.” His brother was quiet for a second. “Are you going to tell her you love her?”

“No,” he said.

Clay tossed a hand in the air. “Why?”

“Because she doesn’t need that pressure on her shoulders with everything else.”

“Do you really think she doesn’t feel the same way?” Clay asked.

He looked off into the distance again. Anything to avoid his brother’s gaze. “We haven’t talked about anything remotely close to feelings.”

“Dude,” Clay said. “She came here to say goodbye to the one place she had fond memories of as a child. The place she hoped to see you even if she didn’t know this would be the outcome. You don’t think that says everything you need to know?”