Page 31

R ory sat at the dining table, legs crossed on the chair, eyes bright as I placed the container of brownies in front of us. “They’re still warm,” she said as I removed the lid. “Double chocolate too. I use the Ghirardelli chocolate bars and cut them into chunks. It’s so freaking good.”

“Well, come on. Have one with me,” I insisted.

“I’d love one,” she said, laughing. “I shouldn’t though. I had, like, three sugar cookies yesterday and my doctor says I should watch how much sugar I eat right now. I’ve been in remission for five months, so he’s all strict and serious about my diet.”

“Well, now I’ll feel guilty for eating them in front of you.” I laughed.

“Please don’t! I made them for you. Plus, you can give me your opinion on them. I’m actually thinking about selling them. We could use the money.”

That surprised me. “Are you guys not making enough money from renting this place?”

“It got booked, like, four or five times last year. Mostly at the beginning of fall. And so far this year, maybe about three times, including yours. There’s this writer who comes and stays for, like, two weeks so he can finish a book.

I’ve never spoken to him, but I’ve always wanted to ask him a thing or two about writing. ”

“What about your brothers? Do they work?”

“Yeah. Alex is a mechanic, but I mean, come on. We’re in a small town. Business isn’t exactly booming for him. Plus, he has a minor record.”

I frowned. “A record? For what?”

“Sexual assault, I think. But he swears that girl lied. They were at a party and both of them were drinking and stuff. She told the cops he took things too far. I don’t know. I was super young when it happened.”

“Oh.” That sent a cold shiver through me, but I kept my expression neutral.

“As for Damian, he works on the farm with Mr. Klinebek sometimes,” Rory went on. “Helps with the animals and at the farmer’s market on Saturdays. He brings fresh eggs home for us.” She pointed to the brownie I was about to take a bite of. “I actually used some of the eggs for that batch.”

I bit into the brownie. It probably wasn’t wise to eat a brownie from a suspect. But there was something about Rory that was innocent. Kind. If anyone were to poison me, it would likely be Alex or Damian.

“Oh wow,” I garbled around a mouthful. “These are really good, Rory. And you said you make these from scratch?”

She beamed proudly. “Sure do.”

“Wow. You’re gifted.”

She couldn’t contain her grin.

“Do you want something to drink? Some water? Juice?”

“Water is good,” she said.

I grabbed two bottles from the fridge, then joined her at the table.

“This place is really nice,” I said, looking around. “More people should book here.”

“Alex thinks they will. He’s only just put it up as a listing last year. He and Damian renovated a lot. They swapped out some of the furniture. He took out a loan to do it, actually. Gotta spend money to make money. That’s what he always says.”

“Hmm. You guys sound really close.”

“We are.”

“What’s the story, if you don’t mind me asking? I mean, how did you come to live with Alex?”

“His mom took me and Damian in as foster kids. Ended up adopting us. Couple years later, she was in a car accident.” Her face crumpled as she lowered her eyes to the table. “She um . . . she died instantly.”

“Oh, Rory. I apologize for asking. I didn’t mean to upset you.” I placed a hand on top of hers as she blinked, trying to get rid of the tears.

“It’s okay. I actually want to talk about her. Alex and Damian never want to. They act like it never happened and I hate it. She was so nice to me. The perfect mom. Having someone like her in my life was all I ever wanted.”

Hearing her say that reminded me of Eve. It was all she ever wanted too.

“I can’t say that it didn’t push us closer though, me and my brothers.

We started looking out for each other more.

We were actually living in this house before she passed.

The one we’re staying in now used to be my uncle’s.

It was paid off a long time ago. This house was pretty much falling apart so we moved.

This place sat around for years before Alex decided to finally do something with it. ”

“Do you like living here? In Sage Hill, I mean,” I asked.

“It’s all I know.” She shrugged. “I do want to travel one day. My immune system is kind of crap right now, so I’ve been homeschooled. Damian helps with that and sometimes a tutor will stop by. It works for us for now.”

“My friend Eve—the uh, the one I asked you about earlier. She loves to travel. She’s actually an influencer. People pay her to stay in their rentals and make videos or whatever—I’m sure you know all about that.” I laughed like it was stupid, but I didn’t miss the way Rory tensed.

She avoided my eyes, picking up her water bottle instead and opening it.

“It’s just weird not hearing from her,” I went on, plucking off a corner of another brownie. “She’s my best friend. Like a sister, actually.”

“Yeah. I get it. Um, I—I should go before my brothers notice I’m missing,” Rory said, dropping her legs.

Before she could stand, I placed a hand on top of hers and she halted, staring down at me. She was shaking now, her eyes watery and swimming with fear.

“Rory, if you know something, please tell me,” I pleaded in a whisper.

Her throat bobbed as she continued a stare, looking from my eyes to my hand on top of hers. “They told me not to say anything,” she whispered back.

“Why would they ask you to do that?”

“Because they . . .” She clamped her mouth shut then snatched her hand away. “You have her purse now. Just . . . keep looking for the answers.”

My heart dropped as Rory dashed for the door.

“Wait—Rory!” I called, but she’d already yanked the door open and run out. “Rory!” I shouted.

I trundled down the porch steps, but Rory was already near the main path.

Watching her run reminded me of the person I’d seen earlier. The same one who ran away after knocking on the door. I’d suspected it before, but there was no doubt about it now.

Rory had left Eve’s purse.

Eve Castillo journal entry

Victor called earlier.

I was at the gym, so I ignored his first call.

He called again when I got home. I almost paid no attention to it, but a part of me wanted to hear what he had to say.

He said he missed me. That he wants to meet up.

I’m not sure I want to. Me and Lincoln are on better terms now.

Besides, the last time I spoke with Victor, he made me feel like shit.

He can be so toxic . . . but he promised to make it up to me.

Am I dumb for considering it? I feel like I should reject him, but we have such good sex. And when he’s in a good mood, he really is kind. I might meet him for lunch just to hear him grovel. Who knows what’ll happen after that.