Hear No Evil (Brotherhood Trilogy Book 3) Page 2

  Caitlin grabs a brown paper bag filled with fresh milk and two loaves of bread.

  “How much do I owe you?” We walk towards the cabin together.

  She shakes her head. “This one’s on Tia and me.”

  I look to the sky and huff. “You’ve got to stop doing that, Caitlin. I have money. I want to pay you. It’s only fair.”

  “Yeah, but how long until your supply runs out?”

  I jerk to a stop and look at her.

  “Come on, it’s not like you can use an ATM or Visa. They track that kind of stuff, right? If you’re hiding from…” She swallows, then looks down at her gray hiking boots. “Whoever…Big Brother can…” She sighs. “In this digital age, it’s pretty hard to hide. I figure you’re smart enough to know that.”

  “I am,” I croak. “Which is why I know exactly how much money we have and exactly how much we can afford to spend.”

  “Of course you do.” Her blue gaze hits me in the heart when she looks up and smiles. Her admiration is so open, so sweet.

  I turn for the cabin before I’m sucked in by it. Damn, I’d love to kiss those full lips of hers. They’re so pink and perfect. I love the shape they make when she smiles.

  “So, I guess that’s why I throw in a few freebies every now and again. You might stay a little longer.” Her voice peters out and I stop at the top of the stairs to glance back and give her a slightly pained smile.

  I can’t say anything because I don’t want to promise something I can’t.

  I have no idea how much longer we’ll be here.

  We’ve been in hiding for ten months. I don’t know what we’re waiting for, really. Kade’s run-in with Agent Rybeck happened six months ago now. Is he still hunting us? Does he still want to question Ana until she gives up something that will secure her uncle’s life imprisonment?

  The Sorrentinos will never let that happen.

  If Ana’s uncle finds out she’s alive…he’ll kill her.

  So we stay.

  But we can’t stay forever.

  At some point, something is going to have to give.

  I don’t want to spend the rest of my life looking over my shoulder. I want to live, travel, breathe free air. I want to go to college.

  I want Jules to be able to officially name her daughter. I want us all to have a life.

  But that can’t happen until we stop the people who are out to hurt us.

  And I don’t know how to do that without putting us all in danger.

  So we stay.

  We wait.

  And hope the snakes never find us.

  And hope that if they ever do, their bites won’t kill us.

  #3:

  Little Miss Supply and Demand

  Caitlin

  “She has got to be the cutest baby ever born.” I rock Ellie in my arms, running my finger down her ski-jump nose and smiling.

  “What about your sisters?” Tia laughs. “They were pretty darn cute.”

  I roll my eyes. “Pretty darn loud. Between the two of them they could have triggered an avalanche.”

  Tia snorts and shakes her head.

  I brush my nose across Ellie’s cheek. She smells so good. So innocent. It’s impossible not to love her.

  Jules smiles up at me from the couch. “My little Ellie girl’s the opposite. She’s so quiet sometimes I have to triple-check her to make sure she’s still breathing.”

  Tia rubs her shoulder. “That’s a mother’s love. I’m sorry to tell you this but you’ll spend the rest of your life worrying about her. No matter how old she gets.”

  Jules groans and rubs a hand over her face before letting out a soft, wistful sigh. “I just want her to be happy and healthy.”

  “Well, at the moment, she’s both. I’ve never met such a contented baby.” Tia stands and crosses her arms, ready to put her stern voice on. “Let’s just hope she can stay that way for as long as possible.”

  Ana steps into the room, catching Tia’s low tone and reading it like a pro.

  She clenches her jaw and forces a smile. “Hi, Tia. Nice to see you.”

  “Ana.” Her nod is short, her smile unconvincing.

  She’s still wary of the girl, and I guess I can understand that. As far as we know, Ana isn’t even her real name. Tia’s positive they’re all lying to us. I can’t admit that I’m sure the guys are.

  As for the girls, I’m not certain.

  I do have one theory about Ana. She looks a lot like Christiana Sorrentino. She’s this girl who went missing the night after her friend Roberto Candella was murdered. Her uncle was accused of the crime, but Roberto’s father always insisted that Christiana was actually the guilty party.

  When the story hit the media last year, I was completely fascinated by it. Unfortunately the story kind of died off before it built too much steam, and I lost track of what happened.

  I do know the accused was released when the case fell apart. I can’t remember the uncle’s name.

  But anyway…if I am right about who Ana is, I can’t imagine her killing anybody.

  I’m dying to know what really happened and how Ana got caught up with these Eton Prep boys. I’ve tried to answer my questions with a bunch of theories from wild to mildly plausible. Who knows if any of them are true?

  All I know is that this little unit up here is a family…the kind of family I’d love to be a part of.

  I mean, I love Dad and the girls and even Tia, but these guys up here have something special. There’s an unspoken bond between them. I feel it every time I step foot in this cabin. The trust. The loyalty. The friendship. The love.

  I’d give anything to have friends like that, people my own age whose faces aren’t pixelated images on a computer screen. Out of all my online buddies, I’m the only one who doesn’t have a life outside of my house. Jen is always talking about how she goes to the movies and shopping with her friends. Last week, Becky bought tickets for the Panic At The Disco concert. She’s going with her boyfriend in December.

  I don't have any of that.

  There's no one in Legacy to hang out with, and even if there was, we definitely aren't able to go hang out at a mall or see a concert. Seeing what Ryan and his friends have carved out for themselves makes me long for those kinds of relationships: for girlfriends I can sit on a couch with while we binge-watch Netflix shows, or paint each other's nails, or even go for hikes in the woods. And even though I could do all of those things alone—and I do—I want to have someone to do them with.

  I want friends. Real-life friends.

  “All right.” Tia holds out her arms. “Let me have one more cuddle before we go.”

  She waves her fingers, beckoning for the baby, and I reluctantly pass her over. Ellie stirs in her sleep, making one quiet squawk before relaxing in Tia’s arms.

  “So tiny,” Tia whispers with a gooey smile.

  I glance at Jules and Ana. They’re both watching with these wistful expressions. I wonder what they’re thinking. Jules’s eyes glisten as Tia steps over and says a sweet goodbye to the baby.

  “Thank you,” she whispers, cradling her daughter in her arms.

  “You’re doing a wonderful job. She’s lucky to have you. But…she won’t be a baby forever. They grow up so fast.”

  Tia’s saying so much with her vague, generalized statements.

  Her undertone warnings are siren blasts in the small living room.

  Ana’s skin pales and Jules, who is normally so olive, is now white.

  “Caitlin, time to go.” Tia flicks her head at the door and my chest deflates.

  “I feel like we only just got here,” I grumble.

  Tia glances at me, her forehead wrinkling with confusion before smoothing out in understanding. She glances between the girls, then gives me a tight smile. “I can’t leave you here. It’s too far to walk home. I’m sorry, but I’ve got to get back to the twins.”

  “I know.” My shoulders slump.

  “Ryan can drop her back.” Ana steps up. “It�
�ll be nice for her to hang out for a while.”

  She glances at me and her eyes tell me something different. She needs something more than my company. I don’t care. If it means I can hang out with my peers for a while, then I’ll take it.

  Live contact! No disjointed girl-talk due to bad Internet connection. No clicks on my phone screen and then having to impatiently wait for the little gray dots in the messenger box to turn into a reply.

  Plus Ryan’s going to drop me back. I’m not passing that up for anything.

  Tia gives Ana a reluctant frown before turning back to me. I clasp my hands together and silently plead.

  And she gives in with a huff. “Okay, fine. I’ll tell your dad that you’re doing research for some biology paper or something. But you need to be back in time for dinner.”

  I bob my head with a giddy smile. “I will. Thank you.”

  Her smile grows as she shakes her head and walks for the sliding door. “Enjoy a little girl time, Caity. I’ll see you later.”

  “Thank you, Tia,” Jules calls while I plop into the threadbare chair opposite her.

  Ana waits until the pickup is rumbling away before perching next to Jules on the sofa. “So, any news? It’s been two weeks since Ryan last saw you.”

  “No updates.” I shake my head. “Legacy is life as normal right now. The fall season is basically over so the tourists have dried up. We may have a few die-hard hikers come through, but winter’s always your safest time.” I lean forward and pull the phone from my back pocket. “In saying that, you need to get stocked up. Once the snow sets in, it’s going to be harder to get up here. Are there any winter supplies you guys need?” I pull up Notes on my phone and poise my thumbs over the screen.

  Ana and Jules look to each other, then start rattling off ideas. I note them all down, struggling to keep up.

  “You’ll need to check with Ryan on this stuff. He’s in charge of money but if we have the funds, I’d really love everything on that list.” Jules grins at me.

  I nod, then point at her. “And what about you? Everything you said is for the baby. What do you want for you?”

  Jules goes still, her eyes rounding before she glances at the floor.

  “Something? Anything?” I try a little harder, hoping to work out why she’s suddenly gone so quiet.

  A soft sniff alerts me to the fact she might be crying and I share a quick look with Ana.

  Her eyebrows dip and she gently places her hand on Jules’s back. “You okay?”

  “Yeah.” Jules sucks in a shaky breath before looking up with a weak smile. “I guess I just thought of something I want but know I can’t have.”

  “What?” I lean forward.

  Tears pop onto her lashes as she whispers, “My mom.”

  My throat swells. The sad look on her face makes me want to cry too.

  She sniffs and shakes her head. “I know it’s stupid, but watching Tia with Ellie just makes me realize how much I miss her. I’d love to talk to her about what I’m doing. Ask her advice. Tell her how much I love Ka…Karl. Talk to her about baby diet and Ellie’s sleeping habits, breastfeeding and cracked nipples.”

  My nose wrinkles and she catches my expression before I can smooth it out.

  Her eyes bulge and her shoulders droop forward. “I’m sorry. See, this is why I want to talk to her. Tia’s great, but it’s not the same. I just want to hear Mom’s voice. Have some reassurance from the woman who raised me.”

  “I know what you mean,” Ana murmurs, staring at the floor like she’s suddenly unaware that we’re still in the same room and can hear everything she’s saying. “Mom and I were never super close or anything, but I’d love for her to know I’m alive. Even just to be able to call her and talk for five minutes. I hate that she probably thinks I’m dead. Losing her son nearly killed her. I can’t imagine what losing me must be doing to her as well.”

  My eyes round and I can’t help whispering, “Why would she think you were dead?”

  Ana jerks back, her lips parting as she glances between Jules and me. Crossing her arms, she shakes her head and mutters, “It doesn’t matter.”

  Jules reaches across and squeezes Ana’s hand. “I’m sorry. I wish you could talk to her. I haven’t spoken to my mom since…” She glances at me, then presses her lips together.

  It’s obvious they don’t want to say too much in front of me, but I’m desperate to know more. Questions are exploding in my brain like fireworks.

  Pursuing my lips, I scramble for something to kill the awkward silence. I want them to trust me, to spill it all. But why should they? I’m no one to them, just a casual friend.

  Ana won’t look at me; she’s found the world’s most interesting nothing on the knee of her jeans. Jules is looking at Ellie, lovingly running her finger over that delicate cheek, and no doubt lamenting the fact her mother will never get to meet the little bundle in her arms.

  I bite my lip and look to the floor, my heart hammering as an idea hits me. It could be dangerous. I don’t know the full reasons for why these girls are hiding. But I want to help.

  Because I like them.

  Because I want them to like me. To trust me.

  “I can get you a phone.”

  “What?” Ana frowns, her sharp gaze hitting me between the eyes.

  “I know you can’t afford to get caught or found or whatever, but burner phones can’t be traced.”

  “We know. Ryan has one.”

  “Which you can’t use, right? I mean, I’m guessing the guys would flip a switch if they thought you were calling someone…from the outside.”

  “Yeah.” Jules answers slowly, drawing out the word.

  “But I mean, if you think your mom is safe enough, then what’s wrong with calling and easing her mind? I can get you a phone, and no one has to know.”

  “She does work,” Jules murmurs. “I could call her there. She wouldn’t have to tell Dad.”

  I bob my head while Jules catches Ana’s eye, as if asking for permission. Ana’s lips twitch with a smile. “As long as you’re careful about what you say…there’s probably nothing to worry about.”

  A smile takes over Jules’s face. “You too.”

  “I couldn’t risk it. Not after all this time.”

  Jules swallows. “Well, I don’t have to, then. I mean…”

  “Yeah, you do.” Ana grabs her hand. “You should call her. A little phone call can’t hurt, and we don’t have to tell the guys.”

  Jules winces. “Karl won’t like it.”

  “Troy will hate it. But he doesn’t have to know.” She winks, then turns to me. “And we both know that little Miss Supply and Demand here can keep a secret.”

  I grin. “I most definitely can.”

  #4:

  Trust

  Riley

  When I get back to the house Tia has already left, and I don’t like the burst of disappointment that rips through me when I realize Caitlin has gone. I walk up the porch steps with a heavy sigh and am stopped short by a melodic sound. It’s laughter, sweet and pure.

  “Caity?” I whisper, bolting up the stairs and spotting her through the sliding door. She’s sitting in the living room, talking to the girls like they’re best buds.

  “Hey.” My voice pitches with surprise when I step into the cabin.

  “Hi.” She waves her fingers at me, then blushes and looks to the floor. Ana and Jules share a wink and both do a terrible job of hampering their smiles.

  I roll my eyes and shut them up with a warning glare. “So, what are you still doing here?”

  Ana grins. “I told Tia you could drive Caitlin back.”

  I try to subtly frown at her, but Caitlin’s looking at me again and I don’t want to hurt her feelings. She obviously likes me. It’s a reality that’s both thrilling and painful.

  Damn, I wish I could tell her I felt the same way.

  But I’m not going to do that to her. She doesn’t deserve to be pulled into my mess.

  “She wanted
to hang out for a while.” Jules gives her a smile and they share some secret look I don’t understand.

  I don’t know what they’re up to or what they’ve been talking about. It’s probably some girly thing I don’t want to know anyway.

  “Okay.” I clear my throat. “No problem. I’ll take you back now.”

  “Thanks.” Caitlin stands, then smiles down at the girls. “It was nice to hang out. Thank you.”

  “No problem.” Ana grins, then winks. “Anytime.”

  Caitlin’s smile rivals the sun as she practically skips towards me and walks out the door.

  Damn, that’s cute.

  I glance behind me and the girls both wiggle their eyebrows. I scowl at them, which only makes them laugh, before stomping out the door after Caitlin.

  This is a bad idea. If the girls are trying to hook Caitlin and me up, I can’t let them do it.

  I swear, sometimes it’s like they’re clueless to the fact we’re hiding up here in this cabin. Kade’s practically a fugitive with the assault charges Antonio Mossa wants to lay against him. And Ana’s hiding from US Marshals and her killer uncle. Making friends and falling in love seriously should not be options right now.

  Stupid, crazy girls.

  I slam into the car.

  “Whoa. Are you okay?” Caitlin’s eyes are wide and beautiful.

  So, so beautiful. Blue is now my favorite color.

  I force a smile. “Yeah. Yeah, I’m fine.”

  “Thanks for taking me back. Sorry if you don’t want to.”

  “No.” I shuffle in my seat. “I do. It’s fine, really.”

  Her smile is shy and uncertain as she clips her seat belt on. I feel bad, wishing I could tell her the truth—that seeing her makes my heart pound, talking to her makes me forget why I’m really here. That she’s the prettiest girl I’ve ever met.

  Instead I swallow and start the car.

  “So, you have a nice time with Jules and Ana?”