Page 12 of Truth is the Ultimate Weapon

“How long have you been saving up that speech?” Coy chuckled and kissed the top of her head.

“It’s been building. Seeing them today, though, that’s what sealed the deal. I don’t even think they see what the rest of us do.”

“I just wish they’d stop growing up.”

“Too late.” Kenzie laughed.

“Nash and Dev were just kids when I left. Look at them.”

“That’s how it works.” Kenzie looked up at him.

“I missed so much, Kenz. With mom, with those two, with Cut’s kids. I mean, man… Cut has kids. That’s still weird to me sometimes. I don’t know any of them either. I didn’t even know my mom anymore when she passed.” His voice was full of sadness and regret. “I don’t know how to fix any of it.”

“Sure, you do. You’re doing it. You’re here. At least for now. You don’t have to get it all figured out tonight, or even this week, or month, for that matter. Just… do better. Do it different.”

“I missed a lot with you, too.” He said, dropping his mouth to hers. “I don’t know how to fix that either.”

“Oh, I can think of several ways you can make it up to me.” She teased, taking his mouth.

Coy drew her into his lap, their connection unbroken as he lifted her and carried her to his room.

4

“How’d it go last night?” Devyn asked as she and Rip entered the living room and found Coy and Kenzie seated, poring over additional missing persons files.

“Last night?” Kenzie questioned, looking between Coy and his sister, her cheeks turning crimson.

Coy grinned, it was clear he knew full well where Kenzie’s mind went. Straight to their evening together, in his bed.

“It went… really well.” He said.

Devyn sat a handful of journals on the coffee table in front of them, “Does that mean you found something?”

“Oh, uh, no.” Kenzie shared, “But we’ve made a lot of progress. Once we separated the relevant files from those that weren’t, we started getting through them pretty quickly. We took out all the male missing persons, then narrowed by age, location, and those with children versus those without. It was a whole process.”

“Uh-huh.” Devyn looked between Coy and Kenzie, “You know we know, right?”

Kenzie continued to blush, “You… know?”

“Everyone knows.” Devyn grinned. “And if there was any question before, you just confirmed it with your long-detailed explanation –– deflection, Sheriff, is a dead giveaway. As is distraction tactics.”

“Oh. That.” Kenzie awkwardly chuckled.

“It didn’t work when you two were younger and always out in the barn, either.”

“Wait, you knew about that too?”

“Everyone did.”

“Oh wow.” Kenzie buried her face in her hands. “That’s embarrassing.”

“Why? You’re adults. You can do whatever you want. As long as you’re happy, we’re happy for you.” Devyn shared.

Kenzie looked at Coy and raised an eyebrow, “Is that so? Happy adults, huh?”

“Yes, and I’d appreciate the same courtesy when it comes to my love life as well.” Devyn deadpanned. “You two talk louder than you think. I heard it all. Let this serve as my first and only warning, butt out. I’m a grown-up, too, big brother.”

“Copy that.” Coy huffed in frustration and returned his focus to the file he held.

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