Page 14 of Two Hearts' Accidental Heroes

“Both,” Jake replied. “Be sure to have an overnight bag. You should be alright using your phones for a day or two but be prepared to go dark and maybe start using some burner phones for a while.”

“I suppose that’s going to apply to our computers too?” Dad muttered.

“Let’s see what happens during the next few days. If we can subtly spread the word that Brian was shot at by a bunch of strangers and didn’t really understand who or what he was dealing with or didn’t see anyone’s faces so that he could identify them, maybe they’ll give it a rest after a while. Maybe it’s not even human traffickers we’re dealing with here, even though I don’t know why they would be chasing and shooting at Brian if there wasn’t something big they were hiding,” Jake observed.

“Thanks, Jake,” Dad said, grimacing. “We’ll do everything you say. Just let me know what’s next as soon as you can. I guess you should give the phone back to Brian so he can let Rick know what he needs from his room.”

“And don’t worry,” Jake said, sounding reassuring. “I’m not going to let you sell your house or vehicles. It might be a matter of months before you’re back here living in Crystal Rock.”

“I’d sure hate to give up what we have,” Dad agreed. “Okay. Talk with you soon.”

Dad handed over his phone to Rick, who headed upstairs as soon as Brian was back on the phone.

“So, you did know more than what you were saying,” Brian said softly.

“What makes you think that?” Rick asked, heading into Brian’s room.

“Ashley said earlier today when I confronted her about her dad and our mom, that I should be thinking harder about what’s been happening—that things aren’t really as they appear. Of course, I wouldn’t listen. I think I screwed up the only real relationship I ever wanted by taking everything out on her this morning when she showed up at the beach while I was working,” Brian confessed, sounding forlorn.

“Remember what Dad said to Eric, Brian. If it was meant to be, you’ll get another chance,” Rick said quietly. “I could see how happy you were last week when you two finally got together.”

“There’s just one question I have, Rick. I’m not sure if you would even know. But you’ve been really calm during all of this and you’re the only one who had a chance to talk to Mom before she left. Is Mom really going away with Mr. Mitchum?”

Rick cleared his throat.

“Okay,” Brian said. “I sense that some kind of promise might be broken if you tell me directly. Clear your throat once if the answer is no, and twice if the answer is yes.”

“Alright,” Rick agreed, clearing his throat.

There was a long silence, and Rick could sense Brian’s relief.

“Thanks, Rick. That helps. Want to switch to the camera and pan it around the room on video for a minute or two so I can see what I want to take along with me? Maybe open the bottom dresser drawer, where I keep my important stuff while you’re at it.”

“Sure,” Rick said, taking the time to walk around the room and even into the closet, sending the video to Brian a few minutes later.

Brian sent him an email with a list and as soon as Rick had everything stacked and folded neatly on the bed, he took another video, listing everything out loud that he had ready to pack.

Brian called right back. “I guess I should have my rechargeable toothbrush and razor too along with the other stuff I have in the bathroom.”

“Okay,” Rick replied. “I’ll have everything ready to go for whoever’s going to pick it up in about twenty minutes. I think I’m supposed to use boxes and not a suitcase.”

“Thanks, Rick. I guess I’ll be seeing you soon.”

“You can count on it. I hope we’ll be able to keep in touch somehow.”

“Same here,” Brian agreed. “Probably not when I get to boot camp, but hopefully we won’t have to cut off contact for long.”

Brian disconnected without saying anything more. Rick was teary eyed, and somehow, he knew, Brian probably was too.

Their family would never be the same again.

Chapter Six

From the moment he’d arrived home to hear that Brian wouldn’t be returning, Eric hadn’t stopped questioning Dad before he’d begun drilling Rick, unsatisfied with Dad’s answers. So Rick had been tossing and turning since he’d laid down to try and sleep.

But despite their family turmoil, it wasn’t Brian or his Mom and Dad’s situation that was on Rick’s mind.

It was Shanna Weldon. He was feeling dread at the thought of leaving her alone here in Crystal Rock.

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