Page 59 of One of Six

"Yes." I look over at him. "Mom left me everything she had, Essex. Everything. Richard is pissed."

Violet says, “I’m glad I'm staying with you. It will give him time to cool off.”

"Maybe."

Violet asks, "So who's this guy we're going to see?"

I sigh. "He's someone my mom knew. I want to know how they met."

"Well," Galen sits forward, "Den Hollows is our town. Nothing bad will happen to you here."

"I don't feel threatened here," I say. After a pause, I add softly for Essex, “My mom left me a letter. David gave it to me earlier.”

“Have you read it?”

“No,” I admit. “I’m not ready to read her words… I’m afraid in case she tells me things that can’t be unread, you know? I’m going to let it settle for a few days.”

He squeezes my hand and brings it up to his lips where he brushes his lips against my knuckles. “I’m here if you need me.”

“I know.” I smile softly as he pulls up in front of the Redd house.

"The hotel's a five-minute walk. Might as well leave the truck here so we don't draw attention to our visit."

"Oh!" I hadn't thought of that. We get out of the truck and Essex takes my hand. "I'm nervous about this."

"You have nothing to be nervous about." He kisses my knuckles as we cross the street.

The only light comes from the few houses along this stretch of road as we pass. Voices are heard as we reach the Beachcomber Hotel.

Both Essex and Galen stop us. "I don't recognize the voices," Essex says.

"Neither do I." Galen.

"Me neither." Violet.

I roll my eyes. "Me four."

"I'm not going with you!" a man shouts, drawing our attention.

"Wait! That sounded like Carter... We have to help him."

Essex pulls me into the shadows as we creep along the outer wall. "Are they fighting?" I ask.

At the corner we peer into the backyard, which is bright. I cover my mouth in shock. "That's Carter. I recognize one of the guys. Jonas. Works in the main yard at Lincoln Construction."

Both Essex and Galen curse.

I pull my cell phone out of my back pocket and dial. The man answers immediately. "Uncle David," I whisper.

I feel his surprise that I used 'uncle' again. "Bea! Where are you?"

"You have to come quickly. The Beachcomber. Some men are attacking the man from the funeral."

"Shit! I'm on my way. Go stop them, Bea. Tell them who you are. They'll stop. I promise." He hangs up.

"He wants me to stop it."

"Fuck! No way!" Essex grabs my arms. "You can't go in there."

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