Page 116 of Renewal After Dark

“Don’t envy you that,” Big Mac said.

“Part of the job,” Blaine replied. “We’ll see you later.”

“Thanks fer what ya do, guys,” Ned said. “It’s appreciated.”

“That’s nice to hear,” Jack said. “Thanks.”

They walked to Blaine’s SUV and drove into town to find Billy’s brother, Morgan.

“I guess we should start at the gym,” Blaine said. “From what I’ve heard, he’s been hanging there and taking care of things in Billy’s absence.”

“Yeah, I heard that, too. Billy’s pals have been rallying around him.”

“Linc Mercer told me Billy and Morgan lost their parents and sister in quick succession a few years back. Was just the two of them left.”

“Ah, crap. I hate to hear that.”

“I know. I can’t imagine being the last one left in my original family.”

“Me either.”

“The close call with Deacon, and now this thing with Jim, has me feeling extra thankful lately.”

“I’m sure. Deacon got so freaking lucky.”

“I know. Far too close for comfort. I wake up in a cold sweat thinking about what would’ve happened if Joe and Seamus hadn’t taken the ferries out to sea to ride out the storm.”

“Thank God they did,” Jack said.

“Yeah, no kidding.”

“How does Deacon seem after nearly being lost at sea?”

“Fine, which is a bit worrisome. I mean, how can he just pick right up and go back to work like it never happened?”

“Maybe the return to normalcy is what he needs more than anything.”

“Yeah, I guess. And then he had to be the one to find Jim. It’s been a lot for him.”

“I’m sure his big brother is keeping a watchful eye on him.”

“You know it.”

Blaine pulled into the parking lot at the gym, across the parking lot from the ferry landing, about a block from the tattoo and massage studios. “Let’s get this over with.”

Jack followed Blaine inside, where the blast of rock music and metal connecting with metal greeted them.

Morgan Weyland, who was about thirty-five, with dark hair tinged with gray on the edges, was folding towels behind the registration desk. His expression went blank when he saw them coming. “You found him.”

“We did,” Blaine said. “Please accept our condolences on the loss of your brother.”

Morgan’s dark eyes were rimmed with red from a week of sleepless nights and unbearable stress. “Goddamn it, Billy.”

“We’re so sorry,” Jack said.

“Thanks for all you guys and the others did to find him. That stupid son of a bitch.” Morgan’s eyes filled with tears. “How could he go and leave me here all alone?”

“Is there anyone we could call to come over and be with you?” Blaine asked.

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