Page 16 of Shephard

Hunter flanked my side even though he kept his distance. We remained quiet, just breathing in the clean air.

I could tell he was the most troubled of the three of us, which fit his personality. “Do you think Dad is really dying?”

The fact I laughed after the question was asked showed how crass I’d become. “I don’t know what to tell you other than Mom is devastated. My guess is he did his best to keep his condition a secret.”

“Yeah, you’re right. Pops always pretended he was Superman.” He laughed bitterly.

“More like pick a villain in a movie.”

“You always hated him.”

“Yeah?” I hissed. “I had my reasons.” And I did. The worst punishments and strict guidelines were placed on the oldest son. Maybe that’s why I was such a jerk and unemotional about everything. I’d learned whining or crying only resulted in a belt being used. Fuck that.

“Jagger and I know you did. We never talked about it, but we knew.”

It was strange to hear him admit that. I didn’t bother looking at him. I could hear the guilt in his voice.

“What kind of shit did Pops drop us into?” Jagger’s voice still had the usual edge. He shoved drinks in our hands then moved to the furthest section of the deck possible without going around the corner.

“The real deal,” I managed.

“Or a big hoax,” Jagger said, laughing good naturedly.

“The two of you are real assholes,” Hunter barked. “Dad is dying and asked for our help. And in case you don’t remember, asking for anyone’s help to do anything isn’t his forte.”

“Nor ours.” My grumble was just as harsh as Jagger’s banter.

All three of us sighed, being reflective to whatever degree our personalities demanded.

“What if we took his offer?” Hunter’s voice was sheepish.

Jagger’s laugh was almost maniacal. “And live in this rathole?”

I was certain Hunter was going to punch him out. He took four long strides toward Jagger, pulling back his non-dominant arm. Although the guy could be ambidextrous if he wanted to be. He’d also been a boxer.

Jagger bristled.

Now I laughed. “Cut the crap, both of you. This has to be discussed like adults and like potential business partners. If we decide it’s a no-go, then we don’t have a single right to complain about the sale or not getting a dime.”

“Old bastard. That’s what he’d prefer. Then he could go to his grave with every miserable penny.”

Maybe I’d never realized how bitter Jagger was.

Hunter was shaking his head. “You’re right. The thought of living near either one of you makes my skin crawl. You’re losers.”

“Oh, and what? You’ve been doing so well since you botched that last assignment, allowing all those innocent people to be killed?” Jagger threw at him. It was obvious they’d compared notes, breaking protocol.

Now I’d had enough with Jagger. I was the one in his face, fisting his shirt and dragging him onto the toes of his boots. “Listen to me. Hunter was following orders just like both of us have done. He didn’t fuck it up. His superiors did. So shut up unless you want my fist down your throat. Got it?”

Jagger wasn’t used to my outburst. I hadn’t been this emotional in a long time. What did that say about me and the situation? I wasn’t certain I wanted to find out.

“Okay,” Jagger conceded. “Have it your fucking way.”

Always the hard-ass.

Hunter paced the deck. “How did the resort become so successful?”

“Because a whole bunch of years passed when we weren’t looking.” I glanced from one to the other. It was the truth.

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