Page 242 of Things Left Unsaid

It feels like Pandora’s edging ever nearer toward her box and I’m supposed to brace for impact but no one gave me a seat belt.

“You okay, Colt?”

The question jerks me from my heavy thoughts. I turn to glance at my little brother who’s studying me, concern lacing his expression.

“I’m better than I have been in a long while.”

Reluctantly, he concedes, “Marriage is suiting you?”

“Yeah. It is. Could be that it’s Zee who’s suiting me more than marriage.” My hands tighten on the wheel. “I knew her. Before the fire. She’s no stranger to me.”

“Huh?”

“After her dad’s funeral, she’d sneak into the stables and I’d go sit with her.” Having shared this with Theo, it’s easier to talk about. “Got to know her over a real long time. Learned the measure of the girl. Didn’t trust in that measure when I should have?—”

“I don’t understand.”

I rub my jaw. “Who could blame you?”

He turns in his seat, demanding, “Colton, youknewher? Were you dating?”

“No, we damn well weren’t. You know what the age gap is between us. Do you think I’m some sicko? I guess I was like an older brother. At least, on my side, that’s how it was.”

He’s quiet for a second. “You mean she liked you differently than you did her?”

“The age gap was something I couldn’t see past. Doesn’t matter so much when one of you is approaching thirty and the other said farewell to it a couple years back.”

“I guess not,” he mumbles, tone stilted.

“I’m going to be honest with you, Cole, and you’re not going to like what I have to say.”

“I’m already not liking it.”

“I figured as much.” The wheel creaks under my palms. “Couldn’t blame you. Figure you’ll be angry at me for a long while and that’s okay. But… I thought she did it too.”

He doesn’t explode. Doesn’t punch me in the shoulder.

If anything, his silence is more unnerving.

Cole isneverquiet.

Like a fool, I attempt to fill the vacuum. “I gave her an alibi because she was young and, to be frank, as messed up as we were.Are,” I correct.

“Why?”

“Because she tried to kiss me that night and I rejected her. During the fire, she was trapped with Loki.” My throat tightens as realization strikes. “She was depressed before her brother died. That day, the family received news he was presumed killed in action. I guess I thought she was fucked up enough to end it all and hurt me at the same time.”

“And you still gave her an alibi?”

His wooden tone has me gritting my teeth. “She was a kid?—”

“She was a killer!”

“She didn’t do it.”

“You expect me to believe thatnow?” he snarls.

“I don’t expect you to believe anything without asking questions. But I want you to know something?—”

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