Page 22 of Barrett

“When?” How long had he been keeping this from me?

“A week ago.”

I got off the table in the small room and into my brother’s personal space, peering down at him. He didn’t bother to stand. We might have gone round for round when we were growing up, but we hadn’t gotten into it in a long time. “You didn’t tell me because?”

“He didn’t say much, and it was brief.”

“If I would have seen Lane or Alton and didn’t tell you, there would be hell to pay.”

He shrugged. “Maybe. Maybe not.”

“You know damn well you’d want every detail.”

A knock on the door interrupted us a moment before Alton entered. He froze when his eyes landed on my brother. Alton took him in from head to toe before shifting his gaze to his tablet, while he pushed the door closed. “I only have Reghan on the schedule today. Is there something you need, Raiden?”

“No.”

“Reghan, how are the migraines?” I took a seat on the table. Alton knew my brother was well aware of my medical history. I'd told him before to speak freely in front of Raiden when he was examining me. Alton's head lifted, and his blue eyes met mine. He was avoiding my brother. One look was all Alton gave himself.

“They’re fine. I still get some occasionally, but they’re easily manageable. The medication works. It’s not often I get one that knocks me down.”

“Good. That’s what I like to hear.” He tapped on his tablet before placing it on the counter and starting his examination.

After checking me over, he asked about my general health. Alton wore many hats, but he wasn’t a neurologist. He could treat migraines though. He could treat almost anything Jordan and the people who worked for and lived with him needed. Alton had done just about everything over the years, from removing bullets to stitching up knife wounds to prescribing medication for persistent acid reflux. If one of us was in really bad shape, he’d make us go to a hospital. There was only so much he could do alone in one of Jordan’s medical rooms. Major surgery required additional people and a well-crafted lie about what happened to keep the cops from sniffing around.

“I’ve refilled your prescriptions and sent them to the pharmacy. If there are any issues, let me know. It was nice seeing you again.” He nodded toward my brother. “Raiden.” Then he was out the door.

Raiden stood slowly from his chair, pretending Alton not saying more to him didn’t affect him. I knew the truth.

I waited until we were in the elevator to say, “He’s still wondering what you’re doing about Lane.”

“I’m not doing anything about Lane.”

“You and Alton have been skating around each other, then he found out you were protective over Lane. The dynamic changed, and now he doesn’t know where he stands.” I was speculating. My brother understood that.

“He’s in the same spot as before,” Raiden grumbled. “Nothing changed except for Lane’s arrival. I’ve barely talked to either of them. It’s not like I’m fucking Lane on the side while pursuing Alton.”

There was a story between Alton and my brother. One that started and never finished, but it was theirs, and one I didn’t always put myself in the middle of. Raiden was an adult, much like the men he craved. They’d figure it out or go crazy staying away from each other. Although, I wasn’t sure what Lane felt, if anything. He seemed indifferent. He was enjoying his freedom away from his brother and father, now that they were dead. Lane could be whoever he wanted. There were no restrictions on him. Well, except the ones Jordan set to make sure Lane was protected. He was Hartley’s relative, after all.

The elevator arrived, and we stepped into Jordan’s home. He’d asked us both to see him once we were done with Alton. Being the weekend, Jordan was home with both of his men. Vail and Hartley weren’t working, which meant Jordan was here, enjoying time with them. Ava was spending the weekend at a friend’s house with Julia guarding her nearby.

“How did your appointment go?” Vail asked. He was on the couch with his head resting on Hartley’s lap as the three of them watched TV while the dogs napped on the floor.

“Fine, thank you,” I said. If Vail really wanted to know, I’d tell him some other time. Jordan didn’t need to hear about my migraines. He knew. Nothing got past him, but if he thought I wasn’t up to doing my job, he’d probably have my brother on his detail more, and I wanted to be an equal part of this. My migraines didn’t keep me from my work.

Vail smiled. “That’s good to hear.”

“Lawson found something else,” Jordan stated, getting right to the point. “It’s outside of East Dremest, so you’ll need to work with Barrett on it. I don’t want you caught in something you shouldn’t be diving into by another police department where I don’t have pull.”

“Where, sir?” my brother asked.

“Monroe County. The kidnappings are no longer only here. They’re spreading north, which isn’t surprising, given the location to the major highways and the ease of getting out of the area quickly.”

“Won’t they ask who we are?”

“You’re not going with him to talk to other cops. You'll be with Barrett, who won't be in uniform, watching over him to make sure he doesn’t do something that gets him in trouble.”

“Sir?”

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