Page 198 of Rhet

“You know what you have to do. I love you.” She closes the door and leaves.

* * *

It takesme two hours to get to Pine Brook Cemetery. I was nineteen the last time I was here. I bribe the guard at the cemetery entrance with an envelope of money to keep him happy for some time. He pushes open the wrought iron gate to let me pass.

I drive to my brother’s burial site. Jumping out of my car, I snatched the two crystal glasses and a crystal decanter that I took from my office. Taking my phone out of my pocket, I switch the light on. The cemetery feels eerie. I pass near graves with dead flowers and teddy bears holding flags. Some people would feel afraid of walking through a cemetery. I think you should be afraid of the living more than the dead.

I walk along a paved path till I stop in front of Trent’s gravestone. It readsYour memory will live in our hearts forever.

“I know I am a couple years late. But better late than never, right?” I sit on the side of the grave and switch the light off. I place the glasses on the grass, pouring into them.

I take one and clink it against his tombstone and sip.

“I wish you were here. Mom is doing great despite dad’s passing. I’m doing ok. Great news, I got the Waterfront. I’ve already start putting your ideas into action.” Silence surrounds me.

I rub my finger against the grass “I killed Carson. I know you won’t be pleased but it had to be done.” I take a gulp of whiskey and I enjoy the hot burn at the back of my throat.

“I thought I would feel super happy that Carson is dead. I don’t. I feel empty,” I turn to the side as an owl hoots and draws my attention. I rest my glass between my legs.

“After his death I realized, I can’t get you back. I knew but part of me still hoped,” I pass my hand threw my hair and pull hard at my roots.

“I miss you so much,” I feel my body rocking back and forth.

“I never got to say this, but I’m so fucking sorry. I’m sorry I wasn’t there. I’m sorry I didn’t push more and I’m fucking sorry it was you and not me that died.” I didn’t realize I was crying till my nose stuffed up. As I wipe my eyes on my sleeve, I feel a bundle of pain in my stomach, I lean forward into the grass and scream. Not caring if anyone hears or sees me. I can’t breathe anymore. I heave as the pain eases out of my body. That’s the first time I cried for my brother.

I rest my head on his tombstone.

“We have a new brother. His name is Draven.” I look back at the head stone as if Trent would appear.

“He looks like me, just with darker hair and tats. I actually like him but he can’t replace you…no one can,”

An owl hoots out into the dark night, I shiver as cold air crawls through the cemetery.

“I’m about to be a dad. Can you believe that.” I take a sip of my drink again.

“I’m scared shitless. My child’s mom and I hurt each other, but I love her and now I have to fix it.”

I stand and pour all the alcohol onto the ground. “I love you bro. Maybe I will bring Draven and Zeeta to meet you.”

I take the decanter and glasses and make my way to the car. As I start the car I dial Jasper.

“What the hell do you want Banner?” I hear movement in the background.

“Jasper I need your help. Are you busy?” I reply just as I heard a moan.

“Define busy, give me sec Rhet” Jasper jokes. I hear Jasper smack and talking in hushed tones.

“Sup,” Jasper asks.

“I need to get my girl back and you’re the only one who can help,” I reply.

Jasper laughs, “This is going to cost you in the future.”

“There is not a price that I will not be willing to pay,” I say as I drive out of the cemetery.

“In years to come. Remember you said that. How can I help?”

ZEETA

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