Page 4 of Splintered Memories
My back teeth clenched. Five months ago, the Shadow Stalker had claimed another young victim after years of inactivity. Everyone had thought that he was finally gone. They had begun to feel safe again.
All that had come crashing down hard. Ever since, Hearthstone had been bombarded with orders for security systems and camera installations. I had contracts with the local college, and they’d been adding more and more security work to my plate, especially because the woman who’d been killed was a student there.
I needed to hire more people. My brothers all had a place and job within the company, but I had people on a damn waiting list now andthey were becoming impatient. I’d worked so hard to build a sparkling reputation for this company and now, I felt like I was floundering, trying to maintain that.
My father had volunteered to help when he could, and though I appreciated his help, I hated that I needed it. It didn’t sit right with me. My father had worked my entire life to provide a great life for our family and now it was our turn—my brothers and me—to take care of him, not the other way around.
“I should really make some new hires, at least on a temporary basis.”
It was needed weeks ago, but I had no idea how long this influx of business would last. I assumed it would level out after a while, and the thought of hiring new people to have to let them go when the business died down bothered me.
“I can make a listing and put it on the recruiting websites,” Fox offered.
I gently stretched my shoulder again. It was acting up with the unpredictable spring weather and the extra work I was doing. I walked over to my brother, my twin, and patted his shoulder. “Thanks.”
Fox always knew what I needed. He was always there to help in any way he could.
He studied me now that I was closer. Those calculating eyes of his skimmed over my face. Whatever he saw there had a crease forming between his brows. “You’re tired,” he said.
I almost laughed. “We’re all tired.”
That line right between his eyes deepened. “That’s not the kind of tired I mean.” He hesitated. “Are the nightmares back?”
My body went rigid. I didn’t have to answer his question because my brother saw it all over my face.
It had been a long time since I’d struggled with the vivid nightmares. A consolation prize I’d brought home from my time in the military.
I grabbed my bad shoulder without thinking, as if the scars hidden beneath my sleeve had suddenly opened back up. I winced, rolling the sore joint as I glanced away from Fox’s stare.
“It’s just the stress,” I muttered. “I’m fine.”
Fox gave me a doubtful look, but he didn’t press me on it. I was grateful.
“I’ll send you a copy of the job listing for your approval before I post it online.”
I blinked, orienting myself to the shift in the conversation. I let go of my shoulder, letting my hand drop to my side as I let out a relieved breath. “I don’t know what I’d do without you, bro.”
I gave him a nod before I headed toward the door.
“August?”
I halted, glancing back over my shoulder at him, a brow raised in question.
“Why don’t you pick up some donuts from the bakery on your way back?”
My lips pulled up into a smile. “See? That’s why we’re best friends, aside from the twin thing. I’m pretty sure you can read my mind.”
The side of Fox’s mouth pulled up in a knowing grin. “And don’t forget the coffee.”
2
Emersyn
Late-afternoonsunlightfilteredinthrough the tall windows, warming my face as I looked out on Center Street. It was a clear, beautiful spring day. People milled about, visiting the shops and businesses inside the historic buildings nestled against one another, lining both sides of the street.
“The view is nice,” I mused, turning toward my brother. He was seated on the cream-colored couch in the living room of his new apartment.
Jake stretched his arms above his head with a heavy sigh. We’d been working all morning and afternoon to get him moved in, and he looked about as exhausted as I felt. His dark eyes scanned the space, softening as they did so.
