Page 19 of Maddox: Wild Alaska
"I just told you. A magazine. I never forget a face." She shrugs. "Would you like to ride with me? Branson can take Roger."
"No, I'll follow you." I climb into my truck, eager to get this over with. Now that I'm aware of what Sofie has to look forward to with Richard—a life of financial security in a big city—my mood has taken a nosedive. Then, of course, I wonder if she'll be happy.
What the hell is wrong with me? A day. Less than a day. A split second. That's all it took for me to fall for a woman who is out of my league. I slam my fist against the steering wheel while my brother bangs his fist against the window.
I drop the glass and wait, letting my irritation dissipate—at least outwardly.
"I'm struggling with this, Maddox," Branson admits, taking off his hat and running a hand through his hair. "It's weird as fuck, and it chills me to the bone. I wouldn't ask you for help if I didn't need it. You should know that by now." He pauses. “The body has gone.”Thank fuck! “Hunter is out at the scene. It's too big of an area for us to cover without help."
"I'm an asshole," I mutter. "We're brothers. I'm always here to help. I've got a lot on my mind, is all."
He grunts and nods as he moves to his vehicle. That's when I notice the fire in Janice's eyes. Well, fuck me! This morning is going to be a barrel of laughs.
As we pass through town,I notice Maddox with an attractive blonde woman. I immediately wonder who she is and what their relationship is. I know I shouldn't be, but I find that I’m jealous. My stomach sinks at the thought of him with her. I shake myself and pay attention to Judean in the seat beside me.
For some reason that I haven't figured out yet, Richard's family are being nice today. My guard is still up around them, and that won't change. Something has changed since last night, and it's puzzling. They've been giving Judean the cold shoulder.
I don't really understand. Judean thinks it's because she's become my friend. I just hope things don't get any more complicated than they already are. Today's activities should giveus enough space to take a breather and clear our minds. One can hope.
Garrett opens the door for us, and we step out into the fresh air of the forest. I smile widely as I close my eyes and breathe in the rich scent of pine trees. I'm excited for this walk-through Alaska's wilderness. We've all been given water and a packed lunch, which we'll eat at the river. Apart from Garrett, Ryland and Gabriel are with us, too.
I can't figure out the brothers. When we arrived at the lodge, I saw the way they looked at us and sensed that they were weighing their options. That's different today. They're all business, which I'm relieved about. The atmosphere is still tense, but at least they're not staring at us like we're fresh meat.
Ryland winks my way when I catch his eye. I chuckle and smile back, grateful for the moment of levity amidst the tension. Glancing around, I see that Judean looks rather pale as Samantha whispers to her. I frown. It can't be anything good because that woman never says anything nice.
I head toward them and clear my throat. "Ready, Judean?"
"Yeah." She breathes out a sigh of relief.
Samantha turns to face me with a fake smile. "We were just talking about dinner tonight." After giving Judean what I can only describe as a threatening glance, Samantha wanders over to her mother and the others. "She's full of shit!"
Judean snorts. "She wanted to know where your room is."
I huff out a frustrated breath. "Why do they want to know that? Are they planning something? Ugh! I just want them to leave me alone. Let's enjoy ourselves and hope that Samantha and her mother face-plant into a pile of mud."
Judean gasps and snorts a loud laugh, drawing the others' attention. I nudge her. "Come on," I say.
"Ladies," Garrett says as he approaches us, his eyes drifting toward the others.
Judean and I turn and glance back at the group of women standing together, whispering and casting glances in our direction.
"Please let them find mud to slip in," Judean says under her breath.
Ryland chokes on a laugh and shakes his head.
I notice Gabriel, or Gabe as his brothers call him, standing back looking like he has the weight of the world on his shoulders. As we fall out, I take up the rear and fall in beside him. He glances my way and smiles. "Sofie," he says, his voice filled with warmth and sincerity. "You have my brother wrapped around your finger."
"Hmm," I mumble, unsure about that after seeing him with the blonde woman. "How are you doing? Maddox told me about Andrea. I'm sorry, Gabriel.”
He blows out a breath. "I've been better, and it’s Gabe.” He winces. "I feel guilty," he says quietly. "If I had looked harder when she disappeared, maybe she would be alive today. I can't get that thought out of my head. She wanted to move in with me, but I didn't want her to. I didn't feel that way about her. I didn't care enough. Now she's dead."
I reach out and grip his arm, and we come to a stop. "Whatever happened has nothing to do with you, Gabe. You must know that. The only person responsible is the one who took her life. That wasn't you. It's not your fault that you didn't feel the same way about her. Tell me you know all this."
"I know that, yet it's easier said than done."
A loud whistle pierces the silence, and Gabe points toward the culprit—Ryland. "Move your asses."
"Ignore him," Gabe says as we move toward Ryland. "It's that time of the month," he adds as we pass him.
