Page 52 of Fighting With Light
We are a terrible influence on each other, that much is quite obvious. But I can’t say any of that to Emerson, yet.
“No, not that kind of trouble.”
“If I know anything, that means my little brother isaboutto get himself into trouble,” Emerson says. I shrug and open the back door.
“I’m working on something and this guy is part of that something.”
Emerson frowns and takes Ben in. He doesn’t say anything. I didn’t even bother gagging him because he seems resigned to the fact he thinks he’s going to die. Emerson takes Ben’s elbow and takes him towards the plane steps.
“You know, it would have been nice to hang out here for a bit.”
I guffaw. “Now Mr. Homebody wants to travel?”
He shrugs and looks around. “Seems like a cool place,” he mutters.
“It is. Let’s come back sometime.”If I don’t get myself blacklisted from the entire country because of what Aelia and I are about to do.
“I don’t know what you’re doing, Liam, but be careful. I expect the full truth soon.”
“You’re really just going to trust me?”
Emerson stares at me for a moment. “Why wouldn’t I, brother?”
I shrug, not realizing that meant so much to me. “I don’t know.”
“I do, Liam. Just…remember to think something through before you do it. Don’t just fly in half-cocked.”
I grin, shooting finger guns at him. “Why not? It’s more fun that way.”
He makes a face and climbs the stairs.
“Give Mom, Theo, and Cordi all my love,” I tell him.
“What about Kai?”
“There’s not enough love for that.” I smile and Emerson shakes his head, I’m sure mutteringidiotunder his breath.
“See you later,” he calls out and pulls the plane door closed. I get back in the car and wait for the plane to take off before I leave. I just hope this is all worth it in the end. I hope it’s the missing pieces. We need to be done with Dad forever.
***
“Honey, I’m home,” I call out into the house with no answer as I walk into the kitchen and living room, but Aelia isn’t there. Checking my office, I find herasleep in the chair while the footage plays at double the speed. I smile at her sleeping form and take a step towards her.
Her eyes spring open, and she stares at me. “Oh, you’re back,” she mutters.
“Yeah, so how long do you think that’s been running?” I ask her, pointing at the screen.
She groans. “Dammit, I don’t know when I fell asleep.” She looks at the clock. “Maybe thirty minutes?”
“Okay, well, you can go lay down. I’ll take over.”
She shakes her head. “I’m staying right here. This is on both of us, Liam. Stop trying to do everything yourself.”
“So demanding,” I mutter.
She punches my arm and I sit down next to her.
“How did it go?” she asks.
