One of Six (Den Hollows #1)

16. Boone

16

BOONE

We know a lot of people in Den Hollows and some in Mount Sterling. Not that the Mount Sterling buddies would ever tell their family.

Street barbecue happens at least once a month, great food, great beer, and great company. As four girls sneak by, putting more sway in their steps, I add great sex to my list.

In such scenarios, I usually leave work thinking, ‘Not tonight. Tonight, I plan to eat, have a beer or two, and then go to bed.’ That never happens.

Atilio and I are the more serious brothers. We can shoot the shit and hold our own with the other four, but we'd rather save money and stay home than go out. Essex, who is currently on the fringe, spends most of his free time on the boat. I narrow my eyes as I watch him. Is he about to leave? Thats is not like him.

My eyes scan over the folk here, where I notice Atilio talking to Jenni. Nico is talking to Galen, while Ridge has his arms around two girls.

Back to Essex, he's gone. Sneaky asshole. He's up to something. As I glance around looking for him, I catch Ridge looking off in the direction Essex had been. Hmm. He knows something. I take a step toward my brother and find Mom standing next to me. I grimace at the serious look on her face. "Are you okay?"

"I will be fine." She pats my arm. "Did you hear about Elisabeth Lincoln?"

It takes about a minute. "Bea's mom?" I frown. "What about her?"

Mom swallows hard and nods toward the house. I follow, thinking that this must be bad. I hope it has nothing to do with last night.

I close the door behind me and lean against it. "Mom, tell me. What is it?”

"Bea's mother was killed last night. They say there was an intruder."

The beer is forgotten as I set it down on the table. "How?"

"She was shot."

"Bea?"

"She wasn't hurt because she was in her bedroom."

I scowl at Mom's worried expression. "You're upset because this crap doesn't happen in Den Hollows or Mount Sterling. That's it, right?"

"Evelyn called to tell me. She mentioned that Bea called her father, Richard, today. Makes me wonder what really happened."

"That's creepy... Why are you telling me and not the others?”

"You are the more level-headed one. I also noticed that you weren't interested in the girl. Everyone must stay away from her. Boone, I have a bad feeling about this."

My thoughts go back to Essex and his absence. Has he gone to visit the girl? He usually stays on this side. We all do besides for work.

I massage my forehead before running a hand over my face. "The only thing to do is to have a family meeting. Enforcing the law is not going to go over well. Not if it involves Bea."

"Tomorrow," Mom adds, taking my hand. "I'm going to see Evelyn now. She didn't feel like coming down tonight."

"Okay. Have a good night, Mom."

"You too, honey." She kisses me on the cheek, and I watch her leave.

"I screwed up!" Ridge says as he enters from the foyer.

"You heard?" I take a long sip of my beer.

"Yeah, hence my previous statement."

"Well, how did you screw up?"

"I told Essex about Bea. He went to check on her."

"Fucking hell, Ridge! You're all a bunch of fucking girls."