Page 29 of Leaving Lando

His voice is like gravel. “I’m not that boy anymore.”

“None of us are the boys we were. But they still live inside us. Even you,” I say before he can contradict me.

“I appreciate the effort, cousin. But it’s too late for me.”

“Fuck that.” A different kind of fury fuels me, and I get right in his face. “You will never not be part of this family.”

He’s silent for a moment. “I have to go. Keep your woman safe.” His gaze moves to the house. “Keep them all safe.”

He melts away from me and is gone. Matteo might not be a ghost, but he fucking well knows how to imitate one.

I head for the house to find Romero; my phone vibrates. The readout says it’s Jeeter.

Suppressing a twinge of impatience, I answer it. “Hey, Jeeter. What’s up?”

“Help me.” The terrified whimper chills my blood.

And then he screams.

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