Page 102 of Serial Burn

They walked into the kitchen to find Eli pulling a pizza out of the oven. He looked up. “Hope you like a meat lovers pizza.”

Jesslyn’s stomach growled in anticipation. “Bring it on, my friend.”

Eli set it on the wooden block he’d found, and Nathan grabbed a pizza cutter from one of the drawers. Plates and napkins were on the table along with a pitcher of tea.

After they said grace, Eli smiled. “Dig in.”

While Jesslyn ate, she studied the brothers. They looked very much alike, but were very different in personality and temperament. From what she could tell.

“You’re an excellent cook, Eli,” she said. “This is amazing. The spices are just perfect.”

“Thanks.” He shot her a soft smile. “Cooking helps me think. And it’s fun to share with people who like to eat.” He seemed to be in a better place than the last time she’d seen him. Maybe Nathan would share with her when he got the chance.

Her phone buzzed and she grabbed it to scan the text. “I have to go back to the scene at the store. The chief said it’s ready for my last walk-through and he has something new to show me.”

Nathan took his last bite of pizza and rose. “I’ll take you.” He looked at Eli. “Tell Andrew we had to go, will you?”

“Sure, I’ll save him some pie.”

“Great. I’m sure he’ll appreciate it.”

She glanced at Eli, who was snagging another piece of pizza from the tray, then raised a brow at Nathan, silently asking if it was okay to leave his brother alone. He nodded and she smiled, then told Eli goodbye and aimed herself toward the door.

NATHAN HAD CALLED TATEand Stephanie to come over and hang out with Eli. The three got along well and usually wound up playing cards when they found themselves in the same room for any length of time. He’d never betray his brother’s confidence about what was going on with him, but he didn’t have to. All he had to say was Eli would benefit from their company while he was gone, and they’d dropped everything to come over.

He had no idea what he’d done to earn this kind of friendship, but he’d never take it for granted. Gratitude swamped him and he glanced at Jesslyn beside him, thankful once again that she was a part of that circle. “You okay? You look pensive.”

“Pensive?” She raised a brow, an amused look in her eyes. “That’s a five-dollar word.”

He shot her a narrow-eyed look. “You’re laughing at me.”

“Never.”

“Hm. So what is it?”

She sighed, all signs of humor fading. “Just thinking about everything. Wondering why I haven’t heard from Aunt Carol about the names on the list.”

“There were a lot of names.”

“I know, but still, I think I’m going to send her a text asking her if she saw any name that made her look twice.”

“Couldn’t hurt.”

“Right.” She tapped her screen and within seconds, gasped. “Seriously?”

“What?” Nathan asked, spinning the wheel to turn right.

“Been busy with the fundraiser. Will do that as soon as I get home,” she read. “I want to shake her.”

“I know it’s disappointing, but your emergency isn’t hers.”

“Doesn’t she understand what’s at stake here?”

“She’s focused on the fundraiser. That’s what’s important to her right now.” He cocked an eyebrow at her. “Because she knows it’s important to you.”

Jesslyn gaped at him. “Well, I appreciate that, but finding out who killed her sister and family isn’t important?”

“No, of course that’s not what I meant.” Was it? “I just ... well, okay, maybe it is. Sort of. I’m not saying she doesn’t want you to find the person, but maybe she believes you’re chasing your tail, so why put everything else on hold to work on that? I’m not saying that’s her reasoning, but it could be something to think about.”

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