Page 93 of Serial Burn

Twenty minutes later, Carly was informed and, while shocked at the news of Eli’s current mental state, promised to be there for him. Eli’s shoulders had loosened and he looked to be in a better place. But there was one last thing.

“Danny’s parents and siblings don’t need to know any of this,” Nathan said.

“I thought about telling them.”

“I figured you did, but I think it’s better if you don’t. I keep in touch with them. They’re doing well. Let’s not bring it all up again for them.”

“You think that’s best?”

“What purpose would it serve? Yeah. I think it’s best not to say anything.”

“I’ll think about it.”

Nathan patted his brother’s shoulder. “All right. Come on. Pack what you need. The spare room is yours for as long as you need it.”

“I don’t know what to say.” More tears slipped down Eli’s cheeks and Nathan wrapped his brother in a tight hug. Seeing Eli’s desperation and deep pain had snuffed out his anger like water on an openflame. He snorted at the analogy, but it was accurate. Maybe God would give him the ability to forgive completely and there could be healing all around.

His phone buzzed with a text from Jesslyn.

Heath is here.

TWENTY-TWO

Jesslyn kept an eye on the young man at the edge of the onlookers. He had on a green sweatshirt, a baseball cap, jeans, and sneakers. She caught his eye and he frowned but didn’t look like he was in any hurry to leave. She walked toward him.

“Hello, Heath.”

“Hi.”

“What are you doing here?”

He shrugged. “I saw the newscast and figured I’d see what Kenny found so fascinating that he had to show up to these things.”

“I see. Any answers?”

“Nope.”

“And you still don’t think Kenny could have anything to do with setting them?”

He rubbed his nose and looked away from her. “I don’t know.”

“What’s changed your mind?”

“Brad’s death.”

Yeah, that could make one think hard about things. “I’m sorry for your loss.”

His eyes reddened and he looked away for a moment. When he turned his gaze back to her, he shook his head. “I don’t get it. Why?” He waved a hand at the blaze. “What’s the point?”

“That’s the foremost question in all of our minds.”

“I thought if I came, I might see something. Or someone. And then I’d somehow know why Brad died. Why someone wanted him silenced. Miraculously know what he knew.” He laughed. A harsh, humorless sound. “But I got nothing.”

She believed him. He was hurting at the loss of his friend. “Kenny can’t tell you?”

“Can’t or won’t. I’m not sure which. I’ve asked him a couple of times and he just shuts me down.”

“Right.”

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