Page 58 of Home Is Where the Bodies Are

“It’s a check for four hundred thousand dollars, well-above market value.”

Beth doesn’t take it. She just stares at it. Money talks... but only if you’re listening. And I don’t think she is.

Her brows shove together. “Why do you want the house?”

“Because it’s where I’ll be able to visit Mom, since she chose not to be buried in a cemetery.”

“You didn’t even visit her when she was alive.”

“I know, and I regret that. But I can’t change the past. Plus, Nicole needs a place to live too. I saw where she was staying. It’s depressing and not safe. This will give her something more stable and keep her away from the people she’s been hanging around.”

Beth tilts her head. “Giving her a place to stay won’t make her stay clean. Trust me.”

“I know but it can’t hurt.”

“I’ll think about it,” she says, and she slides the check back toward me.

“What’s there to think about? You won’t get more than three hundred for it, so you should just take my offer.”

“Not everything’s about money, Michael.”

My eyes tighten. “Then what’s it about, Beth?” I ask, but I already know the answer. It’s about spite.

“I don’t know.”

“I think you do.”

She clenches her jaw and moves her mouth side to side as though she’s deciding what to say. I’m sure she’s chewing on the truth, determining whether to swallow it or spit it out.

“Say it, Beth.” I’m pushing her because I know she’s been doing nothing but lying since I got here.

“I don’t want you to have it,” she finally admits. Then takes a sip of the whiskey I paid for.

“Why?”

“Because you get everything, Michael. You always have. I just don’t want you to get your way... for once.”

“You think I’ve had it my way. Look at our family. Nicole’s an addict. Dad abandoned us. Mom’s dead. And you, you’re barely a sister. I’m your little brother and rather than being happy for my success, you hate me for it.” I shake my head.

A tear gathers at the rim of her eye, fattening up before it finally falls. Her bottom lip trembles, even though she tries to hold it steady. She knows I’m right. It’s the truth, and it’s not my fault it’s hard to swallow. I slide the check in front of her again. Her gaze falls on the five zeros. I know she’s considering it. That’s all I need, because if she considers it then I know she’ll make the smart decision. Beth’s not stupid. She’s just miserable.

THIRTY-ONE

NICOLE

Casey rocks back on his heels and shoves his hands into his coat pockets. We’re standing outside the bar, off to the left where his cruiser is parked. A couple of older, potbellied men puff cigarettes near the entrance, paying no mind to us. The air is cool, and the sky is dark, a thin veil of clouds blocking the stars out of sight. I like that it’s overcast. Makes me feel like I’m not missing out on anything. The jukebox inside is turned up to full volume, causing the bar to vibrate and pound.

“Weird seeing your brother here,” Casey says.

It’s not a question or a statement. It’s an observation.

“Yeah, it is. But he’ll be gone soon, since Mom’s funeral’s tomorrow.”

“Sorry,” he says, pulling in his chin.

“Don’t be.”

My eyes flick back to where the men were smoking. There’s only one of them there now, milking the last half inch of tobacco. He flicks the butt to the pavement and stomps it out before heading back into the bar.

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