Page 113 of The Moment They Can't Forget

He missed both Duke siblings so much, it was like a toothache through his entire body.

His relationship with Sawyer was like having a friendship with a large brown bear. He ate a great deal, loved and protected those closest to him, and came out teeth bared and claws swinging if you did something he didn’t like.

JD missed Lyntacky and his friends. Missed that he was part of something there, a closeness he’d not had before. He thought he’d had that with his family, but Lyntacky had taught him about community, love, and friendship.

His phone rang, and he didn’t recognize the number, so he answered in case it was to do with something in Lyntacky or the tests.

“Hopper.”

“Hey, shithead,” Brody Duke said.

“This isn’t your number.”

“Technology for the win. Ally showed me how to make my number unknown.”

“I was going to call, Brody. I’m just dealing with stuff.”

“You sound like a teenager about to break up with me. I have to say it hurts, bud.”

“Fuck off.” JD found a smile for the first time since leaving Lyntacky.

“Now listen up. I’m updating you on stuff because Sawyer said you didn’t return his call or any of my brothers’ calls. Klaus is pretty pissed too, just FYI. He may charge you double for your skinny caramel decaf latte going forward.”

“I’ll call him.”

“Good. Vi is doing great, and I’ve been dropping in to the Miller place to check on her. Sawyer is checking up on your animals and making sure Bradford doesn’t get too involved in his video games and forget to feed them.”

Sawyer was checking on his animals. That made him feel marginally better.

“Your dogs told me they are happier with Bradford because he plays with them all the time and brings them large bones.”

“I play with them,” JD protested, enjoying the silly conversation.

“The bones, though, bud. You need to step up your game there.”

“I’ll make a note,” JD drawled.

“Roman is blossoming each day, Zoe is going with Sawyer to check on him. The vet said he’s all good, and some guy called Basil trimmed his hooves. You’re getting the bill.”

“Thanks,” he got out. Zoe and Sawyer were looking after his property. What did that mean?

“It’ll be large because Potato was sneezing?—”

“Is she okay?” JD loved that contrary little beast.

“Yeah, turns out she is sensitive to smoke, and Mr. Shindler was burning off some scrub, and the smoke drifted over. She’s sweet, the vet said, and I quote ‘Potato has nasal irritation.’”

“Okay, thanks for telling me.”

“When are you coming home, JD? Sawyer is even grumpier than usual, and Birdie has moved in with me—ouch!”

“What just happened?” JD asked.

“I ran into a block of wood,” Brody muttered. “A really thick, dense piece.”

“No way. Did Birdie move in with you, really?”

“Nah, but she said she would if her big bear didn’t get his act together. He’s all grumpy and saying things like ‘I don’t want to talk about it’ when she’s trying to get him to share his feelings, which we all know he can’t do because he’s basically emotionally stunted.” These words ended in a wheeze.

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