Page 97 of Homecoming

Kellen Ballard, 39, the company’s chief strategy officer, issued a statement on Sunday on behalf of the family and the company that said, in part, “On behalf of my parents, siblings and the entire Ballard Boat Works team, we expect my brothers to be proven innocent of this heinous crime and to be fully exonerated. In the meantime, Ballard Boat Works will continue to fulfill its many obligations to our employees, customers and the Downeast Maine community. The Ballard family will have no further comment on the case pending against Keith and Kirby, and we ask that you respect the family’s privacy at this difficult time. Questions about the case can be directed to our attorney, Daniel Torrington.”

Dan wondered how Kara would feel about being included as one of the siblings attached to the statement. As far as he knew, no one had consulted her about whether she approved of it.

“I feel for that poor girl who came to celebrate such a wonderful event and lost her life,” said local resident Darcy Warner, a waitress at Shannon’s. “No one deserves what happened to her.”

Dan senta text to Elias Young that said,Have you looked into the eyewitness who said he saw the Ballard brothers with the victim shortly before her death? He definitely has his own agenda in this situation, and I’m not seeing much being said about that aspect of the story.

He’d sent the message when Kara wrapped herself around him from behind. “How’s it going?”

“Just ducky.”

“How bad is theIslanderstory?”

“Not terrible, but Kellen released a statement on behalf of his parents, siblings and the company.”

“It said that? Siblings?”

“Yep.”

“Nice of him to speak for all of us,” Kara said.

“I wondered if you’d say that. It mentioned that your sister married your ex-boyfriend.”

“Okay…”

“And also went into the beef between your dad and uncle.”

“Of course. Any time something happens with the company or the family, all that is resurfaced. The local media never tires of the rifts in the Ballard family.”

Kara’s phone buzzed with a text that she stood up to read. “My brother Kingston, the lobster fisherman who has nothing to do with the company, feels the same way I do. He said he’s going to text Kellen and tell him not to speak for all of us.”

“You should do the same if you feel strongly about it.”

“It just would’ve been nice to be asked or even given a heads-up that they were issuing a statement on our behalf. I get that it’s all PR to protect the company, but it’s kind of nervy not to even tell us they’re speaking for us.”

“Sure is.”

“I’m going to text my dad, Kendra and Kellen and tell them that.”

“I don’t blame you.”

Kara stood to the side of him and typed up her message.

Dan couldn’t resist slipping an arm around her or resting his head on the baby bump. He was greeted with a sound thump to the cheek. “Dylan is busy this morning.”

“He had a rager all night long. He gets that from your people.”

“Um, my people are not all-night partiers like some of the Ballards are.”

“Don’t use the current situation against me. That wouldn’t be wise.”

Dan grunted out a laugh.

“How does this sound: ‘I don’t appreciate being included as one of the siblings in a statement I was neither consulted on nor warned about before it went public. I’m sure I’m not alone in feeling this way. Please don’t speak for me without my knowledge or consent. Thank you.’”

“I’m extremely turned on by assertive, no-bullshit Kara.”

“Shut up. I’m being serious.”

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