Page 43 of Whispers of the Lake

I grabbed two bottles from the fridge, then joined her at the table.

“This place is really nice,” I said, looking around. “More people should book here.”

“Alex thinks they will. He’s only just put it up as a listing last year. He and Damian renovated a lot. They swapped out some of the furniture. He took out a loan to do it, actually. Gotta spend money to make money. That’s what he always says.”

“Hmm. You guys sound really close.”

“We are.”

“What’s the story, if you don’t mind me asking? I mean, how did you come to live with Alex?”

“His mom took me and Damian in as foster kids. Ended up adopting us. Couple years later, she was in a car accident.” Her face crumpled as she lowered her eyes to the table. “She um . . . she died instantly.”

“Oh, Rory. I apologize for asking. I didn’t mean to upset you.” I placed a hand on top of hers as she blinked, trying to get rid of the tears.

“It’s okay. I actuallywantto talk about her. Alex and Damian never want to. They act like it never happened and I hate it. She was so nice to me. The perfect mom. Having someone like her in my life was all I ever wanted.”

Hearing her say that reminded me of Eve. It was all she ever wanted too.

“I can’t say that it didn’t push us closer though, me and my brothers. We started looking out for each other more. We were actually living in this house before she passed. The one we’re staying in now used to be my uncle’s. It was paid off a long time ago. This house was pretty much falling apart so we moved. This place sat around for years before Alex decided to finally do something with it.”

“Do you like living here? In Sage Hill, I mean,” I asked.

“It’s all I know.” She shrugged. “I do want to travel one day. My immune system is kind of crap right now, so I’ve been homeschooled. Damian helps with that and sometimes a tutor will stop by. It works for us for now.”

“My friend Eve—the uh, the one I asked you about earlier. Shelovesto travel. She’s actually an influencer. People pay her to stay in their rentals and make videos or whatever—I’m sure you know all about that.” I laughed like it was stupid, but I didn’t miss the way Rory tensed.

She avoided my eyes, picking up her water bottle instead and opening it.

“It’s just weird not hearing from her,” I went on, plucking off a corner of another brownie. “She’s my best friend. Like a sister, actually.”

“Yeah. I get it. Um, I—I should go before my brothers notice I’m missing,” Rory said, dropping her legs.

Before she could stand, I placed a hand on top of hers and she halted, staring down at me. She was shaking now, her eyes watery and swimming with fear.

“Rory, if you know something,pleasetell me,” I pleaded in a whisper.

Her throat bobbed as she continued a stare, looking from my eyes to my hand on top of hers. “They told me not to say anything,” she whispered back.

“Why would they ask you to do that?”

“Because they . . .” She clamped her mouth shut then snatched her hand away. “You have her purse now. Just . . . keep looking for the answers.”

My heart dropped as Rory dashed for the door.

“Wait—Rory!” I called, but she’d already yanked the door open and run out. “Rory!” I shouted.

I trundled down the porch steps, but Rory was already near the main path.

Watching her run reminded me of the person I’d seen earlier. The same one who ran away after knocking on the door. I’d suspected it before, but there was no doubt about it now.

Rory had left Eve’s purse.

Eve Castillo journal entry

Victor called earlier.

I was at the gym, so I ignored his first call. He called again when I got home. I almost paid no attention to it, but a part of me wanted to hear what he had to say. He said he missed me. That he wants to meet up. I’m not sure I want to. Me and Lincoln are on better terms now. Besides, the last time I spoke with Victor, he made me feel like shit. He can be so toxic . . . but he promised to make it up to me.

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