“Never.”
Eight
There were days when Xander didn’t appreciate his brother Brody’s computer genius. Usually that was when he was able to uncover personal information about Xander that he’d rather not share. But considering everything going on with the as-of-now-unidentified body on the news, he was happy to have some insider information.
Brody had texted him an hour ago and indicated that they hadn’t made any announcements, because there were no credible leads on identifying the body so far. It seemed that most people had forgotten all about the troublesome teen who vanished all those years ago. That was a relief.
The more time Xander spent with Rose and Joey, the more he worried about the truth coming out. There was already a lot on the line—their careers, their father’s health, their parents’ love. Knowing that he had a son raised the stakes. Joey looked at him as if he was the coolest guy he’d ever met. He never wanted doubt or betrayal to show up in the eyes that were so much like his own.
There was already too much in Rose’s eyes. From the first moment they were reunited, and even in the moments of passion they’d shared, there had been a hesitation in Rose. Too much had happened in her life—some caused by him, some caused by other people. And while she was letting some of her barriers down slowly but surely, their discussion about her father yesterday made her stance painfully clear.
Xander’s secret would ruin everything. If Tommy’s body was identified and the truth came out, the two of them would be through. Hell, he would be lucky if she let him see the son he’d just met. As far as Rose was concerned, he would be criminal trash just like her father. If she could cut Billy from her life, Xander would be even more easily dispatched.
According to Brody, things were still okay. For now. Xander would hold his breath and wait for things to change, but in the meantime, he wanted to make the most of his time with Rose and Joey. He was on his way to pick them up and drive them out to the scout campground. Knowing Tommy hadn’t been identified yet would be one less thing lurking on his mind.
As it was, he was waiting for the police to question his parents. He’d told Ken to text him the moment they called or showed up. Sheriff Duke was more inclined to set an appointment than arrive unannounced, especially considering how respected the Edens were in the community. But that didn’t mean he wouldn’t. Xander was not familiar with the man who had taken over the job a few years back.
Xander slowed to turn into the parking lot of Rose’s apartment building. It was a nice enough place, but he intended to find her someplace else and well before the winter weather set in. Her Honda didn’t have snow tires or four-wheel drive, after all.
Sitting on his pack on the curb as Xander pulled in was Joey, decked out in his scouting uniform. He was bouncing with energy and excitement. When he spied the car, Joey leaped up and ran into the apartment. By the time Xander had parked and opened the hatch to load up his gear, his son had returned with Rose in tow.
She was looking lovely today. She was wearing a snug pair of jeans that clung to each curve and a tank top that gave just a glimpse of her cleavage along with the smooth, unblemished expanse of her décolletage and arms. Her hair was down, spilling like dark brown silk over her bare shoulders. Rose was a tempting treat he couldn’t wait to get a bite of. When she got off work tonight, he had every intention of getting a taste.
Joey ran to him, clutching his new sleeping bag with his good arm. “Hi, Xander!” he greeted him.
“Hey, Joey. Are you ready for camp?” He took the sleeping bag and tossed it inside.
“I am. My friend Ethan is going and we’re hoping to share a bunk. I’ll have to sleep on the bottom because of my arm, but that’s okay with me.”
Rose rounded the back of his SUV with Joey’s backpack. “You’re going to have a great time. But you remember to take it easy on that arm. The nurse will have your pain pills if you need them.”
“I know,” Joey said with an exasperated look on his face. It was obvious Rose had given him this speech several times since they’d found out Joey could go.
Xander slammed the hatch closed. “Let’s hit the road, then. Camp Middleton, here we come!”
They loaded into his SUV and hit the highway. It took about thirty minutes to reach the camp and they arrived at the peak of drop-off time. There were scouts and parents everywhere. They checked Joey in and Rose turned over his medication and signed a few waivers for the nurses. The nurse even came to introduce herself to them and pointed out to Joey which of the log cabins had her office in it. A couple older scouts who served as counselors collected his things and carried them to his bunk. Finally, they were shooed over to the Welcome to Camp Middleton sign for pictures.