Page 62 of Love Like Ours

“Is everything alright? Sara? The kids?” he asked, instantly worried. Sophia tapped his arm, and he placed the call on speaker.

“Yeah, we’re all okay. It’s… after you gave Nick the vehicle details for the car Mom was driving, they ran the plates.” His brother paused. “The car belonged to Jack’s sister, Josie. Palmer, they sent the police over to do a welfare check on her and… It’s not good.”

“What?” He frowned, thinking of the aunt that had tolerated his existence for a few years. He’d lived there with his cousins Everette and Caspian until he’d become too out of control for her to handle. Everette had been a year older than Palmer and Caspian a year younger. She may not have been the best aunt, but she’d been kinder than they had to him.

“They haven’t said much, other than they found her body.”

He stood up. His anger swirled with the pain in his gut. “What?”

“I’ll know more soon. They’re going to call—” He stopped and he could hear his brother talking to someone. “We’re heading back to Sara’s folks’ place for the night. Just… to stick close. Why don’t you and Sophia come too? They’ve cleared the guest rooms or there’s an empty cabin. Bring Loki too.”

He could hear the strain in his brother’s tone and, without thinking, agreed.

“Is that okay?” he asked after he hung up with his brother.

“Yes. I’ll go pack a bag.”

After tossing some clothes into a bag and packing up Loki’s food and his bed, they headed to the Jordan’s place. Pride’s Bed and Breakfast was another of the most popular businesses in the small town. People traveled from all over the world to stay in one of the small cabins that were nestled between the Jordan’s main house and the beach.

Since he knew he could ride with his brother the next day to work, they drove Sophia’s car.

She parked next to his brother’s truck in the parking area by the main house.

The Jordan’s house was a massive white two-story place. There were long green shutters on either side of picture windows that lined the front of the place. The front door was bright red with a brass knocker, and there were stained-glass windows on either side of the door. The house glowed invitingly in the darkened night.

There was a lit pathway off to the left that led towards the cabins. A couple cars were parked in the spots designated for the rentals.

Parker met them out front on the wide front porch and gave him a hug.

“I never met our aunt Josie before. Hell, I didn’t even know she existed before you came into my life, but I know she took care of you. I’m so sorry,” he said as he hugged him.

Palmer nodded, a wave of emotions causing his eyes to burn.

“Even though she sent me to the home, she was a good woman. She hated Jack and Joanne’s bullshit as much as we did.”

“When was the last time you talked to her?” Parker asked as they walked into the house.

“Shortly after I graduated school. I’m in closer contact with Everette and Caspian. I just texted them a few days ago.” He set his and Sophia’s bags down as Loki went to explore the house and play with the Jordan’s dog. “Casp lives in Edgeview. Rhett lives in Portland still, just a few blocks from his mother.”

“I feel bad that I’ve never met them.” Parker sighed. “Well, come on back. Megan’s made brownies. The kids are having hot fudge sundaes, and we’re watching Harry Potter for the millionth time.” He chuckled.

About an hour after they’d gotten there, Parker’s phone rang and he stepped out of the room to answer the call.

Loki was snuggled on the sofa fast asleep in Ellie’s arms. She’d tied a pink scarf around his neck, and the dog seemed to be very proud of his new wardrobe. The boys were arguing over the last brownie while Sophia, Megan, and Sara all chatted at the kitchen table.

Palmer followed his brother into Todd’s office and listened in to Aiden’s call.

“We’re both here,” Parker told Aiden.

“We’ve located your mother at the hotel in Edgeview. We’ve impounded the car and, from what she’s telling us, she had no clue of your aunt’s passing. The last she saw of Jack was yesterday morning,” Aiden said.

“Josie?” Palmer asked. “Was it natural causes?”

There was a long pause. “No, when they impounded the car, it was because there were signs of foul play.”

“Meaning?” Parker asked.

“Blood. A lot of it in the trunk and the passenger’s seat. Joanne claims to not know where the blood came from. Trust me when I say, there is no way she could have not seen it. We’re not sure all of it belongs to your aunt. Since she was found…” There was another pause. “I’m not sure how much I should be disclosing here. Since you’re my brother-in-law, I’m keeping you in the loop here.”