Page 14 of Volatile Vice

Well, I no longer have a lawyer, but…

“So far so good. I don’t have anything to report yet. I need to start working on fundraising.”

She gives me a half-hug around my waist. “You know your father and I will do everything we can to help. Including financially.”

“I know that, but I don’t think you have to. I’m using some of my own money, and Robbie is investing as well.”

“I’m glad to hear that.” She sighs. “I wish we saw more of Robin. For someone who works right here on the ranch tending to our animals, she doesn’t come around a lot.”

“That’s just Robbie,” I say.

And I’m thankful she’s not here for this.

“Yes, she never was the homebody that you are.”

I force another smile and then leave the kitchen.

I can’t go to my bedroom. It’s a fucking crime scene.

So I go outside on the deck and call my brother.

“Raven?” he says into the phone.

“Hey, Fal.”

“Oh my God, what’s the matter? You don’t sound good.”

“A little freaked out, to be honest.”

“Why?”

My heart skips a beat. “No one told you what happened?”

A pause. “Ray, what’s going on?”

I take a deep breath in. I haven’t actually verbalized what happened to Brick to anyone. I tried to leave a voicemail for Vinnie twice, but I couldn’t get the words out. And I spoke as little as I could when the detective was interviewing me.

“You know that lawyer I told you about? The one who’s helping me with the nonprofit?”

“The one you had a date with?” His voice suddenly adopts an edge. “Did he do something to you? Did he hurt you?”

“No, no. It’s nothing like that. I actually canceled the date. I…wasn’t feeling well.”

“What happened, Ray?”

“He…” I choke on the words. I swallow and force them out. “He’s dead, Fal. Someone killed him. And they left the body in my bed.”

No response.

“Fal? You there?”

“Is this some kind of joke?”

“I swear it isn’t. On Mom and Dad’s life. It’s awful. They have no idea what happened.” The emotions spring back out of my throat, and tears start falling down my cheeks again.

“Hey, hey.” His voice evens out. “What matters is thatyou’reokay, Ray. Mom and Dad are okay.”

I wipe my eyes. “I suppose.”