Page 59 of Double Take

“Well.” Dixon nodded to the front door. “Unfortunately, there’s more shock to come.”

HIS FATHER STOODon the porch watching the reunion. He met James’ gaze for a moment, looked like he might say something, then turned and went back inside.

“Still mad, huh?” he murmured to his mother.

“I don’t even know what to do with him about this situation, James. I keep telling him he needs to move on, but...”

“Yeah. I know.” He forced a smile. “I’m looking forward to a good visit with the rest of you.” At least his father didn’t hold it against his mom or siblings that they still spoke to him. His father had tried that, and his brothers and Steph had set him straight. They were speaking to James, and if he didn’t like it, he’d lose all three sons and a daughter too.

James appreciated their loyalty but still hated the family division.

His mother swatted his arm. “You’ve been home a while.”

“Yes ma’am.”

“And you couldn’t share that with us.” The sorrow in her voice nearly cut him in two. “That you’re working with the police department?”

“I was planning on it, Mom. I just had to get one part of my life settled before dealing with this part. And I didn’t want you to have to keep secrets from him.”

She nodded. “That was quite the rescue you and your team made. I’m glad those little girls and the mother—and you—are safe.”

“Thank you.”

She looked like she wanted to say more but, instead, just gave him another hug and waved at Lainie. “Glad you could come too, Lainie.”

“Thanks, as always.” Lainie smiled, and James raised a brow at the small miracle of his mother’s silence. And while his main goal was to keep Lainie safe, everything he’d said was true. Part of the reason he wanted to come to the lake was to see if he could try once again to talk to his father and make things right. And if Lainie would be safe as well, then that was a good thing.

He grabbed his bag, and Lainie shouldered hers and followed him into the house. “Ah,” she said, “good to be back.”

He squeezed her bicep and she automatically moved toward the room she’d share with Stephanie. Once Lainie disappeared, he turned to his mother. “Thanks, Mom.”

“Lainie’s always welcome here, you know that.”

“I know.”

“Stephanie went to the little market up the road. She’ll be back any second now and will be thrilled to see you.”

“It will be mutual. I’m going to put this stuff in the room, then we can visit for a bit.” He really wanted to get on the laptop to do a little more investigating into Adam Williams and find out if there was even a remote possibility the man could be alive, but his mother had missed him. The truth was, he’d missed her too in spite of her helicoptering.

“I’ll pull out some drinks and snacks,” was all she said, then she headed for the kitchen.

He smiled. One thing was for sure. No matter what else went on during their time at the lake, they wouldn’t go hungry. He headed down the hall to the room he’d share with Dixon. Keegan had the garage apartment, and Stephanie had the room nearest the bathroom for her and Lainie.

James set his bag on the twin bed.

“I heard you were here.”

James spun to see Keegan. His brother leaned his rifle against the wall.

“Word travels fast.”

“Dixon called.” He walked over to give James a bro hug, then slapped him on the back. “Good to see you.”

“You too.” James went back to his bag and Keegan walked to the door. “Hey, Keeg...” His brother turned. “Mom seems ... different.”

“Different how?”

“I don’t know. More mellow or something.”