Left for Wild - Harloe Rae Page 0,8
already?”
“Gotta pay the bills, right?” Finding legit jobs has never been a chore for me. Anything related to technology comes as second nature. I can pick up any device and make it run more efficiently within moments. Crunching numbers, analyzing data, creating new software, eliminating breach threats. There are plenty of folks who need the kind of services I can provide. The best part? They don’t make me fill out a form to see if I’ve been convicted of a felony.
“Sure didn’t take long to rebuild.” He’s still staring at the mess of screens, hard drives, and wires.
“Figured I might as well start a new collection. Besides, technology changes fast.” All of my previous equipment was seized after I’d been arrested. They had to collect evidence to prove my involvement, of course. I’m sure Stefano greased some deep pockets to make all of my encrypted files disappear.
His gaze studies mine, attempting to gain more than I’m giving. “Are you being careful, Halder?”
The question alone has my temperature rising. I can’t stop a sneer from curling my upper lip. “What the hell do you think? I’ve never been one to look for trouble.”
He holds up a placating palm. “Not at all, brother. I’m well aware of that. But you got roped into some really bad shit, regardless.”
A low growl rumbles in my chest. There’s no point in trying to argue with the obvious. I yank at a fistful of hair and collapse on the sofa. “Yeah. You don’t have to worry about me.”
Beckett takes a seat beside me. “But I do. Shit, how can I not?”
“I’ll take care of myself. Trust me, I’ve learned my lesson.”
His exhale is drawn out. “Have you talked to Mom and Dad?”
The mention of our parents stings worse than pouring salt in an already festering wound. I recline against the leather cushions, ignoring the increasing pressure in my gut. “Uh, yeah. I called them after getting released.”
“And?” His eyebrows lift with additional prodding.
“They were glad to hear from me, I guess.” My mom and dad live a quiet and simple life. Their roots have been settled deep in western South Dakota for decades. They’re the stereotypical small town happily-ever-after couple. Met in kindergarten. Started dating in high school. Got married after graduation. Bought a house with a white picket fence. Popped out a couple of kids. Decades from now, they’ll ride off into the sunset holding hands.
My parents aren’t bad people. Quite the opposite, really. Maybe that’s why their disappointment stings so bad. I’m not allowed to make the drive to visit them, and hell would become an ice rink before they considered crossing borders to see me. We’re stuck at a crossroads for the foreseeable future.
His nod is full of understanding. “Just give them a bit to come around. It was a huge shock when you were found guilty or caught or whatever.”
A muscle pops in my jaw at his choice of words. I know he means well, but damn if that doesn’t twist the knife. Before I can form the words to correct him, a car backfires in the distance, and I jolt upright. My chest is rising and falling too rapidly from such a harmless sound. Pressure builds and flexes under my skin, fueling me with a sense of urgency. I’m a brick of lit explosives that’s seconds from detonation. My brother notices, of course.
“You good, Halder?”
How many times have I heard that question over the last week? Enough to lose count. I’ll never be good again, but that’s not his problem. “Yeah, just fine.”
Based on his challenging stare, he doesn’t appear to be convinced. “Do you, uh, have anyone to talk with? You know, like professionally?”
I almost laugh at the idea. That’s fucking rich. There’s a whole slew of people foaming at the mouth to get at me. The last thing I need is for my little brother to suggest adding a shrink to the mix. Christ, there’s probably already two on payroll. “I’m covered, Beck.”
His head bobs, slow and steady. “That’s good. I’m glad you’re taken care of.”
“So, what brings you to the area?” I scrub at the beads of sweat dotting my forehead.
Beckett focuses on me, his green eyes the same shade as mine. “Other than seeing my big brother after his stint in the slammer?”
A scoff barrels out of me. I’m under no illusion that he came all this way to visit me. “Thanks for that.”
He smiles and nudges my side. “Just messing with you. I’m meeting some buddies