Secrets Collide (Bluegrass Brothers)

follow us into Keeneston and now this, I’m sure they’re waiting for their moment. I just don’t know why.”
    “Seems to me they don’t want attention drawn to it. It’s going to be man-to-man. And, by not calling the cops, you’ve accepted those terms.”
    “Honor among thieves,” Cy swept Marshall’s legs and shot him a smug look as Marshall landed on the grass.
    “Exactly,” Marshall said before tackling Cy to the ground. “Now, while you’ve recounted what happened last night, you said Gemma’s name no less than thirty times. Want to talk about it?” Marshall asked as they stood up and faced off once again.
    “When we’re together, it’s amazing. We click and the chemistry . . . but I feel sometimes she’s hiding who she is. She won’t just let go.”
    “You’re one to be talking,” Marshall said and he ducked a punch.
    “What do you mean by that?” Cy asked as he dropped his arms and stared at his brother. It cost him as his brother landed a punch to the jaw.
    “It means you’re hiding who you are, too. You’re still Mr. Hollywood and that’s not you. Well, not all you. You’ve always been a little cocky,” Marshall grinned as he rested his hands on his hips.
    “True. But, when I’m with her, I’m me again.”
    “You've got it bad. Why don’t you invite her to Dani and Mo’s going away/baby shower tomorrow? Katelyn says we’re going. It’s some picnic thingy.”
    “I don’t think I’m invited,” Cy said. It was a good idea, though. Try to bring some normalcy to his life. Give him a chance to unwind and try to forget about Mr. Hollywood, as his brother called him.
    “I think you’re about to be.” Marshall pointed to the black Mercedes making its way up the drive.
    “Who’s that?” Cy asked. “He looks like a small version of Ahmed.”
    “Ah, that’s mini-Ahmed. His real name is Nabi . . . well, Nabi is good enough.”
    “Mr. Cy Davies?” Mini-Ahmed asked.
    “Yep, that’s me.” Cy held out his hand and accepted an envelope. “So you’re Nabi.”
    “Nabi Ulmalhamsh Mosteghanemi,” he said with a slight bow of his head.
    “Right.” Cy knew his limits on language and that was it. “So you’re working for Ahmed.”
    “Yes. I’m very privileged,” Nabi said while looking back and forth between the brothers. “Were you training?”
    “Yes, we were. Would you like to go a round?” Cy asked as Nabi looked around as if to see if he was being watched. “Don’t worry, I won’t tell anyone that you took some time off. I’m good at keeping secrets after all.”
     
    Gemma held her breath as she read the last page Cade had printed from the translated flash drive. She was having trouble seeing through the tears rolling silently down her cheeks as she read the letter her sister had left for her. Gia had known she was in danger and had left this note the morning she was killed, just in case. She said she had a feeling something was wrong.
    “I never told you how proud I am of you,” her sister wrote among the meaningful stories, the special moments, and the hopes for the future. Gemma sucked in a ragged breath as she finished the letter. “Live life to the fullest for us both. I’ll be checking in on you to make sure you do. I’m your big sister, after all.”
    The heartbreak was complete. The feeling of being ripped in two was so overwhelming that Gemma curled into a ball and sobbed.
    “Gemma? What is it?” Cade asked quietly as he put a gentle hand on her shoulder.
    “My sister left me a note. I should be with her now. It should've been me. I was running in circles, but she was going places. She was making a difference in the world with her reporting.”
    “Gemma, you can’t do this to yourself," Cade reassured her. "Your sister loved you and there is no way she would want you to blame yourself. I’ve only known you a short time, but it’s clear to me that you have great things ahead. Your sister would be very proud of you. I know my brother is.”
    Fresh tears started and Gemma couldn’t stop them. She knew she looked a mess. She was an ugly crier, but right now she didn’t care. Although Cade’s slightly nervous look caused her some comic relief.
    “What the hell did you do to her?” Cy yelled. She looked up and found him shooting daggers at his brother.
    “Oh, Cy.” Gemma jumped up, pushing Cade out of the way, and leaped onto Cy. Gemma pressed herself against him as she hugged him tight.
    “I’ll come back,” Cade said as he