Simon Says Die

Hamilton had about her? Was he regretting that he’d ever offered to help her?
    â€œWhen we get inside, I want you to level with me,” he said, his voice tight, harsh. “I want to hear all about that note, and the phone call, and anything else you forgot to mention.”
    She tensed in the seat beside him.
    When the house came into view, he had to quickly turn the wheel to avoid another car parked in front of the cabin. He killed the engine, but instead of getting out of the car, he stared through the windshield at the man standing on the cabin’s porch. “What’s he doing here?”
    The man’s arms were crossed and Madison had to squint to make out his face in the shadows from the overhanging roof. “Isn’t that Braedon?”
    â€œUnfortunately.” He sat back in his seat, seemingly in no hurry to get out of the car. “Maybe if we sit here long enough, he’ll leave.”
    â€œWhy don’t you like your own brother?”
    His face mirrored his surprise. “What makes you think I don’t like him?”
    â€œOh, I don’t know—maybe because you frown and complain every time you see him.”
    He rolled his eyes. “It’s not my brother I have a problem with. It’s the notches in his bedpost.”
    â€œWhat’s that supposed to mean?”
    â€œNever mind.”
    She huffed out a breath and opened her car door. “Well, I’m not going to sit here all night. I happen to like your brother. He seems very nice. And he’s a lot more cheerful than you.”
    Pierce jerked his car door open. “Might as well see what he wants.”
    When Madison and Pierce were close enough to see Braedon’s face, Madison saw that his brows were a dark slash across his forehead. He didn’t even look at her. Instead, he directed his ferocious glare at his brother.
    â€œWhy didn’t you tell us you got shot?”
    Pierce groaned. “Who told you?”
    â€œHamilton called Alex, all up in arms, saying you and . . .” He glanced at Madison then, as if noticing her for the first time. His face flushed a light red. “Sorry, Mrs. McKinley. I shouldn’t air family problems in front of you.”
    She waved her hand in the air. “Don’t apologize. If you’re upset about something Hamilton said, then you can lay that at my feet. Your brother has been trying to help me with . . . a little problem I have. It’s because of me that he got shot.” She crossed her arms and stepped in front of Pierce. “If you want to yell at someone, yell at me. Leave him alone.”
    She squeaked in surprise when Pierce’s hands wrapped around her waist, and he lifted her out of his way.
    â€œYou don’t owe Braedon an explanation. None of this is any of his business. And it’s not Alex’s business either.”
    â€œIt’s none of my business that my little brother almost got himself killed and didn’t bother to tell his family?”
    â€œWho is Alex?” Madison asked.
    â€œBruised ribs and a few stitches aren’t something to call home about. I don’t need any of my brothers looking out for me.”
    â€œWho’s Alex?” Madison repeated. “Wait. Any of your brothers? Exactly how many brothers do you have?” She glanced back and forth, but neither of the men seemed to even remember she was there.
    â€œYou supposedly moved back to Savannah to be close to family again,” Braedon said. “Being part of a family means letting each other know when something bad happens. You’ve worked those serial-killer cases way too long. You’ve forgotten what ‘normal’ is.”
    Pierce aimed a pointed look at Madison. “Let me get her inside. We can discuss this in private.”
    â€œWe can discuss it at the house. It’s Friday night, or had you forgotten?”
    Madison frowned. “The house? Whose house? What’s so special about Friday night?”
    â€œI can’t make it this week.” Pierce shoved past Braedon to unlock the front door.
    â€œAustin’s home.”
    Pierce slowly turned around.
    Madison watched the staring match between the two brothers for a full minute. “Um, guys, what’s going on? Who’s Austin?”
    Braedon sighed and shoved a hand through his hair. “Alex is . . . was . . . married to Pierce’s mom. Austin is our youngest brother. We