Page 87 of What We Bury

“You’re welcome, sir.”

I hang up and keep flipping through the file. Personal details. Known associates. Last known address. Employment history.

Brock Davis worked in marketing—freelance consultant, mostly corporate clients, according to the file. Before that, college at Pacific Ridge. Fraternity. Lacrosse team.

Honestly, in my line of work you get used to profiling people, and his screams spoiled rich little white boy. I have a feeling no one ever told Brock no in his life—or if they did, he felt entitled enough to not listen.

Wildcat sure as fuck made him listen.

The photo Hernandez has attached is from his driver’s license. Square jaw. Even teeth.He’s tanned and full of life.

Not anymore.

I close the file.

My phone buzzes. Group chat.

Eli

Morning check. Status?

Knox

Clear.

Micah

Clear.

Milo

I’m on babysitting duties again and our girl is looking hot as fuck today, but she’s clear.

Heat tightens my chest as I read over his words. I’ve been on late-night shifts all week. I’m in a mood because I haven’t slept, and because the only time I ever see Sage is when she crosses the street in front of my car and doesn’t notice. The others drool andhover and insert themselves everywhere, part of the furniture of her new weird life.

I do what I’m supposed to. I stay back. I leave her alone.

The agreement was that I read her in on day one, and then we were supposed to keep tabs on her. From afar. Professionally. Without further interaction.

I’m as turned on by her as the rest of them, and I sure as fuck want to make sure she gets out of this mess clean, but nowhere in our daily briefs did it say approach. But all those motherfuckers just couldn’t help themselves.

And honestly—what for? What the fuck is the goal here? Are we starting that bowling league as a prelude to forming The Brotherhood of the Shared Pussy?

The group chat pings again.

Eli

Holden? Status.

Me:

MP report filed by parents. I’ve got it. Low priority. Under control.

Eli

Milo, see if you can blow him off. Voice clone message or something??

Holden, keep an eye on it.