Page 14 of Born for Starlight

“You are such a bullshitter.”

She laughed. “Maybe. But there was more. Much more. We worry about you.”

“I’m tough. I can handle it. Anyway, I was a baby. I don’t think the actual memories would surface, so you and Mom are worrying about nothing.”

“Okay, honey,” she sighed. “You do what you think you need to do.”

This time I sighed. “I think what I have to do is call a bunch of freaked-out brothers who are going to yell at me.”

My grandmother laughed again. “You’re tough. You can handle it. Now don’t forget to call your old grandma more often. I miss you.”

I swallowed. “I miss you too. I promise to call more.”

“I love you, Honey.”

“Love you more. I promise to come visit soon.”

“I would love that.”

We hung up, and I considered who to call next, when my phone rang. It was Jase. I took a deep breath.

“Hi, big brother, to what do I owe the honor of your call?”

“Are you out of your mind?” He yelled. I pulled my phone away from my ear.

“It’s good to talk to you, too. How are Bonnie and the twins?”

“Dammit, woman, don’t you dare try to deflect. Answer me. Have you lost your mind? You are not going to Brazil. Not now. Not ever. Got it?”

“You know, you saying that just makes me more determined.”

“And you saying that, means I’m coming to California and zip-tying you to your bed.”

“Ooooh, kinky. Do I get to choose who you’re tying me next to? I have some really good ideas. There’s⁠—”

“Behave! I’m serious as all hell. You aren’t going to Brazil. You don’t know what’s waiting for you down there. For all we know, you’re on somebody’s list because of what you just announced. Trafficking is a way of life, and you trying to stop it puts a big ole target on your back. And do you know what’s second on their playlist?”

Before I could respond, his tirade continued. “Kidnapping. Yep. That’s what they like to do. And they’re not particular on how they treat their victims. Do you know the kind of shape they leave their victims? Well, I do. It’s fucking ugly, little sis. There is no way you’re going. And that’s it.”

I heard the beeping on my phone. Another call. “Jase, I’ve got to go, there’s another call coming in.

“Don’t you dare hang up on me,” he roared.

“Give my love to Bonnie and the twins. I’ll be coming out to Jasper Creek to visit, real soon.”

I punched over to the other call.

“Are you out of your mind?”

I sighed. “You know, you all sound alike. You could at least come up with new lines,” I said to Renzo.

“What’s true is true. If you even think about boarding a plane to Brazil. Even think about buying a ticket, I’m going to tell everybody in Hollywood that you’ve had breast implants and a nose job.”

I laughed. “Okay, that’s a new threat. I’m impressed.”

“It was Millie’s idea. She’s evil. But don’t doubt her. She knows a bunch of different reporters, she’d do it.”

“Haven’t you heard? All press is good press.”