Chapter 18

“What are you doing here?” he asks, his voice coming off harsh and menacing.

“Ok, rude!” Mason says, walking over to him. The man rubs his face roughly with his calloused hands and looks at Mason.

“Sorry. I’m just going through some stuff.” Mason reaches out and gives the man a big hug.

“Ok, introductions please.” I say, looking down at my watch. I’m running out of time before the ceremony.

“Oh, right.” Mason turns to me, looking proud. “This is Frank! He was our older brother’s best friend.”

I stare at Mason and look from frank to robin hoping maybe someone will give me the explanation that is clearly needed. The word choice that Mason used is past tense, insinuating that either there was a falling out or their brother died. After a moment of awkward staring, I roll my eyes and ask the question.

“Was?”

“Jacob went missing sometime ago.” Robin said, staring at the ground.

“He is dead, Robin,” Mason growls.

“We don’t know that.” F