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"You knew about that?"

"Harrison's footsteps woke me up"

He does cloues?"

"You're the only person I've told"

Fuck

"I knohat I' And I know you're capable"

He's right I can cover for hi toothe opera

If anyone doubtson the bar or buying a six-thousand-dollar bottle or bedding a soprano

It's not hard to deceive people Not practically speaking

But the blowback fro to my friends and family?

My coworkers?

My oldest brother Simon is already the most distrustful person on the planet Now that he has a year of digging into a suspicious accident…

That's not an easy feat

"I know it's a lot to ask Especially with your fiancée here"

My what?

"Briar She's perfect for you I never thought I'd see the day Lia the woman of his dreams And Adam's found so my boys are happy"

"I'm—"

"I know Simon is still closed to love It's not perfect But I can see it co for him He isn't like you He wants to love and be loved He just can't admit it"

"But—"

"I never worry about him I didn't worry about Adam until the accident But you, Lias color to the roo you've found someone… it's a wish come true"

Fuck

"If you can't lie to your fiancée, I understand It's no way to start aatapart Please Do me this kindness" He presses his pale to push himself up

All at once, I see it

The lack of color in his cheeks, the thinning brows, the loose suit

The

He's disappearing, one piece at a time

First, the flesh around his middle, the hair, the complexion

Then the y, the spirit

I've seen it before

I don't want to see it again

But he's right

It's his call