“I’m going to put a rush on anything we find, but I’m guessing we won’t find any.”

“Fuck,” Hunter muttered.

I glanced at my brother. “I already called a security company in Seattle. I paid a rush fee, and they’re coming out tomorrow.”

“That’s good.” Hunter studied me carefully, his gaze seeming to try and read between the lines. “What’s going on with you two?”

Raines cleared his throat. “I’m going to go check on my guys.”

I never looked away from my brother. “None of your damn business.”

Hunt’s body gave a small jerk. “I’m the one who stuck by her side when you bailed. I’m the one who’s been here year after year when you couldn’t suck it up to face this place. So, tell me just how it isn’t my business.”

He loved her in his own way. And as pissed as I was in the moment, I had to appreciate that he’d been here for Bell all the times I hadn’t. And he deserved the truth. “I’m figuring things out.”

“You’re also leaving,” he challenged.

I wasn’t so sure I could anymore. Not when leaving meant not having Bell in my life daily. “I’m figuring that out, too.”

“She know that?”

“Not yet.”

Hunter chuckled. “I wonder how that will go over.”

I grinned. “Not well.” If I told her now that I was thinking of staying on Anchor, at the bar, past this summer, she might try and throw me into the ocean. “I have a lot to make up for, Hunt. And not just with Bell. I know that.”

Hunter’s Adam’s apple bobbed as he swallowed. “It’s good you know.”

“I’m sorry I left you to deal with everything.” I’d placed so much on my little brother’s shoulders when it should’ve been the other way around. I should’ve been protecting him, taking on his burdens.

Hunter glanced out at the sea. “I get it, Ford. I do. I can’t imagine going through what you did at eighteen. I saw how it fucked with your head. Even at sixteen, I knew it was warping your mind. But it’s like you lost sight of everything except your grief and your guilt. You couldn’t see me or Mom and Dad or anyone, not even Bell.”

“I know. And I’m so damn sorry.”

Hunter nodded. “If you’re thinking of going after Bell, you need to be damn sure you can handle staying on this island. Damn sure you’re not going to let the ghosts from the past mess with your head. You cannot bail on that girl a second time.”

I swallowed hard. “I know.”

Hunter gave a jerk of his chin. “Good. I’m glad you’re waking up.” His gaze bored into mine. “I missed my brother.”