That news sent my overprotective brother back to his feet, and his chair fell. “Explain.”

So, I did. To the best of my ability, at least. Everything from the wallet to the rave and why we were staying at Constantine’s home.

“I feel like the lights are on, but no one’s home in my head,” he said when I finished my story. “This is insane.”

“Tell me about it.”

He fixed his chair and sat. “Carter knows him.”

“I’m aware.”

He pushed at his forehead as if a headache was stirring.

“He filled me in on why Carter doesn’t like him, too.”

Easton dropped his hand to his lap, surprise flickering across his face. “Did he mention they had to work together about a year and a half ago? And by ‘work’”—he used air quotes—“I mean what I do. Did he tell you he does what I do?”

“Kind of, sort of. I didn’t know he ever . . . well, with Carter.”

The lump at the back of my throat was relentless and wouldn’t go down. The feeling was suffocating.

“Well, I wasn’t with him on that op, but they both sucked it up and got through it. From what I heard, Constantine told Carter to hit him if it’d make him feel better.”

I honestly wasn’t shocked at all. The more time I spent with Constantine, the more I realized he was willing to take hits from anyone, along with the blame and guilt. He was a truly selfless man.

“Did Carter do it?” I figured Constantine would’ve eventually told me about this, but Colin interrupted us.

“No, but let’s just say they’re not exactly going to be friends anytime soon.”

“Well, you’re my brother, not him. And your loyalty to that man better not interfere with you accepting Constantine into the family.”

Family. The word rolled around in my head, not feeling strange. Just perfectly right.

He puffed out his cheeks, letting the breath go as he tore his hands through his dark brown hair. “How’s Colin handling this? Hell, how are you?” Before I could answer, he added, “Makes sense now why you’re drinking.”

“Colin is in shock.” I nodded. “But he’s happy.”

“And you?” he pressed, raising a brow.

“I’m confused.” I held the phone up in front of my face. “But happy. Also nervous since Colin might be in danger, hence why we’re here.”

“I should be there.” He started to stand, but I patted the air, and he reluctantly sat.

“There’s something else.” Chills marred my relaxed state at the memory of what I was about to share.

“Rebecca Dominick’s wake,” he acknowledged before I had to say it.

“Colin remembered seeing him there.” I caught another hiccup with my hand and left my palm over my mouth, worried I might cry again.

“You’re serious?”