Scott.” Bobby sniffed as if he’d been crying.

“What’s wrong?” Scott held his breath, anxiety swirling.

“It’s Napoleon, man.”

Bobby never cried. Not even at their parents’ funeral.

“Calm down,” Scott said. “What happened to him?”

“What is it, Scott?” Rachel whispered.

“He was robbed,” Bobby said. “They took his coin collection.”

“Jesus.” Scott put his arm around Rachel’s shoulders.

“Two guys broke into the house and held up Napoleon and Zita,” Bobby said.

“Oh, my god.” Scott covered his mouth. “No—”

“They made Napoleon open the safe, and he tried to fight them and they beat him so bad he has a concussion and bruised ribs. He’s unconscious, Scott.”

“No.” He fell back on the computer.

“Scott?” Rachel pressed her soft hands to his chest.

“Is he going to be all right, Bobby?” Scott fought tears. “Is he?”

“I’m not sure.”

“Do they know who the guys are? Could they be identified?”

“No, they had on ski masks and stuff. You need to get down to the County Medical Center.”

“I’m on my way.” Scott stood straight, feeling woozy. “He’s gotta be all right, Bobby. He’s got to.”

“I’ll see you when you get here.”

“Wait, is Lita all right?”

“They didn’t hurt her, but she’s sick from fright and worry.”

Scott hung up, dropping his head.

“What is it?” Rachel stroked his arms, eyes big as a newborn puppy’s.

“It’s Napoleon.” A tear fell as he lifted his head. “Someone broke into his home.”

“What?”

“They beat him up and he’s in County Medical.” He threw the phone down. “Goddamn it, I warned him. That fuckin’ coin collection. I told him not to keep that in his house.”

“Coin collection?” Rachel froze with her eyebrows raised.

“Yeah, he’s got this coin collection that’s worth at least a half a million dollars, maybe more.” Scott passed her, rubbing his hair. “Bobby and I’ve been telling him it wasn’t safe to have that in the house but he’s so damn stubborn.”

“Coin collection?” Rachel fell into the computer seat.

“Are you all right?”

“Yeah, I’m just…worried. I can’t believe something like this happened. Who did it?”

“They don’t know. Bobby said there were two guys wearing masks with guns.”

Rachel rubbed her stomach. “How could someone hurt that sweet man?”

“Shit.” He put on his pants. “I can’t lose Napoleon.” He got his shirt. “You coming to the hospital?”

“I…” She wobbled, breasts swaying. “I’ll meet you there.”

“Meet me?” He struggled to put on his shirt. “I need you by my side—”

“I’ll meet you there. I have to take care of something.”

“What’s so important that you can’t come now?”

“I…it’s something I just gotta do.” She got her clothes. “I promise I’ll be there.”

He stared at her, panting.

“What?”

“Is something wrong with you?”

“No.” She kissed him, removing any doubt. “I’ll be at County Medical as soon as I’m done.”

* * *

“What did you do?” Rachel burst into Stone’s motel room, knocking him aside. “Tell me!”

“What the hell are you talking about?”

“Don’t play with me.” She grabbed the front of his T-shirt. “You promised you wouldn’t hurt anyone.”

“Get off me, girl.” He pushed her. “What are you talking about?”

Rachel glanced around, huffing and puffing.

“Baby girl?” Stone stroked her cheek. “What’s going on?”

“I love him!” She stomped her feet.

“You love who?” He touched her forehead. “Are you high? You’re acting like you’ve lost your mind.”

“I love Scott.” She slapped his hand. “He’s the best thing that ever happened to me.”

He stood back, mouth curled. “Scott West?”

“I can’t lose him because of your foolishness.” She punched his chest. “It’s the first time I’ve been this happy.” She fell to her knees in tears. “Don’t ruin this for me, Stone. Please.”

“Rach.” He helped her up and sat her on the bed. “Tell me what’s wrong.”

“I wanna be with Scott.” She sniffled, shoving his hands away. “He makes me happier than I’ve ever been. Scott and I can have a normal life but not with your shit hanging over us. Now…” She squealed as she sobbed. “You do this.”

“I didn’t do a damn thing.”

“You robbed that old man.” She licked tears from her lips. “Napoleon Zavala.”

He bounced in his flip-flops, rubbing his head. “What the—”

“Don’t deny it.” She stood. “That sweet man is in the hospital because of what you and Greer did.”

“Greer.” He stomped around with balled fists, poking his lips out. “Greer!”

“Yeah, Greer. You and Greer broke into Napoleon’s home, held him and his niece at gunpoint and beat the shit out of him.”

“God.” Stone rocked, holding his head. “Fuckin’ shit.”

“How could you do something like that?” She pushed him in the back. “I thought there was decency left in you, but I guess I was wrong.”

“Listen.” He swirled around, seizing her. “I didn’t rob that old man, Rach. Greer must’ve done it on his own.”

“Isn’t Zavala the man you spoke about? With the coin collection?”

“Yeah, but I didn’t rob him.” He pointed to the floor. “I swear to God, Rach.” He raised his hand, palm facing her. “Greer did this shit on his own.”

“It was two guys.” She closed her mouth, breathing through her nostrils.

“It had to be Greer and somebody else. You know beating an old man ain’t my style.”

“You’re the one who said when you’re desperate you do desperate things.”

“I didn’t do it.” His yellow eyes widened. “You gotta believe me.”

“Why should I?”

“Because I’m your brother, Rachel.” He slumped to the bed and sat. “I told Greer to leave it alone. I didn’t want anyone to get hurt because of me.”

“This is your fault. I’ve let your problems rule my world far too long. I’m not letting you mess up what I could have with Scott.”

“What are you saying?” He stood, shoulders drooping.

“If you hadn’t gotten mixed up with Fusco none of this would’ve happened.” She backed away, holding up her hands. “Stay away from me.”

“Rachel?”

“Stay away. When will you change? How long can you keep living like this?”

“Please.” He pressed his lips together, eyes shut. “I need you.”

“I need a normal life and to be with a man who loves me.”

“I love you.” He took a few steps forward. “You and I are all we need, Rach. It’s always been that way.”

“I need more.” She covered her eyes, hiding her tears. “I love you, Stone, but I can’t do this anymore.”

“You turning on your brother for a guy you just met?” He rocked left and right. “Family loyalty don’t mean shit to you?”

“How dare you? I risked my life to save yours.”

“I did that every day when we were growing up.”

“Then I’d say we’re even.” She opened the door.

“You’re all I have.” He hurried after her. “Please, don’t turn your back on me.”

“I want a life. My life, Stone. Not yours.”

He reached for her but lowered his hands before touching. “I love you, Baby girl.”

“Then you should understand that this is the hardest thing I’ve ever done.” She walked out.

“Rachel, wait.” He grabbed at her as she left. “Rachel!”