Amazing body? Check.
A total jerk, just like Joel had implied? Oh yeah. That was a checkmark so big, I'd need a billboard to write it on.
I crossed my arms. "Because it's impolite. That's why."
Behind me, I heard Joel say, "YeahBishop. It's impolite." A moment later, he joined me at the door. "So shove off."
Bishop.Yup, that was Joel's last name alright. They were definitely brothers, although why the guy didn't go by his first name, I had no idea.
I was still pondering that when Bishop gave Joel a hard look. "Where the hell are they?"
In a voice filled with mock innocence, Joel said, "Where's what?"
Bishop's jaw tightened. "Youknowwhat."
Oh, crap.
I knew what, too. Or at least, I was pretty sure I did. Thanks to my internet research, I'd seen the brother who owned the Camaro.Thatbrother had cryptic tattoos and evenlesscivility. This brother was tattoo-free, but not much nicer.
And I could guess what he wanted – the guns in the trunk.
My gaze darted from Bishop to Joel as they stared each other down. Hoping to diffuse some of the tension, I said, "Isn't anyone going to introduce me?"
Bishop said, "No need. I'm not staying."
So much for a happy family reunion.But did he have to be so rude about it?
I said, "Good. Because no one invited you."
The guy's lips curved into the hint of a smile. "Who's impolite now?"
Next to me, Joel said, "You are, dickhead."
The guy shrugged. "So I hear."
Joel said, "How'd you find me?"
"Give me my stuff," Bishop said, "and maybe I'll tell you."
"Or," Joel said, "you can tell me. Andmaybe, I'll give you your stuff."
I spoke up. "Or maybe, you could do it at the same time. You know, like a hostage swap."
In unison, they both turned to look. Neither one of them looked thrilled with my idea. I cleared my throat. "It works in the movies, right?"
"No." Bishop said. "In the movies, it all goes to hell."
Okay, so maybe he had a point. Still, I felt compelled to mutter, "Not ineverymovie."
Bishop looked unimpressed. "Then you and I are seeing different shows."
Joel said, "What are you doing here, anyway?"
"Youknowwhat I'm doing here." Bishop turned and glanced around the yard, as if assessing his surroundings.
I leaned closer to Joel and whispered, "You guysarebrothers, right?"
"Supposedly."
