Catching Sam: Book 2 of 5: The MacDonald Brothers by Emily Matthews (best mystery novels of all time TXT) 📗

they all had a beer before heading to the restaurant. It had been a while since all five of them had been out together, and it took them most of dinner to catch up on everybody’s business.

Alex was thinking about studying for the fire inspector’s exam. Jake was busy chasing women and busting bad guys. Mitch had retired from the police force and was working on a new senior living project. And Johnny told ER stories, each one crazier than the last.

“So, Mitch, I heard you got into some trouble with Maggie before she agreed to marry you. What’d you do to get out of the doghouse?” Sam asked.

“What’s the matter, Sam? Trouble with a woman?” Johnny teased.

“Something like that. I need to apologize and don’t know what to do.”

“I just fell on my sword and told Maggie everything I was thinking and that I loved her. Between that, my good looks, and charm, she fell for it.”

“Don’t forget that you’re loaded,” Jake put in.

“Ah, yes. That never hurts, does it?” said Mitch. “Let’s toast to Sam for making that possible for all of us.”

His brothers raised their glasses. “To Sam,” they sang out in unison.

Sam flipped them all off. “Shut up, you bastards.” He didn’t like being the center of attention. He figured now wasn’t the time to remind them they’d all taken a colossal risk investing in him and his infantile company. When they’d thrown their money at him, they could not have known what would happen.

“Speaking of money, who’s picking up the tab?” Alex said.

“I am,” said Sam.

“To Sam,” they all said and drank again.

Between the pre-dinner cocktails and a couple of glasses of wine with dinner, they were all a little buzzed. They caught a couple of cabs back to Mitch’s place and poured another round. Sam figured as the oldest, he should make sure no one did anything stupid, so he passed. Plus, if his brothers all got drunk, and he didn’t, he might have a chance at winning a hand or two at poker. Having never gotten into gambling, he wasn’t very good at it.

Mitch had already set up the poker table, and they all settled in.

“So, Sam, you never said what you did to get into trouble with your lady. What’d you do?” Alex asked.

Sam told the short version, and they all groaned sympathetically and gave their opinion liberally.

“Wow, what a dumbass!” said Johnny.

“Yeah, stupid as fuck,” Alex said.

Sam knew they were joking, but it still stung. He had been a real dumbass.

“Hey, give him a break,” interjected Mitch. “We all do dumb shit now and then. If she’s reasonable at all, it doesn’t sound irreparable. You’ll figure something out.”

“Thanks, Mitch.” He flipped off the rest of his siblings.

“Hey, where’s Adam? Your best friend’s not gonna show up to your bachelor party?” asked Alex.

“Yeah, can he not stay out this late now that he’s a married man?” Johnny said.

“He said he didn’t want to interfere with our “brotherly” time. Plus, he’s got his hands full with the boys and a very pregnant Jenny. We can catch up with him and Jenny on Sunday before the Washingtonians head back,” said Mitch.

They played until late into the night, swapping stories and BSing. Finally, they all found a couch or spare bed and crashed. Since Alex and Johnny had opted not to go home, Jake ended up sleeping with Sam in the guest bedroom.

“I’ve woken up to uglier, but not much,” Jake said the next morning.

“Ha. Ha,” said Sam. “You snore like a train.” Jake feigned shock and then shrugged his shoulders.

They went out for breakfast, which was technically brunch since they’d gotten up so late, and then split up so the native New Yorkers could clean up at home and get a few things done. They met back at their mother’s place later that evening for dinner.

Sam’s mom, Abigail, was beyond thrilled that all her boys were home for the weekend. Even though she’d just seen him a month ago, Sam was immediately engulfed into a bear hug that lasted a full minute. His mom pushed him back but held on to his shoulders to get a good look.

“What’s wrong?” she asked after her once-over. “You look worried.”

“Nothing, Mom. I’m great.” He leaned down to hug her again and over her shoulder gave his brothers the Don’t tell mom about my love life problems look. They all grinned and gave him a thumbs-up. He knew that probably meant they would rat him out in a hot second, but hoped they would at least wait until he’d gone home.

She pulled back and gave him the stink eye, obviously not buying it. She pointed two fingers at her eyes and then at him to let him know she was watching him. He laughed and kissed her on the cheek.

“What’s for dinner, Ma?” Alex said, winking at Sam. Knowing what it was like to be under the microscope with their mother, he was helping Sam off the hook. Sam mouthed Thanks once his mother turned around to answer Alex.

They were halfway through dessert when Sam felt his phone vibrate. Frowning, he raised a finger and walked away from the table to answer the call. He listened for a few minutes and then hung up.

“Jake, can I talk to you?” he asked as he walked to the next room, assuming Jake would follow.

“Geez, slow down,” said Jake, hustling to catch up. “What’s wrong?”

“Can you come back to Bellevue with me? Now? I think Annie’s in trouble, and a brother with a gun might be helpful. I’ll call the pilot and get a taxi. Can you be ready in five minutes?”

“Of course. My gun’s at Mitch’s, but I have others at home we can stop for once we land. You can tell me what’s up on the plane. We’ll tell Mom it’s a business thing?”

“Yes. Thank you.” Sam knew Jake could be immature at times, especially when it came to women. But he also knew he was a damn good