I felt like death warmed over. I knew the side effects of the PEP drugs wouldn't be pleasant, but I didn't expect the knife jab-like pains in the pit of my stomach. Sleeping helped a little bit, but fuck it hurt so much.

Taking a second to stand up, I got out of bed and made my way back down into the living room. Only Archie was sprawled out on the couch.

"Where's momma and Everly?" I asked him.

"They went out to feed the animals," Archie replied. "You good?"

"Do I fucking look good to you?" I grumbled. "Stupid meds are messing with my stomach. Dammit."

"Jeez. I don't know how Everly puts up with your bitchy ass," Archie muttered.

"Everly's much sweeter than you. Smells better too." I wrinkled my nose.

"Whatever." Archie disgustingly raised his arm, sniffed, and shrugged.

I heard addicts sometimes lost their sense of smell from snorting drugs. It was how they easily fell behind on their hygiene. The stench didn't bother me much since I'd smelled worse, but it broke my heart how my brother let himself go. The worst part was that he didn't even seem to care. He had a horrible case of meth mouth, but he tried to keep his breath tolerable by excessively chewing on cheap gum.

"You're never gonna get anywhere in life if you stay stuck in New Syracuse," I told him. "That place is a breeding ground for addicts. Temptation is on almost every street corner."

"You don't have to worry about me, Adam. I got a plan. I'll be just fine and dandy."

Had I not needed to rush to the bathroom to puke my guts out, I would've questioned him more about his plan. I damn near puked all over my fucking self. I sat on the floor hugging the toilet until the vomit finally stopped. It reminded me of the time I sneaked out as a young teenager with some friends to a bonfire in the woods with alcohol. I would've gotten away with it too back then had Archie not snitched on me to Momma, who found me puking my guts out at such an ungodly hour.

My throat burned, and the bitter taste of my vomit lingered in my mouth. And to think I had a month left of the hell to endure. I stood uneasily, gripping tightly to the bathroom sink counter for support. I used some mouth wash to rinse out the disgusting taste and splashed some water on my face to keep myself awake. I looked like hell, but I wouldn't let my family see that. I didn't need them worrying. Especially not Everly. She had enough worries without me adding to the pile.

I groaned at the sudden knock on the door. That blabber-mouth, Archie, probably told Momma I was feeling like shit. Bet he thought it would steer away from his own drug issues. Clever, annoying bastard.

When I opened the door, my mother stood there giving me that look. The same one that used to mean I was about to get my ass whooped as a kid. Everly stood beside her worriedly with her arms crossed over her chest.

"Honey, why didn't you tell me what happened to you in that terrible town?" Momma asked. Worry lines creased in her forehead. "You don't hide something like that from me ever again. You could've died, Adam. I would've driven out there to take care of you and teach that boy who hurt you a lesson."

I sighed. "Which is exactly why I didn't tell you. I didn't wanna worry you or get you down in New Syracuse threatening the asshole. We arrested the little shit. It's okay now."

Momma scoffed. "I would've done a lot more than threaten him."

"I know you would've, Momma."

She gave me a pitiful smile. "Honey, you need to lie down and rest. Adrian should be home for supper tonight."

"I came here to visit you. Not sleep all day," I told her.

"You can do that and still rest. It's why you took some time off work, isn't it? Momma asked.

I scratched the back of my neck. "My sergeant insisted that I took some time off, after what happened."

"Good, then go relax like he expects you to," Momma said. "We've got things from here. Everly's gonna help me gather some groceries, then Adrian's gonna help cook whenever he gets home. We're having some homemade chicken noodle soup tonight. Something that should be light on your stomach."

"You don't have to do all that now, Momma."

"Of course I do. You might be all grown now, but you're still my little boy. I'll always take care of ya." She pinched my left cheek, knowing full well how much that always irritated me as a kid.

Everly fought back a grin from where she stood behind my momma. "You really need to rest." Her grin morphed into concern as she met my gaze. "That's why we're here. So we can get a break from the madness for a few days."

Sighing, I agreed to take it easy and chill out on the couch while they went shopping. I hated not being able to do anything. I felt pathetic and useless. The least I could do was help cook, but I knew they'd shove me out of the kitchen and back to bed. Momma always coddled us too much, especially whenever my brothers or I fell ill.

To pass some time, I put on a movie for Archie and I to watch. I barely paid any attention to the action thriller on the screen, as my mind was too distracted by everything else. The possibility of contracting HIV still scared me shitless and Everly's stalker still roamed freely. I knew she'd be safe with momma though.

"Hey, Adam. I kinda need to tell you something now that's mom's left," Archie said, fiddling with the remote in his hand.

Raising a brow, I asked, "What is it?"

"I'm gonna join the Voiceless Rebels."

"Please, for the love of God, tell me you're joking."

"I'm being serious," Archie insisted. "I've put a lot of thought into this."

"Maybe you ought to put more thought into it," I told him.

He groaned. "I knew you'd be like this."

"How the fuck did you expect me to react? I'll be sure to tell all the guys back at the station how I'm just so damn proud of my brother for joining a gang." I rolled my eyes. "Can't you use your brain for once in your life?"

"Why do you always gotta put me down?" Archie muttered.

"If you'd quit acting like a dumbass, maybe I wouldn't," I told him. "Come on. You can't really plan to join the rebels. They'll eat you alive. Those fuckers can be dangerous."

"Kaz is with them," Archie pointed out. "And he's definitely not a good fighter. He's just a coke addict."

I facepalmed. "You plan to let Emmett fuck ya in the ass too?"

Archie's face twisted in disgust, like he'd puke. "Hell no. You know what? Enjoy this stupid movie without me. You're just being an asshole." He stormed off to his old bedroom, slamming the door behind him.

Sometimes he acted like an annoying child. There was only so much we could do for him. I couldn't keep trying to keep his ass out of trouble if he kept pulling crap like that.

By the time the movie got to the gritty shooting scenes, Adrian arrived home. He kicked his work boots off at the front door and greeted me. He had his K9 dog, Rocco, with him.

"Hey, man. How ya feeling?" Adrian asked, coming around to the couch.

"Like shit," I admitted. "Everly and Momma went shopping for supper tonight. Archie's up in his room crying like a baby."

"I see. What's he upset over now?" Adrian questioned, taking a load off beside me.

"Get this. He wants to join the Voiceless Rebels gang," I told him.

"For real?" Adrian shook his head. "You gonna talk him out of it?"

"Fuck am I supposed to do? He's damn set on it." I sighed. "What the hell went wrong with him? I mean, we turned out alright."

Adrian tried not to laugh. "That's not nice. He's just troubled. He needs our support. If only he'd come stay here with us."

"Good luck getting him to do that. He's only here to hide from guys he owes money to."

Adrian sighed, rubbing at his temples. "Well, are y'all at least any closer to finding the person who shot Everly?"

"Nope. We get some leads, but they always fall through or we just don't have any evidence," I replied. "It's pissing me off. This bitch has be hiding in plain sight. Why are they laying low so suddenly? It's fucking weird."

"Maybe it's someone in that gang she runs with," Archie said.

"You know, you're not the first person to suggest looking more into the Voiceless Rebels," I admitted. "Everly told me she's finally cutting ties with them."

"Oh yeah? Good for her. But won't they come after her for leaving?" Adrian questioned, frowning. "Or will that brother of hers just let her do whatever?"

Both Adrian and Momma were aware of Emmett Larson's gang status. It was a secret I couldn't just keep to myself. I was surprised Archie never blabbered if off to someone, but I guess even he knew if he did something so ignorant, Emmett would beat the living hell out of him.

"I guess?" I shrugged. "We haven't talked much about it. She just told me that she's leaving them. I think it scared her the night of Sydney's birthday party, when she almost got assaulted." The memory of that night made me cringe. Had any of those bastards laid a hand on her, I would've been ready to kill them.

"Damn. I remember you telling me about that. No wonder she wants to get away from them," Adrian said. "Well, I'm sure momma already said this, but y'all are welcome to stay as long as you'd like. I can look into Everly's case during my free time too. A fresh set of eyes might be helpful."

"You'd do that? I appreciate it, man."

"No problem. That's what brothers are for. We'll always have each others backs. Besides, isn't Everly like family now? Soon enough, y'all will be planning the wedding. You know damn well Momma's excited to see at least one of her sons happy with someone."

"I mean, yeah. I hope someday we can," I admitted, feeling my face heat up. I'd never spoke about such things with any of my family before. "I'm sure you'll be right behind me. I ain't got any faith in Archie though. I'm sorry, but you know how he is. He doesn't like to stay with one chick for long."

Adrian snickered at that. "My love life is in the garbage. I'll probably just stay single forever now."

"Stop being so melodramatic. You'll find a guy out there who isn't a piece of shit."

"Oh yeah?" Adrian scoffed. "Where might that be, pray tell?"

I shrugged. "Hell if I know."

"Thanks, that's real helpful."

Spending time with Adrian brought back so many fond memories, especially being back at our childhood home. He went to feed his dog, Rocco, while I drifted off again on the couch. Those damn meds really took a tole on my body, and I couldn't wait until the day came when I was finished with them. I'd be sure to be more careful on the job when making arrests too.

Archie was being a stick in the ass, but at least Adrian wanted to help me. I almost wished I'd left Archie back in New Syracuse. Let him join the damn rebels. See if I care anymore. I was done trying to save his sorry ass. What else could I even do?