“That’s right.”
“You wrote this movie?”
“Yes.” I inspected Cletus’s forehead and the rest of his downturned features. His hands were big and strong, covered in either dirt or grease. I guessed both. He had thick hair, super thick, with an odd spirally curl every few tendrils. This added to the outward suggestion of his unkempt appearance. Though his hair was wild around his head and shoulders, sticking out in odd directions, it was clean and brushed. It was also two full shades lighter than Jethro’s dark brown with natural blondish highlights.
His face, or what I could see of it, was too manly and square to be pretty or adorable; but there was definitely a resemblance between the two brothers. They were about the same height, with Jethro being just a smidge taller and definitely leaner. Cletus was stocky. Where Jethro looked lithe, Cletus looked strong.
“What’s the movie about?” Cletus asked, still not looking at me.
“Cletus . . .” Jethro’s tone held an edge of warning, like he was losing patience.
“No, it’s fine. The movie is a comedy about a female FBI agent trying to infiltrate a cult and unwittingly becomes their leader. She allows the power to go to her head and starts dictating their lives.”
“And of course disaster ensues,” Cletus guessed with a smirk.
“Actually, no. She really helps them. She talks them out of their suicide pact, saves their lives, keeps their commune from financial ruin. But no amount of good intentions can make up for the fact that she lied.”
“In the end they forgive her?”
“Nope. They try to sacrifice her to their god.”
“Well, that’s unexpected.” Cletus chuckled, lifting his chin slightly and affording me a fuller view of his features. They shared the same nose, yet their eyes were different. Jethro’s were nearly almond shaped; Cletus’s were big and round and framed by ridiculously long and dark eyelashes. They brought the word extravagant to mind, and I was a little envious.
I continued explaining the details of the script. “But she is busted out by her partner.”
“Who’s been in love with her the whole time,” he guessed.
“Exactly.” I glanced at Jethro. He smiled at me like he was proud. I twisted my lips to the side, to keep my ridiculous answering grin at bay. I swear, at this rate of staring and grinning, Jethro and I were in serious danger of going steady and holding hands.
“What kind of car are you driving around?” Cletus asked unexpectedly.
“Uh, a Kia Ultima.”
“You mean a Kia Optima.”
“Yes. Sorry.” I scratched my forehead, tired, the length of the day catching up to me. “You’re right.”
“Why’d you choose the Kia?”
“Um, I don’t know. It’s what they had at the rental counter.”
“Do you like it? Driving it, I mean.”
“Sure. If I didn’t keep getting lost.” I checked my watch.
I was just wondering how much longer we were going to play twenty questions when Jethro’s brother lifted his eyes and looked at me. Actually, he pinned me with his gaze, making mine widen with surprise, because he did not look happy.
And in that moment I knew. I knew that he knew that I knew that he knew who I was. By all appearances, he seemed to be debating what to do next. His glare was hard, irritated, and distrustful.
I realized he’d likely known my identity the second I’d opened my mouth, maybe even before. And speaking of my mouth, it went dry.
“What’d you say your name was again?” Cletus asked, his tone flat.
“I already told you, her name is Sarah. Can we get going?” Jethro opened the cab door, motioning for Cletus to step up and sit behind the driver’s seat.
Cletus narrowed sharp eyes on me, tucked his iPad under his arm, and climbed up into the truck. I tried to swallow, act naturally, as Jethro escorted me to the passenger side door.
As soon as Jethro opened it, Cletus said, “Oh, hey, Jet. Can you check the ties on the master lock in the truck bed? I think I tightened the winch, but it’d be great if you could double-check before we’re leaving machine parts all over The Parkway.”
“Fine.” Jethro nodded, helping me up and giving my hand a squeeze before he released me and shut the door, leaving me alone in the car with his astute brother.
“I can—” I started, but he cut me off.
“I don’t know why you’re being dishonest with Jethro, and you owe me no explanations. I doubt I’d be interested in them anyhow. But I haven’t seen my brother hopeful in a real long time. Mind, hopeful is different than happy. Don’t confuse the two, because hopeful is a good deal more dangerous than happy. My only warning is as follows.” Cletus paused, waiting for me to turn over my shoulder and look at him before continuing.