Total pages in book: 96
Estimated words: 95080 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 475(@200wpm)___ 380(@250wpm)___ 317(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 95080 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 475(@200wpm)___ 380(@250wpm)___ 317(@300wpm)
“You are fine?”
“Yeah, I’m good.”
“Thank you for putting in payroll.”
“Of course.”
“When will you be home?”
“Hopefully someone will try and kill me quick.” Long silence, and I knew I screwed up. “I’m sorry, that was really dumb.”
“You think you are funny, but you are not.”
“Yes, I know. It was a bad joke.”
He was quiet for a few moments. “You like your inspector very much, yes?”
“What?”
He chuckled. “You are bad actor.”
I grunted. “I’m going to see if I can invite him to my house when I get home.”
“That sounds promising.”
“Thanks.”
After I hung up, I decided to read for a bit, since I had no intention of going downstairs and seeing or talking to Breckin. I tried really hard not to fall asleep.
I woke up starving because the time was off by three hours. Eight in Vermont was only five at home. Cord still wasn’t back, and when I tried his cell, it went straight to voice mail. After changing into a pair of jeans and a T-shirt, I went to find something to eat. Michelle had told me earlier that her leftovers were my leftovers and to help myself to anything else as well. I appreciated that now.
Downstairs in the kitchen, I rummaged around in the refrigerator until I came up with jelly and milk. I checked the pantry and found peanut butter and honey-wheat bread. I was standing beside the counter, having my little feast, when Breckin came in. He didn’t stop when he saw me, walking straight up to me, and would have wrapped his arms around me if I hadn’t darted around the island, the one with copper pots hanging over it, putting that between us.
“I’m so sorry,” he beseeched me.
Was he kidding?
“Baby,” he said softly, taking a step toward me. “Forgive me.”
I moved quickly, keeping distance between us, brandishing the piece of silverware I was holding like a knife. “Jesus, Breckin, back off, or I’ll cut out your heart with this spoon.”
“Why a spoon, cousin?” Brian asked, chuckling as he walked into the room.
I grinned at him, finishing the Alan Rickman quote, “Because it will hurt more!”
He laughed, I laughed, and in the midst of us being stupid, he suggested I have some homemade potato chips with my sandwich.
“You make your own potato chips?”
“I don’t, but my aunt Paula does, and they’re really good.”
“I would love some.”
He went to another pantry that was behind a door next to the refrigerator, which I had completely missed, and got them for me.
They were excellent, like salty kettle chips. “Thank you.”
“You’re so welcome,” he said, leaning beside me, having some as well.
After a moment, we both became aware that Breckin was still standing there like a statue, arms crossed, glowering at us like we were in trouble.
“What’s going on?” Brian asked his brother.
“I wanted to talk to Tracy.”
“What’s stopping you?”
“Alone.”
“Oh, shit,” Brian rushed out, straightening up from where he was leaning with me on the island, ready to move. “Sorry, let me get out of—”
“It’s fine,” I assured Brian, giving him a pat on the shoulder. “Breckin was just talking to me about my ex.”
“Tracy,” Breckin warned.
“Weren’t you?”
“I—”
“What about your ex?” Brian wanted to know.
“Breckin thinks I should give the guy another shot even though he cheated on me.”
“Well, how do you feel about—”
“Twice.”
Brian hissed, looking over at his brother. “Twice? Really?”
“Who cheated twice?” Bethany asked, joining us in the kitchen, looking adorable in pink and white bunny print pajamas, and a matching head band that had fuzzy pink rabbit ears.
“God,” Breckin groaned.
“Tracy’s ex,” Brian told her.
“Shit, that sucks. I’m sorry,” she said kindly and then suddenly brightened. “You want a chai tea? I have this amazing blend, and I have it down to a science.”
“It really is good,” Brian vouched for it.
“I would love one.”
“Me too, please,” Brian said, raising his hand.
“Breckin?” she asked cheerfully.
“No, I just came down to talk to Tracy.”
“Should Brian and I—”
“About his ex,” Brian told her, reaching out to take hold of her arm so she’d stay. “Tracy’s not really up to hearing about it.”
“Probably because of the double cheating, am I right?” she asked me, then went to the pantry I’d found, not the secret one I’d missed.
“Correct.”
She popped back out. “Wait, your ex isn’t the yummy detective you were kissing earlier, is it?”
“No, ma’am.” I loved her face and the pixie haircut that looked so good on her. “He’s the old, new guy.”
She exhaled sharply. “That’s fabulous. I love his vibe.”
“Me too,” I said, grinning at her before she leaned back into the pantry.
“So, Breck,” Brian began, “why’re you pleading this guy’s case if he cheated on Tracy?”
“Breckin’s friends with my ex too,” I told him.
“Ah. Got it. Well,” Brian said with a yawn, “it’s really nice of you to try and talk the guy up, but Tracy’s your friend too, so you might have to pick sides.”