Chapter 43 Braedyn
brAEDYN
I moved the rag across the already-clean bar top, but it was the only thing I could think to do.
I’d already done the books, filled the condiment bottles, straightened the stockroom, readied the tables, and rolled the remaining silverware.
Anything to keep from worrying: about Owen at camp, about Vincent, about Nova.
There was so much swirling in my head that it made me move at hyperspeed in an effort to escape it all. But it still swirled. Pressing down and trying to drown me.
Wylder shifted behind the bar, his gaze zeroing in on my hand. No, not my hand, my wrist.
I said a few mental curses and pulled the sleeve of my blouse down. I’d thought the lightweight top would hide my bruises, but the billowy sleeve was too easily pushed up.
“Are you sure you’re up for working today?” Wylder asked, his voice so gentle.
“I’m good. I promise. And if you try to send me home, I’ll just climb the walls.”
His lips twitched. “I get that. I’ll hope for a busy-as-hell day then.”
I bowed to him, hands in prayer position. “Thank you, kind sir.”
“Who’s bowing to this fool?” Fiona asked as she strode over. “The last thing we need is any more power going to his head.”
Wylder’s lips twitched. “Come on, we all know you’re the one really in charge.”
She tapped her nose and then made a sign that she was watching him. “How you holdin’ up, honey?”
There was something about Fiona’s honeys. They always felt so damn warm and comforting. “Doing good,” I lied. But it also wasn’t a lie. Because despite everything that was swirling, I was okay. And I had Dex to thank for that.
“Glad to hear it,” Fiona said with a clap.
“And she’s lookin’ good, too,” Aidan called from his spot at the end of the bar where he was grabbing silverware.
Wylder scowled at him. “Rules.”
Aidan held up both hands. “Hey, I’m just stating the obvious.”
“Thank you, Aidan. You are looking pretty damn good yourself.”
He gave an elaborate bow. “New jeans. They do great things for my ass.”
I laughed, but Wylder just shook his head. “Want to open us up, Brae?” he asked.
God, did I ever. I needed all the distractions today. “On it, boss.”
I headed for the front doors, unlocking them just before the big clock on the wall hit eleven. As I opened one wide, a man stepped up. I braced for a moment and then breathed a sigh of relief as I took in Jack, the man from Compass, whose wife had disappeared.
He saw me tense and took a step back. It was a kind gesture, one that acknowledged his sheer size and potential to be intimidating. “Sorry to startle you. I’m early,” he said sheepishly.
I sent him a warm smile. “I’m jumpy lately. It’s not your fault.”
His face hardened. “I’m so sorry for everything that’s been going on. Anything I can do to help?”
The offer warmed me the same way Fiona’s honeys did. “I wish there were, but I don’t think so. Actually, you can come in and order some food because being busy helps.”
One corner of Jack’s mouth kicked up. “That, I can do. Not sure what I’d do without this place and the diner.”
My stomach twisted as I put the pieces together. “Hard to eat alone?”
Because I got it. Even though I had Owen, Nova’s spot at our kitchen table was always glaringly empty.
Jack nodded as he followed me toward a booth. “House feels so damn empty. And I never have been much of a cook. Cynthia was the best. She loved trying new recipes, getting all fancy. Every time I try to make something in her kitchen, I just…”
His words trailed off, but I squeezed his arm, finishing for him. “It’s just too hard. I get it.”
Jack’s throat worked as he swallowed. “I know you do.”
“I may not be able to fix this, but I can get you fed. Want something to drink while you look at the menu?”
“A Coke and a water would be great.”
I headed for the bar to give Wylder the order, but I was already brainstorming ways to bring Jack into the fold. He needed a community, a family. Maybe I could host a barbeque, have everyone from Compass and the Archers at my cabin.
“Excuse me?”
I turned at the voice, taking in the stunning woman opposite me. She had deep-brown eyes that mirrored the tones of her skin, hair that hung in a curly halo around her face, and an outfit that looked like some mix of ranch life and a Paris runway.
“Hi,” I greeted. “Looking for a table?”
I hadn’t seen her around before, and she didn’t scream tourist. They were usually wearing some form of outdoor gear.
“Actually, I’m looking for Braedyn Winslow.”
I stiffened, a million panicked thoughts running through my mind. But I forced myself to square my shoulders and face whatever was coming. Maybe she was here to serve me with papers. My mouth went dry. “I’m Braedyn.”
The woman’s smile widened, making lines deepen around her mouth and telling me she made the movement often. “Wonderful to meet you. I’m Maren Robinson. Your new attorney. If you’d like me to be.”
My mouth went slack as I stared back at her. “I’m sorry, you’re what?”
“Your new attorney.”
I felt heat at my side and glanced over to see Wylder. There was an expression of suspicion lining his face. “Did Dex hire you?” he asked.
Maren shook her head. “No, Orion Archer did. He said he’s a friend of Ms. Winslow’s and that he wanted to help.”
“A friend?” Wylder choked out, his eyes bugging.
Maren looked between the two of us. “Is that not true?”
“No, no, it is. We just… Orion doesn’t usually…” I struggled to explain.
“Orion doesn’t usually deal with people if he has any way of avoiding it,” Wylder finished for me.
Maren nodded slowly but still seemed a little confused. “Well, he contacted me via email. Told me what was going on. And it just so happens, I don’t love manipulative assholes and specialize in family law. I can send you my credentials—”
“Already got them pulled up,” Wylder said, studying his phone. “Harvard Law.” His eyes went wide. “Jesus, you clerked for a Supreme Court judge?”
Maren’s lips twitched. “It was an experience.”
Wylder glanced up at me. “She’s a certified baddie.”
Good. That was good. But it also wasn’t. “Ms. Robinson—”
“Please, call me Maren.”
“Maren,” I amended, my palms going sweaty. “I don’t want to waste your time. You might be too expensive for what I can—”
“Oh, my fees have already been covered. Orion paid the retainer.”
A mixture of emotions swirled through me. Warmth, shame, hope. “He did?”
“He did,” Maren said with a soft smile.
Wylder scrubbed a hand over his face. “That’s as good a seal of approval as I’ve ever seen.”
It felt like a hug from the brother who could barely stand to be in the same room as me—even more than the chocolate cake.
“I’ll pay him back,” I whispered. “It might take me a while, but I’ll pay him back.”
Wylder reached over and squeezed my hand. “Don’t lessen his gift. Let him do this for you. I think it’s good. It’s the first time in years he’s reached out.”
My stomach twisted, but I understood. I didn’t want to belittle his gift. Taking a deep breath, I turned to Maren. “Okay, what do we do first?”
“You give me everything you have on Vincent Faber. And then I bury him.” There was joy on Maren’s face. And I knew then that she was a warrior for justice.
I just hoped it was enough.