Chapter 36 #2
“My brother was living his best life. A real innocent, you know? Then they interfered,” Evan explained in a dramatic tone. “I swear they plotted together to get him to settle down.”
Marshall shrugged. “It seems like Harry is better off for their interference. Look at him over there, he looks real cozy with Julia. Maybe you could do with some help yourself,” he said with a chuckle.
Evan’s eyes widened at the words. He shook his head in disdain. “Don’t you dare wish that upon me. Focus on figuring out what happened to Jack,” Evan scoffed, picking up another sandwich while maintaining a slow, judgmental head shake.
“It’s all a mystery to me. I’ve known everyone here for almost a decade, if not more,” Marshall said, swallowing the second half of the dessert. Maybe he would have a sandwich. It would help the whiskey go down more smoothly.
He watched as Evan rolled his eyes in ecstasy as he bit into the second sandwich.
“The turkey is divine,” his friend gushed. “I don’t know what Edna puts in her food to make it so delicious. It’s some kind of magic, that’s for sure. More reason they can’t be trusted.”
Marshall studied the magic sandwiches, his eyes distracted by a flash of gray in the crowd.
Colette.
He hated seeing her in such dark tones; it didn’t suit her at all. Used to her wearing brighter shades, Marshall wondered if it was just the tone of gray making her look pale. Perhaps she was unwell or had missed some sleep like he had.
“I have to go,” Marshall said to Evan, who was blissfully engaging in a moment with half a roast beef sandwich.
“You know where to find me, buddy,” Evan mumbled. “I’ll keep watch over the sandwiches.”
No sandwich was safe as long as Evan stood there.
Taking his glass with him, Marshall walked a direct path to Colette, barely sparing a word or a comment for anyone who stopped him on the way. She was standing next to Simone and Roger, conversing about the latest that was going on with Colette’s old employer.
Her large blue eyes connected with his, and suddenly, his chest felt lighter.
Though they had only spent a short time apart, it had been too long.
He had gotten used to seeing her almost every day in the weeks they had worked together. Going without her for even a day was suddenly too much.
“Hey, Marshall,” she said breathily, her mouth curving into a small smile.
“Hey, Colette,” Marshall returned, rubbing the back of his neck. He acknowledged Simone and Roger with a nod, attempting to ignore the heat rising in his cheeks. It wasn’t his fault that her presence had this effect on him.
“Um, I feel like you guys need a minute,” Simone said, tugging on Roger’s arm. “There are way too many blushes happening here at the moment.”
“I was just going to tell Colette about how we brought the cat to the vet for a check-up,” Roger said, eyes on Simone.
She raised a brow, and he seemed to comprehend her silent communication.
“But it can wait. Spoiler, our baby Regina George is in perfect health.” Roger grinned, proud of his cat as though it was his own child.
“Good to hear,” Marshall said, taking hold of Colette’s arm and pulling her down the hallway.
Heedless of the eyes that were on them, he didn’t stop walking until they were alone in the office with the door closed.
There was too much space between them; he couldn’t stand it.
Anchoring his leg between hers, he pushed her against the wall.
Offering no resistance, Colette pulled his head down, an offering of comfort he had been craving. Nuzzling the base of her neck, he inhaled. His heartbeat quieted, the dull buzz of the crowd disappeared, and he breathed the sweet solace only she could provide.
“Is it weird that I missed you this much?” he said, the words mumbled in her ear.
Her lips drifted close to his cheek and Marshall shivered.
“I’ve missed you too,” she whispered. “How are you doing?”
Marshall didn’t have a good answer to that question. He was angry, confused, still in shock… nothing made sense. Overnight, his place of refuge had become a crime scene. Everyone was a suspect, and he had no way of figuring out who to trust.
If Jack was murdered, Marshall’s entire world would be tipped upside down.
“I’m surviving,” he admitted. “I’m used to things being predictable around here, steady. Suddenly, it’s like I’m untethered. Just floating away without my anchor.”
Cupping his face with her hands, Colette pulled his face up to meet her gaze.
“You won’t drift away as long as I’m here. Just hold on to me,” she spoke in a quiet voice. Closing the distance between them, he pressed his lips against hers, his shoulders dropping in a sigh.
If only that were true.
“Thanks.” His thoughts were dark. Haunted. How could he hold on to Colette when keeping her here might put her in danger?
“I mean it. Don’t hesitate to come to me if you need me. Anytime. I’ll be here,” she said, stroking his cheek with her silken palm. “You have a key to my place, don’t you? I’ve been locking my doors.”
“Finally, you listen to me,” he said with a smirk. “Yeah, I’ve got a key.”
Marshall closed his eyes and exhaled.
He fantasized about having Colette so close he could always reach for her.
Dreamed that none of this had ever happened and that they could just live in their love bubble a little bit longer.
As quickly as they came, his dreams were dashed. Reality was brutal.
He had to face the truth that his friend was dead.
If they discovered Jack had been murdered, there would be a pall hanging over all of them, especially if the murderer was hiding at Rosebud Ranch.