Total pages in book: 115
Estimated words: 108531 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 543(@200wpm)___ 434(@250wpm)___ 362(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 108531 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 543(@200wpm)___ 434(@250wpm)___ 362(@300wpm)
“My brother is well acquainted with DUIs,” Quaid said with a huff.
“His record is clean,” she pointed out.
“Only because Armie wasn’t the sheriff when Paul was living here.” He was well aware that the old sheriff had been willing to sweep indiscretions under the rug when it came to the wealthy people of the town. What was “kids getting in trouble” for the Beaumonts, Daroises, and Haverys were felonies for the Cardets of the world. “I assure you he’s been arrested in LA.”
“Not in years, Quaid.” His brother stepped out looking far less polished than he normally did. “I did my community service and I did my time in rehab.”
“And you were in a bar tonight,” he countered.
“Well, alcohol wasn’t my problem,” Paul replied. “It’s not like anyone expects me to go without a drink for the rest of my life.”
“The rehab counselors would disagree.” Quaid looked to Roxie. “Hey, can I get a couple of cans of dog food? I have a canine guest and she’s going to need to eat in the morning.”
Roxie nodded. “Of course. I’ve got some in the back.”
Paul looked him over. “You got a dog?”
“I have a guest who has a dog.”
Paul’s brows rose over his eyes. “Ah, you have a woman. That’s a surprise. According to our mother you’ve practically been a nun for a year. She says you’re not dating.”
“And I’m not dating this one, either.” He wasn’t about to give his brother gossip to take to his mother. The last thing Jayna needed was a sixty-eight-year-old mean girl coming down on her. “She’s a professional contact. We’re working on a project, and she brought her dog along.”
“So you’re using the place for exactly what Dad used it for.” Paul’s head shook. “Work and to get away from our mother.”
“I was getting away from you,” Quaid pointed out. He was about to start questioning his brother when Roxie showed up, a bag in her hand.
“Here you go.” She passed him Luna’s breakfast before turning to Paul. “I’ll let you know if we find anything out about the car. If it was stolen for a joyride, we’ll likely find it soon. If someone is breaking it down for parts, it’s probably long gone, but we’ll look into it.”
“You’re not looking for it tonight?” Paul asked, his jaw firming. “What kind of place is this? I’m not sure what else you have to do. It’s an expensive vehicle. It can’t have simply disappeared. Someone has to have seen what happened.”
“This isn’t LA.” He needed to make it clear to his brother that he wasn’t getting special treatment. “There isn’t a camera on every corner here, and Roxie is one of two deputies working the night shift at this time.”
Paul seemed to realize he wasn’t winning anyone over because his expression shifted from angry to apologetic. “Of course. I’m sorry, Deputy. I wasn’t thinking. And honestly, it’s not like I would get better help in LA. They would write a report and tell me to file it all with insurance. I’ve had an upsetting evening, and I shouldn’t take that out on you. I appreciate everything you can do for me.”
He held a hand out in that purely Southern-gentleman style.
Roxie shook it. “I promise I really will look for it, but we have to consider the possibility that it’s being taken apart as we speak. Car theft isn’t usually a big problem around here, but it does happen from time to time. We’ll do everything we can.”
“I appreciate it very much, Deputy.” Paul stepped away. His shirt was wrinkled and missing one of the buttons, which made Quaid wonder what exactly his brother had been doing. “Quaid, I thank you for picking me up. I didn’t want to bother our mother, and it would have been an imposition to get a ride back home from the deputy.”
And imposing on his brother was one of Paul’s favorite things to do. “Let’s go. I’ve got work to do in the morning. Thanks for the dog food, Rox.”
She nodded and Quaid turned, ready to get his brother out of here as soon as possible.
Would Jayna be asleep by the time he got back? What would he say to her in the morning? If she was even there in the morning. She might decide to turn tail and run. The woman was skittish around him when she wasn’t challenging him in court.
She was going to drive him crazy, but he couldn’t stand the thought of her not being there when he got back.
“I’m sorry, Quaid. I know you won’t believe me, but I didn’t go out looking for trouble tonight,” Paul said as they made their way outside.
At least the rain seemed to be over. “You never do.”
“I’m trying this time.” His brother jogged to keep up with him. “Look, I know I’ve caused trouble for you in the past, but you’re my brother. You’re the only brother I’ll ever have, and I want us to be okay with each other.”