Page 33 of Newton

"Have you given much thought to picking up where you left off on your schoolwork?" I ask the second she opens the bathroom door.

I want her to know that I've moved past what happened last night.

She shrugs. "I don't really see the point in it."

I know better than to push her. She was hurt and manipulated by two men who were supposed to love and protect her. If I know anything about human nature, it's that she's more likely to fight against anyone trying to control any part of her life right now.

"If you change your mind, Em has your computer at her house. We could easily set it up in here or in one of the other rooms."

She pulls in a deep breath, and I can tell she's both a little annoyed that I'm still talking and grateful that I'm not going to argue with her about it.

There are a million questions in my head as I lead the way out of the room, but she won't make any kind of progress if I start grilling her about Ohio, and how it makes her feel hearing that Nathan will soon be sent back there to face his crimes.

I could tell last night by the way she reacted to the news that she didn't think it’s the best idea, but Kincaid is right. He can't stop the police or the courts from doing anything.

"Can I wait in the living room?" she asks before we make it to the end of the hallway. "I mean, I don't expect you to keep catering to me, but it sounds like there are a lot of people in there."

"It's fine," I assure her. "Do you want to go back to the room until I make our plates?"

Brielle looks past me to see Gigi sitting on the couch, braiding one of her little girls' hair as the toddler watches cartoons.

"It's fine," she says, but I see the way she sucks in a deep, fortifying breath before walking in that direction.

I watch her sit down, wondering how she feels when Gigi begins talking to her, but she doesn't look back in my direction as if she needs to be rescued. I assume Gigi will keep the topic of conversation light, considering her daughter is there.

The kitchen is full of people, but it's not unusual. Most folks around here get up early and if they don't have anything going on, they tend to stick around and just sort of hang out.

Hemlock, of course, is in the corner by himself, but at least he doesn't fully isolate himself the way Brielle has.

"Kincaid wants to speak to you," Shadow says as he fills my coffee cup after pouring his own. "He's in the garage."

"Okay," I tell the club's vice president, beginning to set my cup down.

"After breakfast, Newton," Shadow says. "After that, I'll need your help with a trip into town."

I nod. It's the first time anything has been directly requested of me since I hurt my wrist.

I was told I could leave the sling off at my last doctor's appointment a few days ago, but I still haven't been given full clearance to return to work.

"Sounds good," I tell him before making a plate of pancakes, eggs, and bacon for Brielle.

"Peanut butter?" Oracle asks as he approaches. "That's a new one."

I shrug as I stack one pancake on top of the other before drowning them both in syrup.

Brielle mentioned the other day that the only thing that would make the pancakes better was a layer of peanut butter. I don't know why, but I think I'd do anything to keep her happy.

Knowing I have to talk to Kincaid, I don't bother to make myself a plate. I carry the plate out to Brielle. She's now sitting by herself, but at least she isn't curled up in the corner of the sofa.

"Thank you," she says when I offer her the plate.

"I have to go find Kincaid," I tell her. "He needs to talk with me."

She continues to hold the plate out in front of her rather than settling it on her lap.

"Then I have to go on a run into town with Shadow."

She nods, looking around me at the voices carrying out of the kitchen.

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