Page 7 of An Unexpected Home

Carly turned back to face him, a little calmer now. “I need to talk to her first. She’s had a rough few months and this could put her over the edge.”

“I can’t let you talk to her alone,” he said, hating how the words sounded coming from his mouth.

“So now you don’t trust me?”

“Goddammit!” he swore. “None of this is easy for me and I am just trying to do the best damn job that I can. Don’t make me the bad guy here, Carls.”

She sighed and walked past him, opening the front door. “Come on then. Let’s go talk to Leah.”

Brandon knew that was Carly’s way of saying she was sorry. He followed her inside and they found Leah in the kitchen cooking something that smelled better than anything he’d eaten in months.

“Hey Leah,” Carly said. “You remember my cousin Brandon from last night.”

“Hey,” she said, turning and he finally got a good look at the face that had been front and center of his thoughts all day.

A face that was more beautiful in the light of day making him question how the hell he was going to do this.

“That smells great,” he said, indicating to whatever she was cooking.

“Thanks.”

“Anyway,” Carly said. “He has some questions for you and I want you to know that I’m going to be here the whole time.”

“What kind of questions?”

Before he could speak Carly took over. “It seems there was a break-in at one of the stores in town last night and it was near the time you drove through.”

“Okay,” she said slowly. “Why would you need to ask me questions?” She looked at him.

“I’m the chief of police,” he answered.

“You’re the chief of police?” she asked, concern in her voice.

“Yeah.”

She gave a little laugh and closed her eyes. “That is just my luck,” he heard her say under her breath.

“I’m sorry, what did you say?” he asked.

She shook her head. “So obviously Carly told you about my past and you're here because you what, think I broke in and stole some cash?”

He didn’t know which part of that sentence to focus on first: the part about her past or the part about stolen cash.

“Leah I didn’t tell him anything,” Carly said vehemently. “I told you I wouldn't and I haven’t broken that promise.”

“Someone needs to tell me what is going on so that I can do my job.”

Leah dropped her head into her hands. “I knew this was a bad idea.”

“Leah,” Carly said, moving in front of her, “this is not a bad idea. You needed change and to get out of New York. This is the best option and honestly, I’m grateful. I’m so excited to have you here.”

Leah looked up at Carly. “This is going to follow me everywhere I go.”

“Look at me?” Carly said. “You are not the bad guy here. You did nothing wrong and eventually everyone will realize that. Until then, you just have to stay strong.”

“When did you become all wise and shit?” She laughed.

“I’ve always been wise and shit,” Carly said back. “Now go sit down and talk to Brandon. I promise you,” she turned and glared at him, “that he will not be a jerk.”

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