Page 14 of Played

“If it’s so typical, why are you talking to me about it? Why not just let it go?”

Another shrug. I get the feeling that he uses shrugs as a way to say that he’s thinking about it. “Like I said, he made me feel responsible.”

“And you’re looking at me to get you off the hook?”

He looks at me so tenderly, so apologetically. “No, I'm not like that, Laney. I just want you to know that I love the bairn as much as everyone else in the family. I’d never see anything happen to her. At least not on purpose.”

“That’s very noble of you to say, Ethan. But I’d never think that of you or anyone in this family.”

“I’m glad. But I wanted you to know all the same.”

I touch his knee. “You should talk to Caleb. Get things out into the open. I think this is bothering you more than you care to admit.”

“Aye. Caleb’s got enough to worry about. He doesn’t want to talk about a high school crush. Like you said.”

“Once he gets back, you should. I think it’ll make you both feel better.”

He looks at Peg. “She going to be okay?”

“She’ll be fine. Your da says a private investigator will be hired, I’ll assume that’s to clean up the police work, and Caleb says we’ll put Slater and Young on the task when she starts school.”

“Aye. And you and Caleb are still carrying on with the wedding?”

I nod. “Aye. I think that’s best for Peg.”

He looks at me, head tilted. “And you?”

“What about me?”

“Are you getting married for Peg or for you, lass?”

I place my hand, palm down, on my belly. “For all of us, Ethan. I love your brother with all my heart, and nothing will make me happier.”

He smiles, pleased. “Glad to hear it. I never thought my fool brother would find a lass to hang on to. He’s always been a playboy.”

I just grin warmly.

“I should get back to work.”

“Okay, Ethan. Think about what I said.”

He kisses my cheek as he rises. “I will.”

And he does much more than just think about it, but I don’t find out for a while.

Chapter 5

Ethan

As much as I said that I’ve got work to do, I didn’t mean it in a business sense. I know where Caleb went, and as much as him and I are on the outs, I wanted to go. Pulling up to the police station, I see it’s a flurry of activity. Da’s with him, and I know that they came in da’s car, since I see it parked next to what I assume is Clyde’s cruiser. When I walk in, da sees me first. “Ethan. Peg okay?” He asks, concern on his face.

“Sleeping. Laney gave her a bath.”

He nods. “Caleb’s waiting to see Nathan Mackenzie.”

“How come you’re out here?” I ask, as we stand in a room, packed with officers, administrators, and people here to pay tickets and do other administrative things.

“Waiting for Clyde to give me a rundown on what these idiots are going to do next. I’ve already put a call in to Young. He’s on board. He’ll be back from Scotland in a couple of days.”

---