Page 88 of Broken Halo

I have to reach since Quinn has at least four or five inches on me to give her a side-hug. “I’m not sure what I’d do without you. This is hard enough without all the other shit going on in my life. When you told me you had a tiny bit of experience with some payroll software, you were really playing down your skills. You’re the shit and I’m lucky to have you.”

Quinn’s eyes shine bright as she smiles. “It’s the best job I’ve ever had—it doesn’t even feel like a job. I’m just lucky you hired me.”

My phone vibrates and I pull it out to see it’s Trig.

I go to answer but Quinn interrupts. “Hey, are you going to be able to do the walk-through with the electrician? They need you to test the lighting and give you some directions on the sound systems for each studio. They’re waiting. Do you mind?”

I send him to voicemail. “Yep, let’s get it done.”

Heading back through the front door, we walk down the long hall to Studio A. I can’t help the chill that runs down my spine every time I enter this room.

It’s been months but some days it doesn’t feel like it. There are days it feels like just yesterday that Robert orchestrated the plot against my family and almost killed Jen and me. I don’t think I’ll ever be able to teach a class in this room. I’ll make the schedules to be sure of it.

The light is shining bright through the big windows. That and the mirrors make the room feel ten times its size. If I didn’t know blood was once spilled on the concrete below my newly installed floors, it would be perfect.

The electrician is waiting on us when my phone vibrates again.

“We passed inspection this morning,” the electrician informs me as I ignore the call. “All we need to do is go through the punch list and sign all your paperwork. You’ll be good to go.”

“Hey,” Quinn looks at her watch before returning her eyes to me. “I’m going to get his check and send an email. I’ll be right back.”

“Thanks,” I offer but when my phone rings a third time in even fewer minutes, I say to the electrician, “I’m sorry. Can you hang on for just one second?”

He looks irritated, but shrugs. “I guess.”

Wow. It’s not like I’m not ready for him to be done, too. I hit go on my phone and ask, “Is there a fire?”

“Angel, answer your phone when I call,” Trig bites.

“Ellie!” I hear my name being called and run back to the hallway to see Eli stalking toward me.

“What’s going on?” I ask them both, my heart picking up speed as I hear Trig’s tone that matches Eli’s expression.

“The police are on their way to your house,” Eli clips at the same time Trig growls in my ear, “Get to your house, angel. Now.”

Quinn walks out of the office and her face falls when she lays eyes on me. “What’s wrong?”

“Griffin?” I gasp.

He’s at home with Chloe and has been since first thing this morning because we’re commuting between Faye’s house and mine daily.

My stomach drops and I must not move fast enough because Eli closes the distance between us and puts a hand to my back to give me a push. “Let’s go. I’ll drive.”

Trig keeps on. “Go with Eli. I was on my way back from a meeting and turned around. I’m almost to your house.”

Shit.

I ignore Quinn and my electrician and almost collide with one of my painters on the way to the parking lot, running as fast as I can to get to my son.

* * *

Trig

I hand Griffin another one because, what the hell. He’s already got cookie mush all over my suit jacket, dress shirt, and tie. At this point, he can eat the whole box for all I care, as long as he doesn’t cry or shit his diaper before Ellie gets here.

“Don’t fucking move. I’ll take you down one-handed while holding a baby and enjoy doing it.”

My mother would have a fit if she heard me threatening a woman while cussing in front of a baby. But if Griffin repeats it I can easily blame it on Ellie with her mouth. He tries to shove his half-mauled cookie in my mouth as he laughs, probably waiting for me to whip out a hot french fry since that’s become our thing. He’s obviously a smart kid since he knows I’ll give him the good stuff and not broccoli, avocado, and everything else the color green his mom keeps shoving at him.

---