Page 25 of Breaking Rules

CHAPTER FOURTEEN

Jo and Bridget sat at the bar in Holy Spirits, the repurposed church-turned-drinking establishment. Stained glass windows cast a kaleidoscope of colors across the worn wooden floors, and the lofty ceiling created an airy atmosphere. The bar, with its amazing backdrop of colorful stained-glass windows, was lined with an eclectic mix of liquor bottles and beer taps.

Bridget sipped her soda water, the bubbles fizzing against her glass. Jo nursed a cold beer, the condensation dripping down the bottle.

“I messaged Sam to come by after work,” Jo said, setting her phone on the bar. “Last I heard, he was talking to Henley Jamison, trying to expedite a warrant.”

“It will be great to see him.” Bridget nodded, her eyes sparkling with excitement. “I applied for the pastry chef course. It starts next week!”

Jo grinned, reaching over to squeeze her sister’s hand. “That’s fantastic, Bridge! I’m so proud of you.”

Bridget beamed, her cheeks flushing with pride. “I can’t wait to get started. I’m finally getting my life together.”

“You’re going to be amazing,” Jo said, raising her glass in a toast. “To new beginnings.”

Bridget clinked her glass against Jo’s, the sound echoing through the bar. “To new beginnings.”

As they sipped their drinks, Jo leaned in toward Bridget. “I’m going to bring Garvin another pie tomorrow, and I was thinking maybe something else too.”

“Like what?”

“I was thinking maybe a home-cooked meal. All the guy eats is peanut butter.”

Bridget’s eyes lit up. “I’d be happy to whip something up. Maybe a hearty casserole or a comforting soup.”

“Sounds perfect. What kind of pie would be good?”

“Blueberry goes perfect with casseroles.” Bridget’s phone pinged, and she looked at it. “That’s Holden. He’s going to swing by. Says he has some information on the Webster case.”

Jo’s eyes grew distant as she reflected on the long journey that had brought her to White Rock. The search for their missing sister, Tammy, had consumed her for years. Now, with the killer caught and the FBI excavating the grounds where she had buried her victims, Jo felt a mix of emotions.

Bridget reached across the bar, her hand resting on Jo’s arm. “When they find Tammy...” Her voice trailed off, the unspoken words hanging heavy in the air.

Jo met her sister’s gaze, a grim understanding passing between them. “It’s going to be hard,” she said, her voice barely above a whisper. “Like ripping the wound open all over again.”

Bridget nodded, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. “But it will also bring closure. We’ll finally know what happened to her.”

Jo took a deep breath, steadying herself. “You’re right. It’s just... It’s been so long.”

“I know,” Bridget said, squeezing Jo’s arm. “But we’ll get through it together.” A moment of silence stretched between them before Bridget spoke again. “I was thinking... I’d like to do something special for Kevin. He really went above and beyond to help us with that case.”

Jo nodded, a smile tugging at the corners of her mouth. “He did. He saved the day.” She paused, studying her sister’s face. There was a softness in Bridget’s eyes when she spoke of Kevin, a hint of something more than gratitude. Jo decided not to press the issue, at least not now.

Jo’s brow furrowed as she turned to Bridget. “You know, as grateful as I am to Kevin, there are still some things that don’t quite add up.”

Bridget’s shoulders tensed. “What do you mean?”

“That thumb drive he had. Where did he get it? And don’t you think it’s weird that it led straight to the Webster property?”

Bridget’s eyes narrowed. “It is kind of weird, but I’m sure it’s not anything nefarious. Didn’t seem like it was from what I could tell.”

Jo decided to let the matter drop, at least for now. “You’re probably right. My cop’s mind thinks everything is suspicious.”

Bridget laughed. “You can say that again.”

Jo smiled, eager to change the subject. “So, about doing something special for Kevin... I have an idea.”

Bridget raised an eyebrow. “Oh?”

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