Page 44 of Breaking Rules

Bridget hesitated, her fingers fidgeting with the napkin on her lap. “When I was an addict on the streets, I was forced to do something terrible,” she whispered, her voice trembling.

“Hey,” Kevin said softly, reaching out to cover her hand with his. “Whatever it is, it’s not your fault. You weren’t in control then.”

Bridget nodded, blinking back tears. “I know that, mostly. But now, I’m afraid that certain people who know what I did are coming for me.”

“Why would they?” Kevin asked, his brow furrowed.

“I have no idea,” Bridget admitted, shaking her head. “Maybe to silence me.”

Suddenly, a realization dawned on Kevin. “The guy at the diner. He has something to do with this, doesn’t he?”

“No, no,” Bridget said quickly. “He’s from my past and knows about it, but he’s helping me. He has contacts.”

Kevin’s mind raced, putting the pieces together. “You had him get you a gun for protection.”

Bridget nodded, her eyes downcast.

Whatever Bridget had done, it must have been serious. He didn’t need to know the exact details, and he didn’t want to press her. As he looked at her, he saw the pain and regret on her face. She wasn’t a bad person. She’d done what she had to do. She was a survivor, someone who had been through hell and come out the other side.

Kevin reached across the table and took her hand in his. “Listen to me. That’s not who you are anymore. You’ve changed. You’ve built a new life for yourself.”

Bridget sniffled, a single tear rolling down her cheek. “I know, but I’m scared. I’m afraid that my past will catch up to me, that I’ll lose everything I’ve worked so hard for.”

Kevin squeezed Bridget’s hand reassuringly. “Don’t worry. You’re not alone in this. If you see anyone or feel unsafe, call me right away. I’ll be there for you, no matter what.”

Bridget’s eyes widened, a glimmer of hope shining through the tears. “Really? You’d do that for me?”

“Of course,” Kevin said without hesitation. “I care about you, and I want to make sure you’re safe. I have your back, always.”

A small smile tugged at the corners of Bridget’s lips. “Thank you, Kevin. That means more to me than you know.”

Kevin returned her smile, his heart swelling with a newfound sense of protectiveness. “And don’t worry about your secret. It’s safe with me. I won’t tell a soul.”

Bridget let out a shaky breath, the tension visibly leaving her body. “I trust you, Kevin. I know you’ll keep my secret, and I’ll keep yours.”

In that moment, Kevin felt like they’d forged another bond, one that couldn’t easily be broken.

CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE

Jo arrived at Garvin’s house just in time for supper. Garvin greeted her at the door with a warm smile, his eyes crinkling at the corners.

“Come on in. It’s mighty cold out there.” He ushered her inside, taking the basket from her. “Something smells delicious.”

Jo grinned, shrugging off her coat. “Bridget made shepherd’s pie and pecan pie. She insisted I bring them over.”

Garvin’s face lit up. “Well, isn’t that just the sweetest thing. Would you join me?”

They settled at the kitchen table, the shepherd’s pie steaming as Garvin served generous portions onto the faded china plates. Jo couldn’t help but notice how his hands shook slightly, a reminder of his advancing age.

As they ate, Garvin regaled Jo with stories of his late wife’s cooking. “Essie made the best beef stew, you know. She’d simmer it all day, letting the flavors meld together just right.”

Jo listened attentively, savoring each bite of the hearty pie. She could almost picture Essie bustling around the kitchen, her apron dusted with flour.

Garvin set down his fork, his expression curious. “Say, how’s that stray cat you were talking about last time?”

Jo nodded, a smile tugging at her lips. “He’s been staying on the porch more often. I think he’s starting to feel at home.”

Garvin chuckled, his eyes twinkling. “Well, that’s just fine by me. In fact, why don’t you invite him inside? No sense in leaving the poor fella out in the cold all winter.”

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