Page 42 of The Bitter Heir and the Beauty

“If that’s the case, why aren’t I looking at a BBQ deputy?”

“The area adjacent to your property and Shady Lane is clear. If residents want to leave, they’ll have to walk through your yard. I don’t advise that in this weather because of the way your property line comes up to those poles.”

I think about the layout and nod, understanding what he means.

“The power company probably won’t get out here until tomorrow, at least. You don’t happen to have a generator?”

I shake my head. “Not here or at the restaurant.” It’s on the to-do list too.

Footsteps thud on the two rickety steps that lead to my front door. I imagine it’s someone from the volunteer fire department.

Instead, Maddock fills the doorway, also dripping wet. “You’re okay?”

“Why wouldn’t I be?”

He shrugs sheepishly, maybe having forgotten that this isn’t my first Gulf storm.

Jesse says, “I was going to offer to escort you to the restaurant if you wanted to weather things out over there. But if that generator is still?—”

I interrupt, “Someone stole the copper off it.”

His lips pinch with apology. “That was thirteen years ago.”

“These things don’t repair themselves, Jesse.”

He pulls out a little notebook with a spiral on top and jots something down.

“If that’s a Bail Honey Out Note, I don’t want it.”

“Don’t be so stubborn,” Jesse says.

Maddock’s mouth lowers as if surprised by Jesse’s audacity.

“Deputy Lawson, also make a note that you’re the only person on the planet who can talk to me like that, and make sure to spread the word.”

Jesse chortles. “It’s because I’m practically your brother.”

“From another mother.”

“Have you been answering her letters?” he asks.

“How do you know she’s been writing to me?”

“I saw her last month.”

I huff. “If you know me so well, you should realize where not to stick your nose, Lawson.”

“Isn’t she adorable when she’s mad?” Jesse asks Maddock.

As if he was just tagged to enter the fighting ring, Maddock looks up from my bookshelves, apparently noting my history book collection. “I definitely agree.”

“Don’t you dare start—” They’ve got me wound up. “Now, scram. You’re both dripping water all over the place.”

Jesse edges to the door as if knowing he’s close to pushing me too far. “That’s going to be the least of your problems come morning.”

Maddock straightens to his full height. “You can come to the chateau with me.”

I shake my head. “I couldn’t impose.”

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