Page 78 of Building What's Meant to Be

To my surprise, Mae sits in a new rocking chair, nursing the baby. Taylor sets down a screwdriver next to a footstool he must’ve just assembled.

Hands on my hips, I announce, “I have something important to tell you.”

“Is it about Tinsley?” Mae asks, already sounding perturbed.

Bess says, “Yeah, where is she? You two have been inseparable.”

“And you’ve fallen in love.” Mae’s tone is flat then she adds, “I’m learning to accept it.”

“Good because she’s here to stay and so am I, no matter what you think about what I’m about to tell you.”

It’s as if everyone in the room holds their breath, even the guys who know what I’m about to say.

“Bess, Mae, there’s something about me you don’t know. Everyone, this is confidential and doesn’t leave HQ under threat of a town-wide pie ban when I become mayor.”

“You can’t become mayor. You were arrested.” Mae huffs.

“Officer Henley dropped the charges.”

“You stole a cat,” Bess adds.

“I rescued a cat and that’s what this is about.”

“That you’re a cat-kleptomaniac?” Christina asks.

The guys chuckle. My sisters do not.

“Listen, this is serious. I’m an FBI agent and have been on a case. I took the cat because she’s involved.”

This time the ladybosses laugh.

The guys and I remain silent, straight-faced.

“Wait, you’re not kidding,” Bess says.

“Why didn’t you tell us?” Mae asks.

I brace myself for her to throw something. “To protect you. There are bad people in the world. I might not come across as the thuggish brother who gets in your business, but I trust you both not to have knuckleheads in your life. There are enough in mine. My protection comes in a big picture kind of way.”

“But you didn’t trust us with the truth,” Mae says in a small voice.

“You might think that and I don’t blame you. I’m sorry if that makes you feel bad, but please trust me that I was working in your best interest.”

“And why tell us now? What changed?” Bess asks.

I don’t tell them that my life is at risk more so than it ever has been. The Kravens sent their thugs to Aggie’s bookstore, whether looking for Stoll or me, I have no idea. Surely the brothers won’t be far behind unless I crack this thing wide open before they have a chance to come after me.

“Because I need your help,” I say.

Mae straightens in her chair as best she can. “Oh. How so?”

I tell them about the case, leading up to learning about Stoll’s true identity or lack thereof.

“One question, does Tinsley know?”

“No!” I say.

A smile peeks across Mae’s lips like she finally feels like justice has been served. “Where is she?”

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