Page 18 of The Duke's Brother

The deputy Mayor came to talk with Tripp and their frowns and worry lines indicated not all was well with Grevena.

Jorge sat at her side, full of kind words and support. He had stepped back from any physical advances and had just offered verbal support and help whenever he saw the chance.

Tripp had refused to look at her once Jorge arrived and she could tell by his ready stance near the door he was waiting for a reason to leave, on to other projects.

She stood and approached him. “Where are we off to next?”

He widened his eyes. “I didn’t think you would want to continue.”

“Of course I do.” She cared about the village almost as much as her own bakery.

“But you have company…”

“They can be put to work too. I say we get everyone working.”

A hint of disappointment flickered for a moment and then a look of hopeful realization. “Great idea. We can start on this street. Supplies are coming, hammers, crow bars, wood. A dumpster will be dropped at the end of the street.”

She nodded. “Ok, let’s get them going, and then where do we need to go next?”

“Do you really want to come with me?” His eyes now held hope and a hint of something else.

“I would. If you’ll have me.”

The deputy mayor stepped back inside at that moment. Tripp whispered something to him and he nodded, relief filling his face. He cleared his throat. ”May I have your attention? I have just heard that you are willing to help us clean up, stabilize and protect these homes and shops, at least until we get a construction crew in here?”

Jorge stood. “We are. Put us to work.” He made his way over to Jenneca’s side. “Many of us have training to get back to. J. C. as well, but we have at least a couple days to do whatever you need.” He put his hand on Jenneca’s elbow and she felt so much gratitude for his willingness to help, and for the reminder that she had somewhere to be also. She glanced at her brother. He was watching her, his gaze flicked from Jorge to Tripp and back to her with an amused sparkle in his face. But he nodded and mouthed. “You should go.”

Did he mean she should go right now with Tripp, or did he mean go train for the ski team? She would have to ask him later.

The deputy mayor split them into groups and Tripp and Jenneca were put together. Jorge was placed in charge of a team to clear the street. He winked at her and she leaned in to give him a hug of gratitude. “Thank you.” She turned to the whole room. “Thank you all for coming. This means more to me than anything.” Her voice caught. “To think what you are giving up.”

Tripp stepped up beside her. “We thank you on behalf of Torren. When disaster strikes, people always rise to help, and we see so much good right here in this room.”

They split and began to work.

Tripp led her to the SUV. “We have someplace else to go.”

“We do?”

He nodded.

Her curiosity grew.

They drove to the far side of town, towards the villagers who had homes sitting up against the mountain that led up to the palace.

A mud slide had come down from the top and had covered much of the land behind the homes. Their school sat off to the right of these homes and a group was gathered, with shovels and wheelbarrows, digging through the mud that filled their playground.

A man greeted them, the principal, thanking Tripp profusely, even going so far as to bow. Tripp chuckled. “Not necessary. We care for Grevena like it is our own. Now, do you have a pair of shovels?”

The man widened his eyes and was about to shake his head, but Jenneca rested a hand on his arm. “Please, we’d love to help.”

He hesitated, still uncertain, and then nodded. “Thank you.”

They followed him and began digging into the mud and debris that had slid in great piles down into the school yard. It covered a small shed near the back of the property and all of the playground equipment. The group had started on the equipment, hoping, Jenneca assumed, to be ready for school as soon as possible.

Jenneca dug in with her shovel. They were lifting the mud into wheelbarrows and then hauling it to a mud pile at the back of the property. At first it seemed easy enough, the mud was loose, wet, and heavy, but not hard to scoop up. But after about thirty minutes, she felt like her arms would fall off with the searing pain that shot through her muscles with each lift of a new scoop.

Tripp wiped his forehead with a towel in his back pocket. “Let’s take a break.”

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