Page 45 of Break My Fall

Meredith dropped her cheery storytelling persona as soon as they reached the firepit. “What do we do about it?”

Mo looked at Gray.

Gray heaved a frustrated sigh. “When did you last wear that scarf?”

Meredith didn’t have to think about it. “Monday. Aunt Minnie always comes to work in the front office on Mondays. We walked to the restaurant for lunch. I always walk with her. The only time we drive is if it’s raining. She needs her exercise, and a quarter-mile walk in the cold won’t hurt her. Or me.”

Meredith dropped her head and then threw it back to stare at the sky. “I took off my jacket and scarf and put them on the back of the chair when we went to order. I had Aunt Minnie with me, so you can imagine the scene. We talked to a bunch of people while we were in line.”

“It would take the merest brush to deposit a bug like that on your scarf.” Mo saw the same problem she did.

“Exactly. It could be anyone. And if it’s that easy? They could have done it while I was walking down the street.”

“Maybe, but I like the restaurant for this.” Gray considered his words but seemed comfortable with the assertion. “And you go there for lunch most Mondays. I don’t think it’s a stretch to assume that anyone who’s been paying attention to your routine would know they’d have a chance to get close to you.”

Meredith leaned forward, resting her hands on her knees, and took deep breaths like she’d just finished running a race.

“What is it?” Gray knelt beside her. “Meredith?”

“I took the phone call from Mrs. Frost in my living room. They would have heard me tell her I was coming.”

Gray couldn’t stop himself from taking Meredith’s hands in his. “Breathe.” She did as he said, and he squeezed her hands. “That’s it.” When she paused, he urged her again. “Breathe.” When she took several breaths without prompting, he stood up and used the motion to pull her back into a standing position. He didn’t release her until Mo stepped up to her and pulled her into his arms.

“They really are coming after me.” She spoke into Mo’s shoulder, but Gray heard the broken words.

“They can’t have you. You’re a Quinn, and Quinns don’t negotiate with terrorists. We don’t sit by when our neighbors are being abused and violated, and we don’t back down when things get tough.” Mo spoke to Meredith, but his eyes were on Gray.

Gray got the message. The Quinns would rally around Meredith. They would do whatever they had to do to protect her. And while her personal actions might have precipitated the attention of the criminal element in Neeson, the entire family would move heaven and earth to get to the bottom of it.

“I didn’t mean for this to happen.” Meredith shuddered, and Mo squeezed her tighter.

Even though it would have been the polite thing to do, Gray didn’t give them privacy. He didn’t look away. He didn’t try not to overhear. He didn’t think he could have made himself move even if he wanted to.

“I know.” Mo patted her back. “You didn’t do anything wrong.”

Meredith snorted.

“It might not have been wise, baby sister, but it wasn’t wrong. You acted in love. You took a chance because you couldn’t pretend the problem wasn’t real. You’re a force for good, and good will prevail.”

“It doesn’t always.” Her argument held an edge of defeat that Gray couldn’t bear to listen to.

“That doesn’t mean we don’t keep fighting.” Gray placed a hand on her back. “If more people refused to look away when they saw wrongdoing, the world would be a much better place.”

Meredith twisted in Mo’s arms and narrowed her eyes at Gray. “An hour ago, you were furious with me.”

“I’m still furious with you. But that doesn’t mean I don’t admire you, and it doesn’t mean that I’m not in awe of your courage.” He leaned closer. “And I agree with Mo. Good will prevail. There are other forces at work to change things in Neeson. You aren’t alone. And while it’s good that your family has your back, you have a lot of other people behind you too.”

“What are you talking about?” Mo asked.

“I’ve been worried about Neeson since I got here. And I have friends on task forces that deal with things like this. When I found Meredith’s fuel line cut on Wednesday, I made a few phone calls and got some balls rolling. Then when I heard about the other activities in Neeson tonight, I went outside and made a phone call to the person in charge of the overall investigation. She’s the best federal agent I’ve ever interacted with. She has a solve record that makes her a rising star at the FBI. She could be at their headquarters by now, but she doesn’t want to leave Raleigh.”

“Do I know her?” Mo asked.

“You might.” Gray considered his words and then added, “You definitely have mutual friends.”

Mo nodded in understanding and didn’t press for more information.

Gray patted Meredith’s back and stepped away from them. “Let’s go check your shop. I really don’t think we’ll find anything there, but let’s clear it from our possibilities. Then we can decide what to do about your scarf.”

---