Page 142 of The Fixer

“Definitely, as long as you’ve got the time.”

Reece nodded. “Yep. I’ll be there.”

“Hey, thanks again. Not only for tonight, but for stepping in and helping me with Past Perfect.”

“Sure. It feels like I’m always helping Noah, so I like being able to even things out.” Reece grinned, but it didn’t reach his eyes.

Charlie rubbed the back of his neck. “So you’re available to help out for a while?”

“Eh, let’s play it by ear.”

Charlie met his brother’s gaze squarely. “I have a sneaking suspicion there’s something going on with you, and I won’t push, but if you ever need to grab a beer or just hang out, talk—”

Closing his eyes, Reece held up his hands as if he was channeling patience. “Yeah, yeah. I know. You guys are there for me.” His patronizing tone set Charlie’s teeth on edge.

Charlie propped his hands on his hips. “Why do you do that?”

Reece’s eyes flew open. “Do what?”

“You play the rescuer really well, but when someone offersyouhelp, you act like they’re inconveniencing the shit out of you. I don’t get it.”

“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to come across that way. Guess I’m just tired.”

“Me too. I’m going home. Just remember that offer is out there, whether you’re a dick about it or not.”

Reece chuckled. This time it was genuine. “Got it.”

Charlie dragged his tired ass home at dawn and crouched on the floor to greet his dogs. Sunny mashed her head against his shoulder in the same instant Luna gave his chin a dozen licks. That scruffy little thing was fast and sneaky.

He hugged them to him while they beat him with their wagging tails. “You girls are the best, and I love you both to death, but I’d like to add a third girl to our mix once I get this other mess figured out.” He sat back on his heels. “What do you say? I’m not ready to give up. If Joy Holiday needs fixing—and I would argue she doesn’t—I’m just the guy to do it.” He pushed a big inhale through his lungs. “But not today. Right now I need sleep.”

And if he was lucky, Joy would fill his dreams and erase the nightmare for a little while.

Charlie arrived at theHaven midmorning. Reece had already been there and was headed to the other job site. Charlie took his time surveying the place, making notes. How the hell was he going to get this project completed?

His phone chimed with a text, and his pulse sped up when he saw Joy’s name.

Joy:Hope everything’s going ok. Just wanted to let you know I’ll be out of pocket for a few days. Catch up with you then.

He stabbed at her number, but it went straight to voicemail. He tried again and got the same result.

“Goddamn it!” he yelled at the ceiling.

He called her office and got Estelle on the line. “I-I’m so sorry,” she stammered, “but Joy’s out for a while, and I don’t have a way to reach her.”

“Where did she go?” he demanded.

“I-I’m not sure. She didn’t give me many details.”

“Well, what detailsdidshe give you?” Yeah, he was being an ass, but he didn’t give a rat’s rear end.

“Um, well, none, really. I can leave her a message.”

“No, thanks. I’ve already left her plenty.” He hung up. An exasperated breath punched out of his lungs.

He ambled toward the front of the store. The windows were papered up, but the glass front door wasn’t, and he could make out two people hurrying down the sidewalk. They turned and marched up the walkway. He yanked open the door, surprised to see Noah’s server, Luanne, with her arm protectively wrapped around her son Cade’s narrow shoulders. Luanne was a head shorter than her gangly teenager, and it made for an odd sight. This was the boy Noah had encouraged him to hire, but his twiglike arms didn’t look as though they could carry a five-pound bag of sugar.

“Cade has something he’d like to tell you.”

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