Page 191 of Cold Case, Warm Hearts

Shayna glanced at Becca. “I suppose you want to pray.”

At least it was getting easier. Sometimes courage worked like that. Start down a path and it got easier.

Becca exchanged a glance with Gram.

Gram cleared her throat. “You’ve all been after me to get my affairs in order, so I’ve decided to do just that. Becca here has graciously agreed to help me out. Max, I’d like her at one every day for a bit. Once I get organized, a few hours a week will likely suffice.”

Max gaped, and Becca suppressed a grin. “I need her myself, Gram,” he said finally. “Once I have my notes more fully in order, it would be easier.”

“I realize it may put you back a few weeks, but I’ll pay her salary for you so that won’t be an issue.”

Becca had never seen this inflexible side of her grandmother. From Gram’s tone, it was clear Max had no choice.

Max didn’t seem to take the hint. “It’s still an issue. I’d like to help, but Becca ismyemployee, not yours. I’ll pay her salary, and she’ll answer to me not you. I can spare her a few hours a week, but that’s all. If Becca is agreeable to work for you, she’ll need to do it after the hours I need her. She’s done at three. Shecould work until five for you.” He glanced at Becca as if daring her to contradict him.

“Those hours are too long,” Gram objected. “How about if we compromise, and Becca joins me from two to three? It will take a bit longer to get my office organized, but it can still be done.”

Max frowned then shrugged. “Okay, I guess I can live with that.”

“Let’s not fight this morning,” Tate said in a weary voice.

Tate’s face was pale, and Becca wondered if he had a hangover or if he’d just gotten up on the wrong side of the bed.

“That’s all settled,” Gram said. “I’d like to get started today.”

Becca smiled at Gram’s wink. “Okay by me. Thanks, Gram.”

“Then we’d better get to work.” Max shoveled one last bite of pancake into his mouth and stood.

“Max, really! Poor Becca hasn’t had a bite to eat yet,” Shayna chided.

She had taken to visiting with Becca every evening and they discussed the books they’d been reading. Becca warmed at Shayna’s defense of her and gave her a grateful smile.

Shayna smiled back. “Sit down and enjoy your breakfast. The world won’t end if your story takes two weeks longer than you’d hoped.”

Max didn’t answer Shayna but went toward the door. “Finish your breakfast, Becca. I’ll see you in my office when you’re done.”

“That man,” Shayna said when Max had left the room. “He is so driven.”

“He has good reason to be,” Gram said gently. “He’s feeling he can’t write anymore, and a comment like you just made makes him feel what he does is unimportant. You really should apologize, Shayna.”

“He knows I don’t feel that way,” Shayna said. “I’m one of his biggest fans.”

“I love his writing,” Becca said. “I’ve read everything he’s ever written. His characterization is phenomenal. I’d read his laundry list.”

Too late she realized she sounded like a groupie. She smiled feebly. “He really is remarkable. I’m glad for the opportunity to work with him.”

Gram’s smile was warm and approving. “You might try telling him that, Becca.”

Becca nodded and picked at her food. The bickering had dispelled any hunger she’d had. She finally pushed her plate away and got up. “I’d better get to work.”

“I’ll see you at two,” Gram called after her.

Becca nodded and went to Max’s office. The few bites of food she’d managed lay in her stomach in a hard knot.

Max was bent over his computer. He straightened up when she entered the room. “I want to know one thing,” he said.

“What’s that?” Becca went to her desk and pulled a book toward her.

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