Page 32 of Craving Sin (Touch of Evil 13)

“Nonsense. I’m assuming Gus is downstairs, waiting to take you to the airport.” Arden turned and began to walk toward the doorway. “I’ve got things covered here. I think we all know that there is something else at play with Jacob. Otherwise, he wouldn’t be willing to continue today without the plea deal. Brook is more than capable of handling herself up there, but it’s important you be there for her when all is said and done.”

Graham had helped Brook plan for every contingency. Should something else take place that they had not anticipated, she would improvise, adapt, and overcome. He had full faith in her abilities.

Regardless, he needed to be near her tonight.

The chime of Graham’s phone alerted him to an incoming message. He reached into the interior pocket of his suit jacket to retrieve his phone. Gus was waiting for him downstairs.

“The hospital staff is probably giving you hourly updates, but I’ll make sure to do the same.”

“I truly appreciate your offer, Arden.” Graham stepped out of Brook’s office. Arden rounded his desk in the reception area, gently placing the empty coffee mug and Coco down on the hard surface. She immediately jumped off and sauntered across the marble tiles to rub up against the leg of Paul Render, one of Arden’s protective detail agents. “It’s my understanding that my mother will be released in around five days. I’ll be back before then. Please don’t take offense should my mother order you out. She can be…difficult.”

“I’ll finish up here and be at the hospital within the hour. I just need to upload the additional information to Bit. Coco seems to have a crush on Paul over there, so she’ll be just fine until visiting hours are over.”

Arden wasn’t listening to Graham’s advice in the least. The formidable Elizabeth Elliott wouldn’t tolerate anyone but her son witnessing her in such a fragile state. She could be quite candid, overly abrasive, and downright pretentious at times. With Arden’s tendency to take things to heart, his well-meaning intentions would likely have the opposite effect. Unfortunately, Graham didn’t have time to stay and change the man’s mind.

Graham kept his phone in hand, intending to place several calls once he was in the car. One in particular to his mother. Or in this case, the family friend who was currently sitting by his mother’s bedside. Afterward, he planned to get in touch with Bit, Sylvie, or Theo.

Jacob would never offer anything for free.

Brook was aware of that more than anyone, and Graham hated being so far away from her when the situation was reaching a critical level.

“General?”

Graham came to a stop, his other hand already wrapped around the silver handle. He turned back, raising his eyebrows in wordless inquiry.

“I realize it’s not my place to say, but you should know…she loves you.”

Graham was a guarded man.

Hell, maybe he was more like his mother than he cared to admit, because his first instinct was to instruct Arden to keep his opinions to himself. His relationship with Brook was private. Their pasts made it extremely difficult for either of them to move forward, yet they had managed to do just that.

Still, no one had the right to speak on their behalf.

“Brook touches the glass outside of your office as she walks by every morning,” Arden shared before Graham could verbalize his disapproval. “Briefly, when she thinks no one is looking. You’re good for her, General. I guess I just wanted you to know in case the situation in Alaska somehow doesn’t have the result we’re hoping for. She’ll need you by her side.”

Arden made it rather challenging for Graham to find fault for such interference after hearing the second half of his response. He had taken on a paternal role at the firm and clearly wanted what was best for Brook. The man shouldn’t be judged or criticized for extending such good will.

With a simple nod, Graham pushed open the glass door.

There was a moment when eliminating Jacob Walsh would have been as easy as making a single phone call. Technically, that opportunity was still there, but Graham had respected Brook’s wishes. She had spent her entire life seeking justice for her brother’s victims, and Graham would never deny her such victory.

He had walked through hell after the loss of his wife and daughter. Brook had been the one to serve him justice and deliver him peace.

Should Jacob dare to take Brook’s life, there would be no mercy.

No hesitation.

No phone call.

Graham would unleash his fury and tear the bastard apart with his own bare hands, driven by a rage that had already scorched his very soul.

16

Brooklyn Sloane

June 2025

Wednesday — 1:06 pm

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