Page 19 of Callahan

He answered quickly, “One in custody,” then steered the conversation back to me.

“What’d you do this afternoon?”

I shrugged as I tried to act nonchalant and knew I was failing miserably.

“Oh, just helped Lainey with a few things around the bakery.”

Brian moved his bottom jaw and proclaimed through clenched teeth, “Hmm.”

What the fuck did that mean?

“What? She needed help, and since there isn’t even a motel in this town, I didn’t have anywhere else to go, so I thought I’d make myself useful.”

He held his hands up in surrender.

“I didn’t say anything.”

“But you were thinking something.”

He brought his hands down.

“You’re right, I was.”

“Well, don’t. Shawn was my friend. I’d never cross that line.”

Brian narrowed his eyes, as if he wasn’t sure he believed me. I didn’t blame him. I wasn’t even sure ifIbelieved me.

“Since you didn’t have anywhere to go earlier, where are you planning on staying tonight?”

Well, shit.

“I’m not really sure yet. Why? You offering your couch?”

“I’ll do you one better. My guest room is available. Text me when you’re getting ready to leave Lainey’s, and I’ll send you the address.”

“Thanks, man. I appreciate it.”

“Of course. Any friend of Shawn’s is a friend of mine.”

I wasn’t sure if he was subtly trying to remind me about my duty to Shawn, or if my guilty conscience just interpreted it like that.

Either way—message received.

Chapter Ten

Lainey

While the last batch of turnovers baked, Kristy looked at me and said, “I’ve got this. Go get ready for your date.”

“Okay, first, it’s not a date, and second, shouldn’tIbe the one tellingyouto leave and go get ready foryourdate?”

“No, our reservation isn’t until eight-thirty. If I have too much time to get ready, I think I’ll freak myself out. You go.” She reached over and plucked a piece of dough from my bangs. “Take a shower, make yourself pretty: curl your hair, put on some makeup and perfume. When was the last time you got all-dolled up?”

“I dressed up for the grand opening.”

Kristy pursed her lips and tilted her head at me.

“Okay, let me rephrase. When was the last time you flashed a little cleavage?”

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