Page 80 of Callahan

“Because that’s how they’ve treated me. Well, except Granny O’Brien. She has a thing about Protestants. Shawn said she has family in Ireland and the clash between the religions used to get violent. I think a cousin or something of hers ended up in the hospital.”

I felt a scowl form on my face.

“So? Like that has anything to do with you.”

“You know it, and I know it, and even Hugh and Teresa seem to know it. But Granny is set in her ways, and I’m the enemy.”

“Maybe she wrote the letter,” I mused with a laugh.

“Nah, not her style. She prefers the direct, confrontational approach.”

“Well, she’s got that down.”

“Indeed.” She continued, “And now, Shawn’s Marine friend is in townandgets assaulted after he slept at my apartment, and now he’s staying with me again? If that doesn’t scream juicy gossip, I don’t know what does. But just in case, now that I’m pumping, I have to go on birth control. So filling that prescription at the pharmacy is going to be fun.”

I didn’t know what to say, other than, “I’m sorry I’ve made you a topic of conversation again.”

She shrugged as she pulled the car into a parking spot next to the staircase behind the bakery’s building. “It’ll blow over soon enough. I just hope it doesn’t affect my business until it does.”

“Whatever you need me to do, I will.”

“I think once you’re in uniform and out talking to people, that will help.”

“I’ll call Dr. Williams first thing in the morning about getting an appointment so I can get cleared to start work.

I also needed to call in a favor from my big brother. There was no way I was leaving Lainey and Conor alone, but I really wanted my stuff. Hopefully he’d be able to take a few days off and drive my Bronco and boxes to South Carolina.

“Maybe I can get Dr. Williams to give me some condoms at my appointment.”

“Yeah, definitely don’t buy them in town. Order them online if you have to.”

“Good to know.”

Ah, life in a small town.

****

Lainey

It was nice having help getting in and out of the car. When I was by myself, my arms were usually loaded down with bags and a baby, or I had to make two or more trips up and down the wooden stairs.

I’m sure it was only to get harder as Conor got heavier.

“Thanks for your help,” I remarked as we walked through the apartment door.

“Of course. That’s why I’m here.”

“Well, technically it’s to keep us safe…”

“And to help you out.”

I couldn’t help feeling like a charity case, but I wasn’t too proud to accept the help anyway. Who knew how long Adam would be around; I’d take the assistance while I had it.

Along with the sex.

Becausethathad been outstanding.

I didn’t know when I’d be getting laid again once he moved out.

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