Page 21 of Delicate Escape

Russ’s eyes narrowed. “Who else you talkin’ to?”

What was this, the gang warfare of construction?

“Clear Choice Plumbing and, um, Colson Construction.” I wasn’t sure why I stumbled over Shep’s company’s name or why I’d shared it at all. I guessed I was desperate for a backup.

The lines of strain deepened around Russ’s mouth. “Clear Choice does good work, but they’d only be able to help with the leak, not the restoration.”

I made a humming noise, not agreeing or disagreeing.

“And you should only use Colson if you want to get taken for a ride. They’ll upcharge you on every little thing. It’s a miracle they haven’t been taken to court for fraud. Plus, the owner’s a prick.”

I stiffened at that. Shep was a lot of things. Pushy. Interfering.Too charming for his own good. But the last thing I could see him doing was taking advantage of anyone. Rhodes had told me that he donated his and his crew’s time to the local Habitat for Humanity organization each month. Meaning he ate his crew’s salaries for those days just to help other people.

“I don’t happen to share your opinion on that, but I appreciate you letting me know your thoughts. I’ll be in touch if I think we’re a fit for the job. Thanks for the information.” I turned to Raina and waited until she met my eyes. “Hope to see you tomorrow.”

She nodded quickly but did it glancing at her husband as if for approval. “You have a good day.”

I dashed for the door before good ole Russ could stop me. And I kept right on going, getting on my bike and taking off back to Bloom. I made the trek in record time, a mixture of anxiety, anger, and annoyance fueling my muscles.

I was more certain than ever that Raina was in a bad situation. At best, her husband was an asshole. At worst? She was living a nightmare.

That thought turned my stomach as I swung off my bike.

Rhodes strode across the lot, carrying two massive, purple coneflower plants. “Where’d you go?”

A scowl rose to my lips without me even meaning to make the move. “Castle Rock Construction. You were right. The owner’s a jerk.”

Concern swept over Rhodes’ face. “Which douche canoe did you get, Bob or Russ?”

“Russ,” I grumbled.

“Let me guess. He hit on you while telling you he’d charge a million dollars to fix your problem.”

“I should’ve listened to you.”

Rhodes set the plants in the new display she was clearly in the middle of creating. “Normally, I would relish that sort of admission. But I’m sorry you had to deal with his assholery on an already crappy day.”

I sighed. “What’s his deal? I know Raina from the bakery…” Mywords trailed off as I saw something pass over Rhodes’ face. “What?” I pressed.

She shook her head. “I don’t know for sure. All Idoknow is that Trace has been out to their house a few times. Calls from neighbors about yelling.”

The sick feeling in my stomach intensified. Trace was Rhodes’ eldest brother, who also happened to be the sheriff of our county. “She ever report Russ for anything?” I asked.

Rhodes shook her head. “Not once. The only thing Trace has ever been able to get him on is drunk and disorderly.”

“I don’t have a good feeling,” I said quietly.

Rhodes reached out and squeezed my arm, her expression full of empathy. “Me either. But I also know you can’t make someone ask for help.”

God, did I know that. Nikki had gotten a bad feeling about my relationship with Brendan. She’d asked careful, gentle questions. And I’d lied like my life depended on it. It wasn’t until after he’d ruined me that I told her most of it. But even then, I hadn’t been able to tell her everything.

My vision went hazy, a mixture of the past and present colliding. “I wish there was something we could do.”

“You’re a good human, Thea.”

Rhodes came back into focus in front of me, and I shook my head. “I’m a mess.”

She grinned. “All the best people are.”

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