Page 126 of Fortune's Control
“Told me what?” she asked.
“He doesn’t like chocolate. Shane can’t stand it.”
All my friends joined in with similar statements.
“Thanks for the assist,” I bit out, glaring at my former friend. “It’s bitter, and I prefer desserts that are fruit-based.”
“Fruit-based?” Lilah added a strange lilt to the word, like she struggled to comprehend my preference. “Why did you keep it a secret?”
“It never came up. You weren’t supposed to find out.” I would not reveal my plan of eternal suffering in front of an audience. “Should we go? That way, Aiden can rest. Also, I recall Dean volunteering to take over his business, including finishing up that retail shop and rebuilding the cars, until Aiden is ready. How long will that be, Aiden? Two weeks?”
He grinned, shoving a piece of gum in his mouth. “It might even be three.”
“Let’s make it four to give you plenty of time for recovery. Thanks for volunteering, Dean. Consider using your vacation time.”
“Well, that’s an idea,” Sam volunteered. “I’ll step in as well. It’ll be a chance for me to spend time with my sons.”
Jack added, “You can put me on the volunteer list, Dean. We can spend our afternoons together.”
Dean, the most standoffish of our circle, looked about to choke.
“Thanks for stepping up.” I clapped his shoulder. “We’ll return tomorrow to check on Aiden.”
We confirmed Jack’s ride home, said our goodbyes, and left, both of us ready to go home where we belonged.
44-Shane
“Hey, Shane.” Sophie paused before continuing. “Thank you for calling me.”
“You’re welcome. See you soon.”
Lilah’s call with Emma ended moments later.
“She’ll be here tomorrow,” we said, speaking over each other.
We stopped at a drive-thru for a quick dinner and ate on the back porch, letting the swing creak under our weight.
“Do you want to call your mother?” I asked, keeping my voice soft. Whatever Lilah decided, I planned to be there for any needed support.
“Tomorrow, not tonight. I’m not ready yet. She didn’t tell Wilson Skane about me when I assumed she did. Still, it’s not a conversation I’m ready for, not tonight. The rest of this day is for us.”
Sarah Jane’s efforts showed, and while I was gratified to learn our suspicions were proved wrong, it didn’t change her past behavior.
“Then it’s only us tonight.” I pulled her close while we listened to the tree frogs’ awful croaks. Not that long ago, I spent my evenings alone, save for the rare occasions my friends dragged me out. “You and me.”
“And Pirate.”
I chuckled. “No, can’t forget the cat.” Spying on Lilah through a window before following her remained the bestdecision of my life. “Are we ready to talk about today, or should it wait? It’s a lot to process.”
Lilah nuzzled against my shoulder. “They planned to kill me.”
“I know.”
“They took me to the cabin to get away from you. I think you intimidated Detective Davis, Shane.”
My lips twisted because a man who covered for a killer like he did was unworthy of that job title. “He deserved to be frightened. I won’t lose sleep over it.”
“If you hadn’t come when you did.” Lilah’s voice choked up, and she didn’t continue.
