Page 22 of Home for Justice
“Don’t start being a smart-ass,” Justice retorted good-naturedly, giving Sharon a pointed but playful look. “Of course, I know his name. After all, we’re neighbors. At least for as long as he decides to keep Charlie’s… I mean,hisproperty.”
The mechanics around her seemed satisfied with her carefully neutral response and returned to their tasks, but as Justice headed toward her office, she couldn’t stop the blush from creeping higher into her cheeks, betraying her heart’s secrets despite her best efforts.
Justice wasn’t sure why thoughts of Tyler Marconi sent warmth spiraling up her face. Taking off her jacket, she hung it carefully on the hook behind the door. Though she wasn’t one for vanity, a small mirror there reflected her flushed complexion. She paused, pressing her cool fingertips to her heated cheeks, her teeth capturing her lower lip thoughtfully.
Maybe it was the lingering memory of his strong frame pressed firmly against hers. Perhaps it was the way his arms encircled her, secure and comforting.Or perhaps it’s because the gentle, unexpected kiss he placed on the crown of my head nearly made my knees buckle.
She widened her eyes comically at her reflection, trying to shake off the distracting thoughts. Turning resolutely from the mirror, she approached her desk with purpose. Forcing Tyler from her mind, she flipped open her laptop and focused on the day’s agenda. Checking emails and appointments, she quickly mapped out tasks, sending assignments flashing onto the large monitor hanging prominently in the repair bay.
She and her father had invested significantly in modernizing the garage, a move that had drawn skepticism from traditionalists but had ultimately proven profitable. Justice had learned the basics of vehicle mechanics straight from trade school, immediately returning home to join her father’s business. After two years, she completed a business degree. She was glad that most of it was online, allowing her to continue working while in school. Five years later, recognizing her talent and commitment, Dad made her a partner. That achievement spurred her to return to school to study small aircraft mechanics, with the intention of becoming an inspector.
Her part-time role at the local airfield had gradually expanded, and she was beginning to hire additional personnel to support that growing aspect of their business. However, caution was imperative. A well-known local security company required aircraft maintenance specialists who could pass stringent background checks and sign NDAs, ensuring confidentiality about any activities they witnessed.
So far, only she and two seasoned mechanics from the airfield handled the company’s planes. She was especially cautious about this arrangement, ensuring it remained entirely under her supervision. This vigilance also ensured her troublesome Uncle Jordy couldn’t worm his way into the more delicate aspects of her business. Even now, the mere thought of him was enough to erase the warmth Tyler had ignited within her.
Throughout the morning, Justice immersed herself in the rhythm of the shop. She watched Willie diagnose a complicated transmission issue on an old pickup, approve a parts order Sharon recommended, and reassure Ruddy through his frustrations with a stubborn tractor engine.
Lunch was a hurried sandwich that Carla had delivered, eaten one-handed while she reviewed invoices. Afterward, shespent an hour in the garage when one of the mechanics had to leave for a doctor’s appointment. By late afternoon, Justice finalized the next day’s schedule and made certain all equipment was properly stored and accounted for. Her employees began drifting out, each calling goodbyes over their shoulders, leaving her in the quiet peace of the now-empty garage.
Justice found herself repeatedly distracted by thoughts of Tyler throughout the day, and with each moment that passed, a growing sense of dread settled uncomfortably in her chest. She truly didn’t want him to sell the property next door. Not just because selling to a developer would devastate the peaceful, rural charm of her and her father’s land, but because the thought of Tyler leaving twisted something deep inside her.
They might end up nothing more than friendly neighbors, casually greeting each other occasionally and sharing brief smiles, but Justice couldn’t deny that something about him was intriguing. Something genuine and quiet beneath his steady gaze and warm voice, a pull that made her long for more time to explore what might exist between them.
The idea that Tyler could disappear as quickly as he’d arrived left her feeling strangely hollow. She wanted him to stay, to give herself the chance to understand the connection she felt weaving between them. Even if it led nowhere, she needed the opportunity to find out before it was too late.
Lost in thoughts of Tyler, she was startled when the bell above the outer door jingled sharply, signaling someone’s entrance. She had stayed late, knowing she wanted to get ahead with work so she could be with her dad when he was discharged.
Standing, she walked toward the front reception. Her eyes narrowed immediately at the sight of her Uncle Jordy strutting in as if he owned the place.
She’d often marveled at old photos, astonished by how closely her father and his brother resembled each other intheir younger years. But now, the contrast between the two brothers couldn’t be starker. While her dad maintained a strong physique, built from years of honest labor, healthy eating, and disciplined exercise, Jordy had let himself deteriorate. His body was soft around the middle from too many greasy meals and too much booze, and his skin was rough and sallow from years of smoking. It baffled her how, between the two brothers, her healthy, vibrant father had been the one struck down by a heart attack.
Determined to keep him from invading her personal space, Justice stepped firmly into the doorway, blocking any further advance. “What do you want?” she snapped.
His eyes narrowed as he glared at her, irritation clear in his voice. “You get ruder every time I see you, Missy.”
“Only when I’m forced to deal with your nonsense,” she retorted sharply. “You were specifically told not to bother Dad, but apparently, you don’t respect him enough to leave him alone, even while he’s hospitalized.”
“I went to see him because I care!” he shot back indignantly, jabbing a thick finger toward his chest. “He’s my brother, and I wanted to check on him.”
“If that were true, you wouldn’t have hounded him for money while he’s recovering from a heart attack,” she fired back, her voice growing fierce. “Neither you nor your wife has any right to demand anything from him.”
“No right?” Jordy’s voice thundered, his chest puffing out as he loomed closer. “Now listen here?—”
“Get out.”
His mouth snapped shut, his jowls quivering from suppressed rage.
“Get. Out,” Justice repeated each word firm and clear, her anger radiating outward. Her heart pounded, adrenaline surging through her veins, but she kept her stance firm. “This is mybusiness, and you’re not welcome here.” She took a deliberate step closer, her smaller stature overshadowed by the intensity of her fury.
“This isn’t over,” he growled menacingly.
“It started, it ended, it’s over,” she responded coldly, her gaze as well as her voice unflinching. “Now leave.”
With a final scowl, Jordy turned abruptly and stormed out, slamming through the door with a force that rattled the frame. She listened until his car screeched out of the parking lot, only then allowing herself to exhale shakily, her shoulders sagging under the sudden release of tension.
Glancing at the clock, Justice quickly secured the office, checked the outer doors, and activated the security system. As she walked to her car, she drew deep breaths, attempting to calm her frazzled nerves and shift her mindset to something more comforting. She needed to be composed and reassuring when she reached the hospital to visit her father.
Once there, she walked out of the elevator and was greeted by the sight of her dad, wearing his Go Army sweatpants, walking the hall with a walker. His steps were sure and true, and the smile on his face told of his disposition.
