Page 28 of Montana Rain

“Thank you.”

I looked at her. “Do you want me to come with you or stay here?”

“Stay here. I’ll be right back.”

She went up the stairs, and even from here, it was easy to see the slump of defeat in her shoulders.

“Been a while,” Charlie said to me. “Didn’t think I’d ever see you back in this town until yesterday.”

I grimaced. “I know. And I apologize for the way me and…” A pause. What the hell did I call him now? “My former partner acted. I hope while I’m here I can show everyone I’m not that person.”

His eyebrows rose in surprise. “It might take some time. We small-town folk have long memories. But we’ll give you a shot.”

“I appreciate that.”

Pulling out my phone, I dialed Daniel. It took a few rings, but he answered sleepily. “Phillips?”

“Rayne’s house was broken in to. She’s okay, but her house is trashed. We’ll be coming there soon. There’s new information about the situation.”

“You’re the one bringing her?”

The question in his tone was warranted. “I am. She called me, and I didn’t question it.”

Through the phone, I heard him getting up. “What’s the new information?”

“Better in person.”

“Got it. We’ll meet you at the security office.”

I hung up. Rayne came down the stairs a few minutes later, heading into her office. “You’re taking care of her?” Charlie asked.

I looked at him. “I’m doing my best.”

“Keep going,” he said with a chuckle.

“I will.” It wasn’t just a promise. More of a vow.

Rayne emerged from her office and set the small suitcase she carried down by her feet. “Okay.”

“Coat?”

She went to the closet and got her coat and pulled on boots. Following behind her, I grabbed a hat off a hook and pulled it down onto her head when she turned around.

“What are you doing?” She gave me a flicker of a smile.

“It’s cold out there. Need to keep you warm.”

She smiled again, but this time, there was no emotion behind her eyes.

“Let’s go.”

Charlie waved to the two of us. “We’ll get this straightened out, Rayne.”

“Thank you.”

I picked up her suitcase and closed the door behind us. “Does Charlie know what’s really going on?”

“No,” she said. “How do I say that the Chicago mafia broke in to my home and office? I’d rather Daniel tell him.”

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