Page 48 of Broken Halo

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Ellie’s face falls. “I explained over the phone. It wasn’t mine and I don’t know how it got here.”

Kipp exhales and shakes his head. “It’s all over the media. Hell, Twitter had a heyday with it. I had to have Jen put our media relations on it and issue some statements—”

“What?” Ellie demands and takes a step back from her parents. “I don’t work for you, and quite honestly, this is why.”

“You’re a Montgomery,” Kipp clips and I wonder how many times in her life she’s heard that. “You think what you do doesn’t blow back on the company? It does.”

“Kipp, hush your mouth,” Hattie chastises him and grabs Ellie’s hand.

Ellie jerks away from her mother and glares at Kipp. “Oh, I’m well aware my actions have had a very potent blowback on your precious company. If you think I let a moment go by without thinking about how my choices have affected others, you’re sorely mistaken. I’m pretty sure a bag of marijuana in my panty drawer pales in comparison to what my now-dead husband has done, don’t you think?”

That’s it. I take three steps and put myself between her and her parents. “I need to speak to Ellie about her case. You’re doing nothing but upsetting her more and she’s already had a bad week. Go back to the ranch and she’ll call you tomorrow.”

Kipp looks over my shoulder at his daughter. “Why the hell is he here instead of Scott Lehman?”

I answer, not giving Ellie the chance. “She’s a Montgomery, you said so yourself. She falls under my purview.”

Kipp crosses his arms and shakes his head. “Jen was so determined to bring you on.”

I tip my head and lift a shoulder. “She was. And should you ever get framed for anything due to your winning personality, I’ll represent you, as well. I’ll even be fucking chipper while doing it.”

Hattie’s eyes widen and she looks to her husband, anxious for his reaction. If Kipp could burn a hole through me with his scowl, he would.

Ellie, for the first time since I’ve laid eyes on her again, moves in to stand next to me. “You really should go home. Trig and I were in the middle of talking about my hearing. Eli is investigating the CPS employee and the officers who were here that day. It’s under control.” She shrugs. “Or as under control as it can be.”

“It’s a misdemeanor,” I add even though I want to pull her to me and protect her from her father because I’m pretty sure he’s more irritated that I’m here than about the planted weed. “I’ve got it under control.”

“I don’t like it,” Kipp states.

Ellie’s tone grows a pair and she gives me a hint of what I’m used to. “You also didn’t like it when he represented Jen and she was charged federally. Trig got the job done and Jen’s currently walking around free to shop for shoes. Sorry, Dad, but when it comes to Trig, I don’t trust you. It’s time for you to go.”

I catch Kipp’s eyes and I wonder if he has any clue that I know what he did all those years ago.

Hattie puts a hand on Ellie’s cheek. “Well, we did come straight from the airport and I’m as tuckered as a wet hen. I just had to see that you’re okay. Can I come by tomorrow to see Griff? I’m afraid he’s forgotten me.”

“It’s madder than a wet hen and he hasn’t forgotten you, Mom. I promise.”

“Whatever. Your daddy was the mad one and I had to travel with him. I’m just plain tired.” Hattie smiles, gives Ellie another hug and me a nod before proceeding to boss her husband. “Kipp, give your daughter a kiss and take me home.”

Kipp leans in to kiss Ellie on the forehead and I don’t budge. They say their goodbyes and I get one more glare from the man who tried to puppeteer my life so long ago.

Ellie walks them to the door and this time I hear the lock flip. When she returns, she’s rubbing her temples before she drags her hands through her messy hair. “Okay, you have two minutes to tell me why you’re here. After that, you’re gone.”

Oh, angel ... if you only knew.

13

Guilt, Anger, and Lust

Knowledge is power. It can both bless and harm. Use it wisely.

Ellie

Damn him.

Trig held me hostage in his office, asking me all kinds of questions—about Robert no less—and now he’s here.

My parents are back and I now realize how nice it was to have half the globe separating us. I need my dad riding my ass as bad as I need a strong case of food poisoning. And my mom … she’ll just use her finely-honed helicoptering skills to drive me to the crazy farm and leave me there to rot. At least Griffin will distract her.