Page 18 of The Redemption of Remy St. Claire

“They’ve made it as high as three levels before it topples over. I have faith they’ll make it to four by the end of the night.”

“Hello, Calleigh.”

Calleigh glanced up. She nodded in acknowledgement and returned to her blocks, her face scrunched in concentration.

Remy’s stomach fell. Although her sister had met her gaze, the toddler hadn’t launched herself as she used to do after a separation then reunion with their mother. As she had last night.

Should she initiate physical contact or simply let Calleigh take the lead? She felt at sea, yet again. Without a word, she followed Rusty into the kitchen, the smell of tomato sauce assailing her.

“Homemade pizza on whole wheat crust.” He cut her a piece and placed it in front of her. “Milk, water, or juice?”

“Wine, if you have it.”

“I apologize.” He held her gaze. “I don’t keep any alcohol in the house.”

There was a message there, but she was too tired to discern it. “I’m driving, so not a good idea anyway.”

“Bad day at work?”

“Busy day at work.” She took a bite of the pizza. “This is delicious.”

His grin lit the room. “You sound surprised. I’ll have you know I’m a good cook.”

“I’m a barely proficient cook.” Actually, that was being generous, but she didn’t want to come across as completely incompetent. “I’m so busy, I do takeout.”

“Well it’s a good thing you’ve hired me.” Rusty winked. Actually winked. “I’ll keep you well-fed.”

And just like that, the food turned to lead in her stomach. She shifted in her chair.Now or never.“You know Zachary Finnegan, I understand.”

Rusty stilled.

She almost missed the look that crossed his face. Another micro-expression—something she was well-familiar with. They were more telling than all the pretty tales someone could spin. And his emotion?

Guilt.

“He’s the Crown Prosecutor for Mission City. I hear he’s good at his job.”

“Don’t be obtuse. I know you’ve had more recent dealings with him. I want to know why he told me I needed to talk to you. Why he was as cagey as you’re being.” She didn’t have time for bullshit.

He glanced over to where the girls still worked on their blocks. “This has to do with my wife.” He took a deep breath, his brow furrowing. “She had a momentary lapse in judgement that put her into conflict with the law. Zach was the prosecutor.”

“Definemomentary lapse in judgement.” She disliked vague statements of equivocation.

Suddenly he dropped into the chair next to her and took another deep, steadying breath. “It’s not relevant, Remy, you have to believe me. We’re estranged. I’m planning to get a divorce.” He scrubbed his hands across his face. “I don’t want my personal business being known by others.”

“I’m not just someother.”Is he dense?Surely he could see why this was relevant. “I’m your employer, and I will be entrusting you with my sister. I don’t want dangerous or irresponsible people around Calleigh.”

Brown eyes flashed. “I called her my estranged wife for a reason. It may have only been a couple of months ago, but I’ve already initiated a divorce. Sissy hasn’t seen Mira since the whole run-in with the law. I didn’t mention her because she’s not an issue.”

Remy relented a little. Maybe even relaxed a bit, despite the obvious tension. “Can you tell me what happened?” Soft, coaxing, and gentle.Bring him to you.

“It’s a long story.”

This time she glanced over at the girls. Sure enough, they were on their fourth row of blocks. “They get along well. Do they seem a little subdued to you?”

His eyes lit with pleasure. “You should’ve seen them with Bianca the yellow lab earlier today. They got plenty of fresh air and had a good nap.”

“Sounds like they had a good day.”

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