Page 11 of Whiskey Wednesdays

“Will you stay?” Connor asked again. “Even for a few months? I want people around her I can trust while I figure out what the hell I’m doing.”

“I’ll stay. Until you get settled.”

I put my hand on Dad’s arm and squeezed. “He’ll stay on one condition.” They both turned to me.

“What condition?” Connor asked cautiously.

“Noah doesn’t come around here anymore.”

“He’s my brother, Ms. Cruz.”

“He’s not someone you want around your five-year-old daughter.”

Connor went still. “Is there something else I need to know?”

“I doubt you’d believe me since you think I’m a criminal. Call your last assistant and ask her about your brother.”

“I will. You and I are not done talking.”

I disagreed but didn’t argue. I just wanted to get out of here.

Connor turned to Dad. “I’ll find you tomorrow.” Then he walked back inside.

Chapter 4

The following week, I stayed away from Connor’s estate and got ready for my clinical rotations. Dad came over for dinner and to check out my new apartment.

“The location is convenient, I guess,” he said diplomatically as he looked around.

I pushed his shoulder. “It’s cheap and centrally located. What more could I ask for?”

He scratched his cheek. “A kitchen that’s been updated in the last fifty years, a ceiling that doesn’t have water stains, and flooring that isn’t dingy gold linoleum?”

I shrugged. “I thought the linoleum was dark tan. It’s only for a few months anyway.”

We discussed the situation at Connor’s house while we ate dinner, and Dad gave me an update.

“It’s been a lot better without Noah there and with Connor taking an interest. I think Noah believed when he turned off the security system he wouldn’t get caught, but the backup footageshowed him nonchalantly taking Connor’s valuables out of the house.”

“How did the conversation with Damien and Harley go?” I asked.

“Harley advised Connor to press charges and call the police. I heard Connor also filed a no-contact order. That’s about all I know.”

I ground my teeth. “That bastard tried to set me up. And Connor believed him.”

“Connor didn’t say much. I couldn’t tell what he really believed.”

“Hmm.” I didn’t agree, so I didn’t say anything. But my conscience was pricking me. “Dad, I need to tell you something. You have to promise not to be mad.”

He looked at me cautiously. “What is it?”

I put my fork down. “I had another run-in with Noah in October while I was there visiting you. When I came back from hiking the Bump and Grind Trail, he cornered me by your car.”

Dad was quiet as I explained what had happened, but his lips pinched together.

“Isabella, why didn’t you tell me?” He only used my full name when he was angry or disappointed.

“Because I didn’t want to cause problems.” I sighed and admitted the full truth. “And I didn’t want to give Noah the satisfaction of knowing he scared me.”

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