Page 124 of Push

In the most painful way possible, Ididknow. “And so, what’s your plan for this…project of yours?”

His face brightened. “Once I’m done, the ball’s in your court. You decide how much you read and when. If you want me there to ask questions or if you want to be alone.” He lifted his shoulder. “I need a couple more days. There’s almost a year to get down on paper, but this way, you’ll finally have it. The truth. Every last grisly detail.”

Nodding, I said the only thing that rang true, “Thank you.”

I resumed my shuffle around the kitchen with Noah tucked against my chest. His breath turned snuffly as he fell asleep. Toby fussed at the stove. The few minutes of peace and returning to more solid ground were nice.

The doorbell rang.

Toby’s head turned. He kept stirring whatever he was cooking on the stove, but over his shoulder, he warned, “If that’s your brother…”

“It won’t be.” I was already heading for the hallway with my sleepy baby in my arms.

“You sure about that?” Toby’s lip curled. “He sure likes popping around.”

I grinned. “Yeah, but Liam refuses to ring the doorbell.”

I caught sight of the confusion furrowing Toby’s brows before I disappeared into the hallway and unlocked the front door.

My smile vanished. Instinctively, my arms tightened around Noah, and I stumbled back a step.

Sarah Sullivan was dressed in her designer finery, a mohair scarf wrapped around her shoulders and fastened with a diamond brooch as big as a golf ball. She lifted her chin, proud witch that she was, but didn’t try to tickle her grandson or bend down to kiss him hello like everyone else did. She barely spared him a second glance.

“I assume my son is here?” She eyed me with unmasked disdain.

I arched an eyebrow. Nothing had changed. Two could play her ridiculous game. “This is his house.”

“It is.Hishouse. Bought and paid for with harder work than the likes of a vengeful little social climberwould ever understand.” Sarah snorted a mocking laugh. “Although you’ve never cared much for the sacrifices of my family, have you? You couldn’t wait to banish my son to that flea-infested hellhole.”

“He banishedhimselfto an apartment,” I replied with an even voice. “He had some priorities to reconsider. I’m sure you of all people understand.” My dig at her own husband’s infidelity was thinly veiled.

Sneakers squeaked in the hallway behind me and then stopped. I glanced back. Toby stood there. His fists clenched by his sides. As he took a deep breath, he shook out his hands, calming himself. He needed to. He wasn’t just mad. He was furious.

Sarah smiled. “Tobias—”

“Get out of my house!” His demand came out almost as a roar.

I shuffled back and held Noah closer to my chest. I wasn’t scared, but I didn’t know how to react. Toby almost never raised his voice. He charged forward, pausing only to touch a hand on my shoulder, and gave me a nod as if to tell me to stay where I was. Another step, and he was out the door and garrisoned on the front veranda.

“I made myself pretty damn clear the last time we spoke, Mother dearest.” He pointed to the front gate. “You’re not welcome here. Leave.”

“Tobias, you need to understand—”

“Leave.”

Her hands flapped in a panic. “Please, listen to reason! The police cautioned Kayleigh today. Debbie Roberts is besideherself. Her husband is on the yacht club board, for goodness sake!”

“Oh no.” Sarcasm dripped in his tone. “Are you worried about what your preciousfriendsthink? Or is it because I ruined your cooking classes with Kayleigh?”

“Tobias! What’s wrong with you?”

“You’re standing here.”

Sarah’s voice turned shrill. “Because the police went to the Roberts’ house today! These issues should be handleddiscreetly—”

“There are a lot of things I did wrong when it comes to Kayleigh, but going to the cops is one I’m proud of. I don’t give a damn if her parents are on a hundred boards. She’s a rich princess and a shitty excuse for a dental assistant. I’mgladI fired her, and I’ll do whatever it takes to keep her away from my family!”

“Don’t be such an idiot for once in your life! Think about what you’re saying!”

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