Page 56 of Shadows of You

I sighed. “She can’t afford it. You know it’s no big thing for me to cover it.” It wasn’t for any of us. The fact that our dad had sold his outdoor gear company had left my siblings and me with healthy trust funds. And I never knew what to do with mine.

He clapped me on the shoulder. “I’ll get the parts at cost and help you install.”

“Thanks.” I shifted on my feet. “Keep this between us until I can tell Aspen.”

Holt barked out a laugh. “You didn’t ask her if it was okay?”

I worked my jaw back and forth. “She didn’t seem all that open to the idea.”

“I’d better get started planning your funeral.”

I scowled at him. “It’ll be fine.”

He just grinned. “Whatever you say.”

“I gotta go meet Law,” I grumbled.

“Hope to see you alive later,” Holt called as I headed for my truck.

I ignored him.

Then he shouted again. “I love the pink glitter nails, by the way.”

My family were a bunch of assholes. Lovable assholes, but assholes all the same.

I climbed behind the wheel and headed down the gravel road. It only took me a few minutes to make it into town. Since it was early, I snagged a spot in front of the police station.

The young officer behind the desk looked up and swallowed hard as I walked in. “Morning, Mr. Hartley.”

I jerked my head in a nod and headed for the bullpen. Wren stood in the dispatch area, stretching her back and rubbing her pregnant belly. Concern washed over me.

“You okay?” I asked, voice low.

She turned with a smile on her face. “I’m good. Apart from the fact that this little girl feels the need to kick me in the kidneys every five minutes. I’m predicting a soccer player.”

A small smile curved my mouth. “An all-star, for sure.”

Wren laughed. “What are you doing here?”

“Got a meeting with Law. He in yet?”

She nodded. “In his office.” A concerned look passed over her face. “I’m worried about him. I don’t think he’s sleeping much. He needs help.”

I didn’t think so either. Between a rash of tough cases and raising three kids alone, he was up against more than his fair share of a load. “I’ll try to talk to him.”

Wren let out a huff. “Good luck with that. Every time I try, he brushes me off.”

I squeezed her shoulder. “You’re a good sister-in-law.”

Her eyes gentled. “Not yet, but soon.”

I chuckled. “Fair enough.”

Turning from dispatch, I maneuvered through the sea of desks and headed toward Lawson’s office. Nash looked up from his box of donuts. “What are you doing here?” he asked through a mouthful of pastry.

I grimaced. “Don’t speak with your damned mouth full.”

Nash rolled his eyes and swallowed. “Priorities.”

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