Page 50 of Fragile Sanctuary

Thea swallowed hard, her throat working with the action. “Hi.”

There was no warmth or welcome in her tone. Her voice might as well have been a stone wall.

Shep frowned in confusion. “I’m Rho’s brother.”

Thea nodded, turning back to her work without another word, completely ignoring him.

Awkward.

I had to fight a chuckle. Shep was so used to the women of Sparrow Falls clamoring for his attention. Or at the very least, being receptive to his golden retriever personality. Not the case this time.

“Thea’s our newest hire, and I’m thanking my lucky stars Dunc brought her on.”

Shep didn’t look away from her as I spoke. “That’s great. Where’d you move from?”

There was the slightest hitch in Thea’s movements at the question. “The Midwest,” she mumbled.

Shep’s frown only deepened. He opened his mouth to ask another question, but I grabbed his arm, distracting him.

“What are you here for?” I asked, trying to rescue Thea.

He finally looked my way. “Decided to fill in more of the backyard up on Hillhurst.”

“The back fence line?”

He nodded. “You were right, we need more shrubs and grasses.”

I laughed. “Hold on, let me get my phone. I want to record that you’re-right part.”

“Shut up,” Shep grumbled, giving me a little shove. “Duncan’s having everything pulled right now, but I thought I’d come say hi.”

I threw my arms around him and squeezed hard. “I’m glad you did.”

He ruffled my hair. “Have to make sure you’re not getting into too much trouble.”

I ducked out of his grasp. “Good luck with that.”

He chuckled. “I’d better go move the truck around. I’ll be at the Victorian later.”

“Sounds good.”

Shep glanced in Thea’s direction. “It was nice to meet you.”

She made a humming noise and gave him a brief nod but didn’t say a word.

Shep’s frown was back, and I had to bite the inside of my cheek to keep from laughing. Someone was throwing his whole world off-kilter.

15

ANSON

Soundsfrom outside the Victorian had me glancing out the window and scanning the makeshift parking area. It was just two of our guys shooting the shit on their break. Still no Shep.

“Dude.” A voice broke into my thoughts. “What’s your deal today?” Silas asked.

I sprayed the mix of chemicals on the framing that would help counteract the scent the smoke had left behind, even after all these years. “Just need to talk to Shep about something.”

Silas’s brows pulled together as he stopped his work. “Everything okay?”

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