Page 7 of Beautifully Broken Redemption

Cain barked out a laugh. “That’s where Anna and I are of the same mind. Suspect everyone. Maybe if I showed her your extensive background check, she’d let up a little.”

“It’s not a bad idea. I’ll sign off on you taking it public.”

“I’ll find a way to slip it onto her desk.”

“You’re a true friend.” I slid my phone out of my pocket and opened my notes app. “Now, let’s talk about phase two.”

My role at Halo was the dream job. A blend of business and tech, working for someone who I truly respected and who treated me as more of a partner than a second-in-command. Cain and I worked effortlessly together, brainstorming ways to take the company to the next level.

For the next hour, we talked through a new version of our home security line. How we would bring it to market and at what price point. It was important to both of us that a feeling of safety be affordable to all who might need it. Each new incarnation of our systems had varied levels and expenses to ensure it could be in everyone’s hands.

I’d even started a program where we gave out our personal alarms at no cost to people who might not be able to afford one or had been the victim of a crime. Pocket devices that let out an ear-splitting scream when you pulled the pin. We’d distributed thousands so far, including one to any resident of the shelter who wanted one.

Cain flipped his laptop closed and checked his watch. “I think that does it for today. I need to get home before Kenz decides to burn down the kitchen.”

“I thought she was getting better.”

He grimaced. “She is. Until she decides to try some fancy something or other. Sunday, there were literal flames coming out of the oven.”

I tried to stifle my laughter and failed. “Well, she’s got Funfetti cake down.”

The smile that came to Cain’s face was one that had me wanting to look away. One that spoke of contentment and peace and having everything you could ever want. “That she does.” He pushed to his feet and slipped his laptop into a messenger bag. “You heading out?”

There was no risk of anyone burning downmykitchen. No one waiting on dinner until I got home. “I think I’ll put in another hour or so. I want to go over our plan one more time. See if I’m overlooking anything.”

Cain clapped me on the shoulder as I stood. “Don’t work too hard. Oh, and Saturday, barbeque at the lake house. We’ll get started around noon.”

“I’ll be there. Need me to bring anything?”

“Nope. We’ve got it covered.”

“See you then.” I headed for my office just down the hall. The place was mostly empty, the vast majority of employees already having gone home to their families. The sound of my boots hitting the hardwood echoed through the halls.

I pushed open one of the double doors to my office. I would never get tired of the view that greeted me. Expanses of green forests that met up with craggy mountains capped with snow, even as we moved into summer. The views from my place in San Francisco hadn’t been anything to sneeze at, but this view spoke to me more.

When I arrived in Sutter Lake to interview for the V.P. position, I’d felt a sense of peace I hadn’t experienced since…a much simpler time. Before my childhood had been blown apart. I eased into the chair behind my desk, letting my gaze settle on the two photos. One of my mother and me. In the picture, she held my hands as she helped me to balance while I learned to walk. And one of my sister at her college graduation, her bright smile beaming at the camera.

My phone buzzed in my hand, and I glanced down at the screen.Julietteflashed on the display. I hit accept. “Think of the devil…”

“Careful who you’re calling devil, big brother.”

I grinned, leaning back in my chair. “If the shoe fits…”

“I’m an angel.”

I nearly choked on my cough. Juliette was the reason I had salt and pepper at my temples at the age of thirty-six. “Keep telling yourself that. How are you? How are classes?”

Juliette sighed, and I could picture her curling up in her favorite chair in her apartment off campus. “Killing me. Remind me why I thought it was a good idea to go to Stanford again?”

“Because you’re going to be the most kick-ass lawyer I’ve ever known.”

“I really hope so. But I’m starting to think I shouldn’t have taken a summer class. I need a break.”

I leaned forward in my chair. “Why don’t you come up here for a week? You said this one’s online, right?” I wanted to lay eyes on my baby sister. Make sure she wasn’t pushing herself too hard.

“So you can make sure I’m eating properly and taking my vitamins?”

“Maybe.”

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