Page 21 of Reunion at Mistletoe Lodge
“Tomorrow night,” Paige told him. “Why do you ask?”
“I was just wondering if you’d get him in touch with me,” Liam asked her. “Tell him I want a word with him about our brother.”
“Do you want me to tell him the truth aboutwhichbrother wants to talk to him,” Paigeasked.
“No, tell himLiamurgently needs to talk to him about the telescope funding,” Liam told her.
“He’ll tell you to talk to Professor Jackson,” Paige warned him.
“Then tell him I’ll pullallfunding if I don’t talk to Professor Stanton!” Liam gave her a tight smile. “That should motivate him.”
“I will try,” Paige promised.
Patrick walked over to them. “Courtney just called me,” he told Liam. “She’s been trying to contact you.”
“My phone’s been off,” Liam stated, pulling it out of his pocket and checking it. “Five missed calls from her.”
“She says it’s urgent, and it's about your brother,” Patrick told her.
Liam nodded and found Courtney’s number. “Can you get Herschel? Apparently, he’s waiting in the car for my sister. Get him something to eat.”
“Will do,” Patrick said, frowning. “I thought Herschel was on leave?”
“No, he’s been Paige’s bodyguard,” Liam informed him. Patrick nodded, turned, and left as Liam dialed Courtney.
She answered after the third ring. “Thank goodness. I’ve been calling and calling,” she hissed into the receiver.
“Sorry, I’ve been busy following Priscilla’s lead,” Liam told her. “Is everything alright?”
“No, it’s not!” Courtney’s voice was laced with irritation. “You could’ve told me that Barb was at Mistletoe Lodge.” Her voice dropped. “I think your brother made contact with her.”
Zac’s brows shot up, and his eyes met Paige’s. “How and when?”
“About two hours ago!” Courtney told him. “And I’m not sure of the how. All I saw was Barb walking out of the barn, and two minutes later, your brotherslipped out.”
“How’s his memory?” Liam asked.
“The same as far as I can tell,” Courtney told him. “He hasn’t said much since he got back. He had dinner and went to watch television, but he’s muttering something about asking Barb about bubbles.”
“Bubbles?” Liam shook his head. “What the heck?”
“I have no idea. He just keeps mumbling it,” Courtney said. “Do you want me to go have a word with Barb and find out what they spoke about?”
“NO!” Liam snapped. “Leave her alone. I’ll handle it.”
“Fine!” Courtney’s voice turned frosty. “I just thought…”
“Well, don’t!” Liam’s vice was loaded with impatience. “I’m theonlyone who deals with Barb. Is that clear?”
“Yes, crystal!” Courtney sounded angry.
“Oh, and you may as well know that Barb had a baby now,” Liam told Courtney, and she went quiet for a few moments.
“Is it a Shields?” she asked.
“What do you think?” His voice dipped dangerously low. “Of course it is.”
“I’m sorry, Liam,” Courtney said. All frostiness had gone and been replaced with compassion. “I know this isn’t easy for you.”
