Page 42 of Clear Blue Sky

“Are you kidding me,” Tiki said. “That’s lame.”

“I’m with my sister.” Tayla shook her head. “Gael and I made it work in the beginning.”

“So did Lake and I.” Tiki arched a brow. “You’ve even said you wouldn’t mind having a place up here and working remotely occasionally. And I would bet that has something to do with Nelson.”

Her cell buzzed. She lifted it and narrowed her gaze. “Nelson is on his way home with Lake.”

“Why?” Tiki leaned over. “Is something wrong?”

She reread the text.

Nelson:Don’t want to alarm you, but Marcus is in a boat not far from my dock. I’ll be home in fifteen. Lake is with me. Stacey Tanner is patrolling nearby, keeping an eye on things.

Her heart thumped like a jackhammer in her throat. Knowing a state trooper was close by did make her feel better, but why would Marcus be spying on Nelson’s house, when he was at work?

Either Marcus intended on breaking in or he was watching her, and that made her want to climb right out of her skin.

She clutched her cell to her chest.

“Foster is texting me, telling me he’s on his way,” Tonya said.

“I just heard from Gael.” Tayla scooted to the edge of her chair, waving her cell. “He mentioned he was under strict orders not to leave until Nelson or Reese arrived.”

Tonya masterfully held her baby in one arm and her cell in her free hand, tapping at the screen. “Foster was given similar instructions. When I asked for information, I got,Babe, I’m driving. See you soon.”

“Brandi? What’s going on?” Tiki asked. “And don’t lie to me.”

“I’m not sure, exactly.” That was the truth.

“I don’t believe you.” Tiki glared.

“Hang on.” She stood, taking five large steps toward the house. She pulled up Nelson’s contact information. It rang once.

“Hey. I’m ten minutes away. Are you okay?” Nelson asked.

“No. I’m freaking the fuck out and so are Tiki and her sisters. They want answers and I don’t know what to tell them.”

“I’m probably overreacting to the situation, but I thought it was better if their husbands picked them up. Your brother was at the restaurant with me when Reese told me what was going on. Reese hopped in a patrol car with Jared. They left at the same time I did, but they are driving like there’s no speed limit.”

“That still doesn’t give me any suggestions for how to handle Tiki and her sisters.”

“You can tell them that someone from my past has paid me a visit and I’m being paranoid,” he said a little too calmly. “I’ve filled Lake in on what I can.”

“Should they be concerned for their safety?”

“No. Marcus wants me, but that means he could come through you to do it.”

“That means he could come at my brother and his family, which means, yes, they all should be worried.” She turned and faced her friends.

Friends.

That was new territory, and one that she would protect.

10

Nelson hadn’t held too many babies in his life. It wasn’t that he didn’t like the cute little buggers, because he did. He simply hadn’t been exposed to them often.

“Are you sure you want her while she’s screaming?” Lake asked.

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