“We’re debt-free except for the house. We have a five-year plan to pay it off. If something happens to us, our life insurance should more than take care of it. We already have college accounts for the kids.”
I blink quickly. “The two of you are incredibly fiscally responsible.”
“It’s important to Nick and that makes it important to me. Growing up the way he did, money is a safety net for him.”
“Completely understandable.” I make another note. “Is there anyone else you’d like to put in, as a backup?”
“I can change it later, right?”
“Of course. As things happen in life and there are changes, we can update. There will always be a copy available at my office, and I’ll file a copy with the courts. Because of the job Nick does, they also request it be placed in their files as the police department. I’ll make sure all this is taken care of.”
She breathes a sigh of relief. “Thank you, Shelby. Can you please send me a bill?”
“A bill? This was a couple of friends meeting for coffee.”
“No, it wasn’t. I just couldn’t make an appointment. I know it seems dumb, but it almost felt as if I was tempting fate. Like if I made the appointment to finalize a will, Nick would be killed on his way home.”
“It’s not dumb. Trust me, I get it.”
She takes a sip of her coffee and eyes me over the cup. Lifting an eyebrow, she smirks before speaking. “Sullivan, huh? You’re deep, aren’t you, Shelby?”
“I am, so deep that I’m going to Mason’s cookout tomorrow afternoon.”
She throws her head back laughing. “Welcome to the family, girl.”
Chapter 27
Sullivan
“Are you sure there’s nothing I can bring?” Shelby asks me for the third time.
Reaching over, I grab hold of her hand, before bringing it up to my lips. “I’m positive. I asked Mason like you wanted me to, and he said to bring ourselves.”
“Just checking.”
“You’ve checked plenty of times, babe. There’s no reason for you to worry about this. You know all of these people.”
She rolls her eyes. “I do, but I know them in an LSERT capacity. Not in a friendly capacity.”
“Oh, I think you and the girls are very friendly. Especially if you ask Hector,” I laugh, avoiding her hand as she tries to smack me.
“You know what I mean.”
“No, I don’t. Everyone knows you, Shelby.”
“But they don’t me like this.”
“Like what, babe? You’ve got to spell this out for me, because I ain’t getting it.”
“As your girlfriend. We’re a couple now. Not just Shelby or Sullivan. Now we’re kind of Shelby and Sullivan. Shelivan if you will. We’ve made the jump,” she says like I should know.
“We made the jump weeks ago.”
“Not officially,” she argues.
“Whatever,” I laugh, reaching over as we come to a stop light. I rub her bottom lip with the pad of my thumb. “We’ve been official since Christmas when I first kissed these lips.”
“You think so?”
“I know so.”
She doesn’t say anything as we pull up to the Harrison’s house, even though I hear her intake of breath at the amount of cars, trucks, and SUVs lined along the curb. “You okay?”
“Yeah, it’s just more people than I thought there would be.”
“You see almost all these people at the LSERT meetings.”
“But not their families too,” she argues.
“They’re going to love you,” I encourage her. “You’ve done a lot for everyone here. You came and did the wills for anyone at the PD who wanted it. You work hard and you’re a genuine person. They’re going to adore you as much as I do.” I lean forward, tilting my head down to her. She meets me halfway, our lips connecting in a less-than-chaste kiss for where we are, but I indulge her. I’ll always indulge her. As I pull away, a horn honks behind us. Turning, I see Cutter and Ro. It’s Cutter at the wheel though, waving like a goofy fucking idiot. Lifting my middle finger, I wave back at him.
“Sully,” she giggles, burying her face in my chest.
“He and I have a love/hate relationship. Right now, I hate his ass.”
“Stop.” She gives me a look before turning around to get out of the car.
She and Ro greet each other. They’re both still slightly shy with one another. I hope later they become as close as I am with the two of them. “How’s it going?” I ask Cutter.
“It’s been pretty damn busy.” He stretches.
“I know, the warmer it gets, the worse it gets.”
“I’m surprised all of you were able to get the day off,” Shelby says as she comes around my Mustang to put her hand in mine.
“Calvert City is covering. We do the same for them a few times a year,” Cutter explains.
The four of us walk to the back of Mason and Karina’s house. We can hear the party already in full swing. There are kids in the pool, men manning the grill, and women putting out a spread of food. People wave to us as we come in, Caleb handing out beers.
“Welcome, welcome,” he greets. “You’ll find a shit ton of food, drinks, and kids.” He grins.
“Should we go see if they need help?” Shelby asks gripping my hand tightly.
“The only thing you should do,” - I put my arm around her shoulder, taking a drink of my beer – “is stay right here by my side.”
It’s amazing for me to see the group of people together like this. Even though my family is close, after what happened with Braylon, I started distancing myself. Whether I’ve wanted to admit it or not, I’ve missed this part of my life. Instead of making my family choose, I’ve pulled away.
I’ve got a plate balanced on my knee and a fork halfway to my mouth when Mason gets up in front of everyone.
“First of all I wanna thank everybody for coming by today. I know time off is special and you protect it. None of us get to spend enough time with our families. So I appreciate you giving me the afternoon. Because of your hard work, we’ve been given a grant by the state of Alabama. With the money we’ll be able to get from the auction, along with this, we’re going to do some big things. There will be a vote, though,” - he tries to shut down the clapping and hooting that’s coming from the group of us - “we’ll decide as a group what we’re going to get.”
My chest swells with pride. I’m doing something here I wasn’t in Paradise Lost. Something that makes a difference in the community.
A service that isn’t connected to a family.
I’ve chosen to give my time, my expertise to a group of people who appreciate me.
This right here? It’s the calling I’ve always wanted and never had. These are the friends and family I’ve chosen, and I’m damn glad I did.
Shelby
I jump when my phone rings. It’s not very often my office phone gets a call, so my heart pounds as I reach for it. “Shelby Bruce’s office.”
“Shelby, hey it’s Stella.”
“Why are you calling my office phone?”
Immediately I’m worried. For her to call this number, something has to be wrong.
Her voice is low and full of apology. “It was in Mrs. Haley’s information, to call you when she passed.”
“Oh no!”
“Yeah, about an hour and a half ago. You have her final wishes?”
Sighing heavily, I dig into my filing cabinet to find the information she gave me about how she wanted the last of her wishes to go. Grabbing the file, I throw it on the desk. “I do, is there anything I need to come down there and take care of?”
“Just let me know which funeral home she wants to use and I’ll call them for you.”
“Thank you.” I do my best to keep the tears out of my voice. I shouldn’t be this emotional about a client. It’s not good to get involved, but this woman touched a place inside my heart. “I’ll take care of everything else.”
“Okay, my thoughts a
re with you, Shelby.”
“Thanks, Stella.”
After I hang up the phone, I break down. Tears stream down my face, and I sob. For the love this woman had in her heart. For Montana, who doesn’t know how she was loved by others.
For myself.
The last client I lost was a child I’d not been able to save. Just like I hadn’t been able to save Mrs. Haley.
Fumbling with my cell phone, I dial a number that’s become my lifeline. Sniffling, I speak when he answers. The same words he’d said to me.
“Sully, I need you.”
“Shelby, what’s wrong?”
“Mrs. Haley.” I barely get the words out. “She died.”
“Oh, Counselor, I’ll be right there.”
After I hang up, I collapse into myself. I don’t expect him to be here quickly, but I hear the door open, along with Sullivan’s worried voice.
“Shelby, are you okay?”
“No,” I sob, getting up to throw my arms around him. “Can you just take me home?”
“Yeah, let me call in.” He moves his chin over my shoulder, grabbing his radio to alert dispatch.
I’m not even sure what he says, but I let him hold me. I let him do what I haven’t let anyone else do before. I trust him enough to make sure I break down safely. To let myself feel all the emotions and not worry about the ugly-cry. Not obsess over the wrecked voice, or the red eyes.
And Sullivan Baker? He doesn’t disappoint when he tucks me into bed that night.
He slides in right next to me, putting my head against his chest, and allowing me to hold him tightly.
“She died by herself,” I whisper to him. “She wouldn’t allow Frank to be a part of her life, so she decided to be alone. Can you imagine? Dying alone?”
“No.” He pushes my hair back from my forehead, stroking it tenderly.
I lean into the touch, wanting nothing more than to lose myself in the heat we normally have, but I can’t do it tonight. Tonight I need the soft side of not only Sully, but myself.
“I always used to worry about it,” I sniffle. “Ya know, since I moved here by myself. Like what if something happened to me? Who would know?”
“Well now you know you’re never going to have to worry about that ever again.”
Chapter 28
Shelby
It’s a quiet day and I’m slightly thinking about leaving early, especially after the day and night I had. Not even the joy of letting Montana know about her good fortune has been enough to soothe my soul about Mrs. Haley.
It’s a beautiful afternoon, and I’d love to go for a walk. Reaching over for my phone, I debate on who I can ask to go with me. Scrolling through, I stop at Rowan’s name. The two of us haven’t done much on our own, and if I can see myself being in Sullivan’s life, I need to be in hers too.
S: Are you busy this afternoon? I’m thinking of taking a walk.
R: Ohhh sounds good, what time? I get off at three. Want me to meet you at your office? I have workout clothes I can change into here.
S: Me too, I’ll see you then.
Putting my phone over to the side with a smile on my face, I’m excited to be spending some more time with her. She’s the most important person in Sullivan’s life, and I know if I want to be in his, I need to be in hers.
Sighing, I take a glance at the amount of paperwork in front of me. It’s going to be a long morning until I’m able to take the much-needed walk. Opening my desk drawer, I grab out my wallet. It’s the perfect day for an iced coffee.
There’s a line out the door for The Café. Glancing at my watch, I see it’s lunch time, and today is fried catfish as the special. I’m not a fish lover, but I’ve heard from literally everyone else in town how good it is.
I wave at Leigh as I pass by. “You don’t need my money today.”
She laughs. “If you want some coffee, it might be a wait. Eden’s isn’t as slammed.”
“I’m gonna go see her.”
When I walk into A Whole Latte Love, there’s a few patrons and Eden’s standing behind the counter. “I need an iced coffee, stat,” I beg as I walk up to the register.
She grins, her brown eyes twinkling. “That after lunch drag hitting you hard?”
“It’s more like I wanna play hooky.”
“Doesn’t it suck owning your own business? There’s no way you can call in because there’s no one else to do the job.”
“Oh my God, you hit the nail right on the head. Sometimes I don’t want to be responsible.”
“Unfortunately the bills have to be paid though.”
I sigh as she starts making my coffee. “Don’t I understand it? Maybe one day we’ll be rich enough to have our own staffs.”
“That’s the life.” She sighs along with me. “Here’s your coffee.”
“Thanks.” I grab a ten dollar bill out of my wallet, handing it to her.
“Your money is no good here, Shelby.” She tries to push it back to me.
“No, you forget that as a fellow small business owner, I know we aren’t ever going to have a staff if we keep giving our shit away for free.”
She rolls her eyes. “Okay, but at least let me give you your change.”
“I’ll allow that.” I hold out my hand, laughing as she makes a face. “If your mouth doesn’t say it, your face will,” I giggle.
“Unfortunately you’re right about that.”
Scooping up my change and coffee, I give her a wave. “See ya, I need to get back to work. Hopefully this will take me through my rut.”
“See ya,” she answers my wave with one of her own.
Exiting the coffee shop, I feel the sun on my face and I take a moment to tilt up into it. The winter was long and lonely, but the spring and summer months are definitely looking up. Maybe I can convince Sully to take me to Paradise Lost and show me around. Although I’m from the south, I’ve never been to the beach, and I’ve heard his hometown has one of the best in the world.
I’m so lost in my own thoughts I don’t notice the car outside my office, and I don’t pay attention to the man standing inside until we’re face-to-face with one another.
Frank Gentry.
“Can I help you?” Somehow I manage to keep the fear out of my voice.
His eyes stare me down. Blue fire and a hatred I’ve never seen before. In Houston I defended victims against some of the cruelest of criminals, yet I’ve never seen eyes as cold as this man’s.
“Yeah, you can tell me what the fuck you talked that old bitch into.”
My head whips back as if he’s reached out and slapped me. “Excuse me?”
“You know what I’m talking about. Her millions were going to be mine until you talked her into giving them to Montana.”
“I can’t discuss with you what your grandmother wanted for her final wishes. She’s deceased and it doesn’t negate attorney/client privilege. I have nothing to tell you, Frank. I’d appreciate it if you left.”
He turns from me, his back rigid. My eyes stray to his hands which are clenched in fists at his side. I have a seat on my desk, discreetly pulling my phone closer to my body. This situation doesn’t feel good to me and I want to make sure I have a way to call for help.
“Don’t tell me to leave.” He faces me quickly. “You’re going to listen to me.”
“No, I’m not. There’s nothing for us to discuss.”
“That’s where you’re wrong. We have a lot to discuss.” He advances toward me.
As quickly as I can, I try to dial 911, but the phone is ripped out of my hand before I can finish.
“No, no we don’t.”
“Yes we do.” He grabs hold of my shoulder. “I need that money!”
I fight against his grip. “It makes no difference what you need. Your grandmother signed a legally binding document. There’s nothing you’re going to be able to do to change it, Mr. Gentry.”
“Don’t placate me. Don’t sit there and sanctimoniously call me Mr. Gentry,” he says the words betwe
en clenched teeth.
“I’m asking you to think about what you’re doing here, and leaving. You’re already in enough trouble.”
“No thanks to you, you stupid bitch!”
“You think calling me a bitch makes me hate you?” I scream back at him.
“It gets under your skin,” he baits me.
“All it does is make you feel like a bigger man.” I jerk my arm free of his grip, folding it over my chest.
“I’ll show you what makes me feel like a bigger man.” He pushes me back against the wall, raising his arm over my head.
Instinctively I twist away from him.
“Shelby! I know I’m early!”
I’ve never been so glad to hear Rowan’s voice in my life. Frank drops my hand, releasing me from the wall.
I push as far away from him as I can. Rowan walks into my office, immediately stopping as she undoubtedly feels the tension in the room.
“Is everything okay here?”
“It’s fine.” He gives us both a smile as he exits the office.
“Is it?” she asks as she takes a look at me.
I’m shaking, running my hands through my hair. “It will be,” I sigh. “I’m ready for that walk.”
“Shelby, do you want me to call Sullivan?” she questions.
As much as I want her to, I can’t lean on him like this. Whenever things go wrong, I can’t call him and lay all my problems out to him. There are some things I need to take care of on my own.
“No, I got this. Let me go change.”
Going into the bathroom, I close and lock the door. Not because I don’t feel safe with Rowan, but because I need to that extra layer of security right now. That bastard coming into a place I’ve always felt comfortable in pisses me off. Slamming the lid down, I have a seat and let the tremors go through my body. Before I decide I’m not going to let him fuck up my day.
“I’m inviting him to help me pick out a wedding dress,” Ro says, slightly breathless as we stroll through downtown.
Sullivan (Laurel Springs Emergency Response Team Book 5) Page 15