There was a time when Patrick looked at me without frustration. A time when there was softness in his expression. But not anymore. Now disappointment reigned. That along with his own anger as he said, “You grew up with no influence at all from your mother. So how the hell did you end up just like her?”
Chapter Four
Patrick
What was I thinking?
The second she’d hit the door of Dino’s, I was after her. And to what end? She wasn’t my friend. Had been a royal bitch to me, if I were completely honest. Why did I care if she pissed away her family?
Because I’d seen a rare moment of vulnerability. Been behind that thick wall she had between her and the rest of the world. Maybe she wasn’t the easygoing, smiley type like her brothers and Mr. Dixon. But most of all, she hurt and didn’t know how to cope.
I didn’t want her to push the people who loved her past the point of no return. She needed them, although it appeared she didn’t seem to think so.
But what she’d done? Volunteering to work for Holt? That meant something. I just didn’t know what.
“Going after her only encourages her,” Andrew said as we strolled down the sidewalk.
“I used to think she was just lashing out. But she really goes below the belt,” Trish said as she threaded her arm through her husband’s while he pushed Ella in her stroller.
“Glutton for punishment.” I kicked at a smashed water bottle on the sidewalk, then thought better of it and picked it up, depositing it in a trash can.
“I’m trying not to take her shots personal, but it’s getting harder and harder.”
“What she did, with your mother, it was awful,” Trish said quietly. “That doesn’t mean we should just give up on her.”
“I don’t want to, but what the hell do we do?”
“I told her to show up at the garage and play nice,” I said.
“How’d that go over?” Andrew asked wryly.
“Worse than you imagine.”
“No two ways about it, this sucks. But what it’s doing to Dad? As if dealing with that witch wasn’t enough, now Marlow’s adding to the shit pile.”
“He’s not fragile,” Trish said.
Yet another woman who defended the men she cared about, even her father-in-law.
“Can you do me a favor?” She turned those kind eyes on me. Like I could say no to Trish. I owed her until kingdom come.
“Name it.”
“You know Cricket,” she started, glancing at Andrew before returning her gaze to me. “I—Could you check into her?”
“I’m a lawyer not a detective,” I said with a smile.
“But you have people who dig into things.”
“You giving away trade secrets?” I nudged Andrew and reached around him, tugging on Trish’s ponytail. “I’ll check into it. Am I looking for anything specific?”
“No.” Her mouth flattened. “I just think whatever trouble she’s been in may be following her.”
“What about that cop who comes by the food truck? Have you talked to him?” I asked.
“She sprinted the first time he showed up. And every time he’s at the window, she finds some way to hide.”
“The girl is skittish for sure.”
“She needs help. I recognize it,” Trish insisted.
“We’ll see what we can dig up. She still living at the shelter?”
“Yeah.”
“I’ll get my guy on it.”
“You’re the best.” She beamed at me.
“I thought I was,” Andrew protested.
“You’re the best dad. And the best husband.”
I loved these two, but I threw up a little in my mouth. Something strongly resembling jealousy roared inside me.
I checked my phone, tempted to toss it on the sidewalk. Whoever invented this instant access to everyone at all times should be ashamed. It used to be much easier to give the brush off.
It vibrated in my hand.
You won’t get away with it
The caller ID showed as unknown. Unease slithered through me, but the words could mean anything.
“That a text from Monica?” Andrew emphasized her name. “I thought you quit seeing her months ago.”
“You had a girlfriend?” Trish piped up.
“He went out with the same woman more than once. That constitutes a relationship for Patrick.”
I punched him in the arm, though I was relieved they’d solved the mystery text. “She called the office four times today. And I did quit seeing her months ago.” And now she’d resorted to texting me from an unknown number
“Because of Marlow?” Trish prodded.
“No,” I said quickly. “An alligator wouldn’t go out with her.” She flashed me an if you say so bub look. “Monica ran her course.”
“That’s horrible.”
“I know. Let’s meet up with her. See if you can stand an entire dinner with her.”
“Like she could stand one with you,” Andrew said.
“Marlow suggested the same thing earlier,” I returned dryly. “I had no idea I was so difficult to be around.”
“How’s the shift in focus?” Trish asked, attempting a smooth transition to another subject.
Guilt niggled in my chest. “Word hasn’t gotten around that I’m not defending just anyone now.”
“You weren’t before, either. Worst of the worst.”
I pointed at Andrew. “We can’t all stay on the safe side of the street in real estate law. You have one client you represent.”
“It was a joke, man. You didn’t used to take this so seriously.”
He’d dished out his fair share of jibes over the years, but things were different now. After what had happened with Trish, I began questioning my entire career.
“Now that I’m off the market, I’m getting more calls than ever. Just today, someone wanted me to defend a guy who allegedly killed his wife and mother-in-law.” I pushed a hand through my hair. “I can’t do it.”
Trish and Andrew exchanged a look.
“You had no idea you were defending—”
“I never wanted to take that case.”
She paused mid-stride. “I don’t blame you.”
“You should. I’m the one who got that sadistic bastard out on bond. He could’ve . . .” The end of that sentence choked off.
“I’m okay.”
“No thanks to me,” I shouted, instantly reeling it back. “I’m sorry. I just—”
“The women at Paths of Purpose appreciate all you’re doing. I appreciate it,
