“Right.”
She narrowed her eyes in anticipation of his next statement.He wore a diplomatic expression that didn’t bode well.
“You know you can stay with us.”
She rose to her feet, annoyed.“No, I can’t.”
“Dad would love to see you and Emily.”
“Dad is an asshole.”
“When are you going to forgive him?”
“Never.”
Jackson lumbered to his feet and stood with her on the shore.They both stared out at the blue water.She picked up a flat stone and attempted to skip it.Jackson did the same, with more success.He didn’t usually mention their father in her company.He’d accepted the situation as it was, and refused to pick sides.
“What do you want me to do?”he asked.
“Talk to Paul Murphy.Convince him to give me a cabin.”
“Vanessa… be reasonable.”
“I am being reasonable,” she said.“There are two cabins.He doesn’t need both.He claims he does, because of paint fumes and dust or whatever, but I don’t believe it.He just doesn’t want to be inconvenienced.”
“You already asked him?”
“Yes.”
“And he said no.”
“That’s why I need you.”
“To do what?”
“Lean on him,” she said.“Flash your badge, act intimidating.Do whatever cops do to get results.”
Jackson’s brows rose.“You’re asking me to use my influence and authority as a peace officer for your personal gain?”
“Why be a cop if you can’t scare people?”
He gave a wry smile.“This situation is incredibly ironic.”
“How?”
“Because Dad would do it in a heartbeat.”
She crossed her arms over her chest, unable to deny this truth.Eric Nava would perform this task with relish.Jackson was capable of intimidating people, but preferred to use his charm.Or better yet, avoid conflict altogether.“Fine,” she said.“Don’t lean on him.Just tell him I’m not going anywhere until I speak to the owner.”
“What does that mean?You’re going to camp in his front yard?”
“Why not?No one will remove me.I’m a Nava.”
“You’re diabolical.”
“I need to borrow your tent.”
“You can borrow it for the campground.I’ll buy you a space.”
