Page 38 of Broken: Taylor

She recognized Eric, Ernest who was Eric’s older brother, and Ernest’s partner Henry. There were a couple of women; one of them was Mindy, the café owner. She was surprised to see Mindy out so soon after her brother’s death. Then again, it was good. Grieving took a lot out of a person and being out with people was healthy.

Allison waited for Ben to get a cooler out of the back of the Jeep and they walked up to the bonfire together. Other than the five people present, there wasn’t anyone else around that she could see.

After being introduced to the second woman, Felicia, who gave her a quizzical look, everyone settled into chairs. Ben had thoughtfully brought two lawn chairs.

“Need to grab some beer from inside.” Eric motioned Ben over to help and they went inside.

Ernest began laughing at something Felicia said and both looked to the others.

“What’s so funny?” Henry asked.

“Eric’s lame excuse for talking to Ben alone. The beer cooler is right here,” Felicia said looking first to the blue container and then to Allison. “Probably wants to grill him.”

For some reason, Allison took an immediate dislike to Felicia. It was as if the woman held some sort of secret that involved her and she was relishing in it.

Mindy smiled at Allison. “I’m glad you’re here. I was wondering if either you or Leah would be here since Luke was here earlier.”

“I didn’t know about it until just when I arrived. It’s our first date and he thought it would be relaxing to come hang out. Not so formal.

“What a great idea,” Ernest the social butterfly said, not hiding the fact he had been eavesdropping. “Ben is a great guy.”

Felicia studied her for a moment. “I thought you were dating Taylor Hamilton.”

Taken aback, all Allison could do was look to the others. Everyone looked to her with interest, even Mindy. “We umm...hung out after the murder for a couple days. That’s it. We’re just friends. Known each other since high school.”

At her statement, everyone except Felicia seemed convinced. Who was this woman anyway? “And how do you know everyone?” Allison asked.

“I worked with Taylor. Same precinct. We were partners. I have family here in town too.”

The woman got up and went to the cooler. Mindy gave Allison a questioning look and she shrugged in return.

Ben and Eric came back outside. They carried a tray and a platter piled with meat. Talking, they went to the grill and Felicia went inside.

“She’s pretty,” Mindy said. “I wonder why she’s here and Taylor isn’t? She is definitely staking her territory by the way she said “partners”, as if it meant more than just co-workers.”

“Yep, I got that,” Allison replied. “Loud and clear.”

While the food cooked, Henry set up a small card table where he put paper plates and eating utensils. He then went inside and returned with a salad.

“Food’s almost ready. Someone go help Taylor,” Eric called out. “He’s probably asleep in front of the television.”

Allison’s stomach sunk. Taylor was there? She and Mindy exchanged “WTF” looks.

“Probably need two people,” Ernest said, following Henry inside.

Moments later, the guys flanked Taylor. He walked on his own with a cane until getting to the top step.

He grumbled when the guys slipped arms under his and carried him down the steps. “Damn I could’ve done it. I swear this family gets the prize for overbearing assholes of the year.”

His upper torso swayed to the left and right with each step as he leaned heavily on his cane and walked to the table.

He wore some sort of brace that kept his left side steady. There was a thick belt around his waist and straps around his thigh all the way down his leg.

He’d not noticed her, too busy glaring at Henry and Earnest who seemed to enjoy ribbing him.

“Want a beer?” Felicia walked up beside him so he was forced to remain turned away from where Allison sat.

“Sure, I’d love that and two shots of whiskey. But can’t take anything with all the damn meds I’m on.”

When he turned and finally saw her, his eyes widened just for a second.

She couldn’t tell what he thought as he masked his reaction rather quickly.