Page 21

Oh right.

We all picked the same woman.

“So how can I help you?” I ask again, when she doesn’t answer.

“Oh, yes! Sorry. I’m a bit all over the place, this weather has been terrible.”

“It has,” I say wryly. My men have a lot less work in weather like this.

“My name is Margo Reyes. I own Sugar & Coal, the bakery downtown? I’ve purchased some flowers. Sunflowers. But I don’t know where to put them or how to make the outside…” She huffs out a breath. “Pretty. Could you help me with that?”

I go very still, shoulders stiffening.

“Wait. Go back. What did you say your name was?”

“Margo Reyes.”

My throat seems to have thinned to a pinhole.

“Yes, I could help you with that, and any other landscaping or outdoor repairs you need.”

The professional voice that comes out of me isn’t mine.

“When would you be able to come out for a quote?”

I glance out the window. It’s sunny now, raindrops drying on the window. Autumn rain, common enough in Garland Falls.

Off and on, too. It’ll be tricky.

“Weather permitting, today,” I hear myself saying.

Goddammit.

It’s not like I don’t have a million things to do today. Paperwork. Working on old man McVey’s crumbling mansion estate. There are even a couple of shrubs I need to plant for Cole at the house he owns on the edge of town.

I could delegate. Send Craig or Joe or Jack.

But I know damn well I’m going myself.

“Wonderful. I’ll be at the bakery until six.”

“See you soon.”

She hangs up and I just stand there with the silent phone at my ear.

I glance over at Gabe. He’s got a forearm thrown over his eyes, dead asleep.

Cole’s bedroom door is cracked open and I can see one of his legs hanging off the bed. He hadn’t even taken off his shoes.

I could get away clean.

I’m already calling Craig as I take the elevator down to the lobby.

Felice, the doorwoman, waves at me.

I throw up a hand and give her a small smile.

She beams back at me.