Her Hometown Redemption. Rachel Brimble

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СКАЧАТЬ why Templeton? The last I heard from her, via a damn note shoved under my door, she was getting out of Devil’s Paradise while she still could. This was the last place she wanted to be.”

      “People change their minds.”

      “Yes, but—” He stopped as realization hit him straight between the eyes, making the hairs at the back of his neck prickle with protectiveness. “This doesn’t have something to do with your leaving, does it? Is she here to finish whatever happened between you and your mum? The thing you told me you’d share with me one day but never did?”

      “Of course not, and don’t you dare bring that up with her, okay? It’s history.”

      “Does she see it that way, Sasha?”

      “Yes, she does. I’m not the reason she’s come home.”

      “Home? Is that your word for Templeton or hers?”

      “Hers.”

      He raised his eyebrows. Things must be worse than he’d imagined if Tanya now called Templeton her home. Frowning, he stared through the window once more. “Just give me something. I’m going a little crazy here.”

      “I can hear that.” Sasha’s exhalation rasped down the line. “Look, I thought you two were over. Tanya needs someone to trust while she finds her feet.”

      “Fine. I’ll look out for her, but there is no way I’m getting involved with her again.”

      “I understand. Look, Tanya will tell you what she wants you to know if, and when, she’s ready.”

      Liam turned his back to the window. “Has someone hurt her? Is she in trouble?”

      “Liam, please. It isn’t my place to tell you. Ask her. If she wants to tell you, she will. If not, then...”

      Frustration burned. His work provoked an urgency and determination to see justice done, but that was business. Tanya Todd was as personal as anything had ever been in his life. He had to shut his emotions down or she would strip him bare as she had before.

      He swiped his hand over his face. “She’s got to find her own way back to people trusting her. I can’t do that for her.”

      “Exactly, but she’s willing to try. Why don’t you do the same? Second chances, Liam. Isn’t that what you’re all about?”

      “Second chances? I gave Tanya plenty of ch—”

      The line went dead.

      Cursing, he turned to the window and froze. “Marian. No, no, no. Don’t you go in there. Don’t you...oh, damn it.”

      He tapped the phone against his bottom lip as Marian pushed open the door of Tanya’s office and walked inside just as easy as can be. Tension stiffened his shoulders. How could he abandon Tanya to the wolves? Templeton’s alpha female might go hunting dressed in a floral frock and sensible shoes, but Marian could shred her prey down to their bare soul if they weren’t surrounded by a pack of helpers.

      He marched behind his desk and picked up his briefcase, shoving in his case files and phone before snapping it closed. Marian could shoot to kill with a single look, or open her arms and rock a full-grown adult like a baby. He had no idea which way things would go for Tanya. He had to go over there.

      A soft knock sounded on his office door and he looked up. “Come in.”

      Suzie, his receptionist, stood on the threshold. “You do realize you’re due in court in less than twenty minutes? It’s going to take you at least that long to get across town.”

      Suzie never had the need to remind him of any appointment, much less a court hearing. He glanced toward the window and back to Suzie. “I need to...”

      She frowned. “You need to what?”

      He shook his head. “Nothing. Thanks, Suzie. I’m on my way.”

      She nodded, leaving the door open as she returned to her desk. Liam headed for the door. Focus on the job at hand. If he kept doing that, maybe, just maybe, he could manage a few hours’ work without worrying about Tanya and whether or not she’d make it out alive after Marian’s interrogation.

       CHAPTER FIVE

      TANYA SLOWLY PUT down the notice board she was about to hang on her office wall and faced Marian. “Marian Cohen, right? I had a feeling I’d see you today.”

      Marian smiled, her eyes glinting with good humor. “We haven’t even met before, which means Sasha must’ve warned you about me.” She grinned. “I do so like it when my reputation precedes me.”

      Tanya tilted her chin. The woman was absolutely right. Sasha hadn’t just warned Tanya about Marian Cohen, she’d trained her in how to get the town’s matriarch on her side. According to Sasha, agreement with Marian’s views and advice was always the way into Marian’s good books. However, if Tanya ever found agreement a stretch too far, she needed to show Marian she was an equal as far as debate and action were concerned.

      According to Sasha, Marian hid a heart of gold behind a ferocious protection for the younger generation. However, that protection came with a condition—they were expected to set their minds on something and then take steps to make their dreams and aspirations reality. If they did, Marian would be their stalwart supporter and advocate...if they didn’t, she’d kick butt.

      Sasha had made it clear to Tanya that to have Marian in her corner would mean a better chance of her survival in the Cove. Tanya forced a wide smile. “Tea?”

      Marian beamed. “That would be lovely.” She glanced around the office, and when her gaze fell on Tanya’s chair, Marian sauntered across the room and sat, placing her purse on the desk. She emitted an audible and very contented sigh.

      Turning, Tanya rolled her eyes and made for the kitchen. Sasha had warned that attempting to evade Marian’s questions was futile. She knew everyone and everything going on in Templeton. If anyone was foolish enough to try avoiding her, more often than not, Marian caught up with her target and then he or she would end up revealing far more than if they’d been on their guard and prepared.

      Tanya vowed not to fall into that trap. She might not have much, but she still had her wits about her when it came to this town and its people.

      Flicking on the electric kettle, Tanya took two mugs from the cupboard above her and set about making the tea. Her mind whirled with possible questions Marian might ask, and what she would say in return. Eight years ago, Marian had been a new and interesting resident to the Cove, most likely trying to find a foothold, as Tanya was now.

      However, if Marian thought her reputation had preceded her, there was no doubt in Tanya’s mind Marian knew of Tanya’s reputation as a cold and ambitious businesswoman, too. Regret swept through her again that she’d shown so little compassion when some of the residents had come into the bank for financial help. Why hadn’t she seen just what her often too-quick refusal of loans and investment advice had done to people?

      Putting the mugs, milk and sugar on a tray, she pulled on an air of confidence and reentered the office. Dwelling on the СКАЧАТЬ