Taryn pulled a small notebook from her back pocket.Ripped out a page and wrote a number on it.‘That’s direct to me.If Finn’s out of range, or off chasing a lead, and you need backup, or just a chat—use it.’
Lydia took the slip of paper, as if it meant more than just digits, and laid it on the table.‘You’re only in town for a few more days, right?’
‘That’s what the paperwork says,’ Taryn replied.‘But let’s just say I don’t mind staying a little longer if the company’s decent.’
That earned a small, tired smile from Lydia.
Finn watched Taryn stepping into that space beside him like she belonged.Saying what he wouldn’t.Or couldn’t.Like she was his balance, like they were starting to find that place… And then the reminder that she was leaving.
‘You know where the spare key is,’ he said bluntly.‘You’re welcome, anytime.Brodie, too.The food fairy hasn’t made a drop in a while, so you might have to bring your own tucker.But I don’t want you sleeping in that house if it’s not safe.’
Lydia offered him a tight smile, as her hand wrapped tightly around the mug.‘Thanks, Finn.But that’s my home.I also know Red’s moods better than anyone, and I know he won’t hurt me.He’s just blowing off steam.’
Taryn said nothing, but Finn could feel her reading between the lines like he did:was Lydia truly safe with Red?
Lydia put her cup back on the table.‘I know why Red is upset.I just don’t know what he’s doing it for.’
Finn exchanged a glance with Taryn.The motive.
‘No talk of a holiday?Land?House?Anything out of the ordinary?’Taryn asked for the both of them.
Lydia shook her head.‘Not a word.And trust me, I’d notice.’
Finn frowned.‘Then what’s the play?’
Tooley had a mortgage and kids as a reason to drive that truck.
But Red?
‘If it’s not for the house,’ he said, ‘or a trip, or for some stud farm and herd out in the hills, then what the hell is he doing it for?’
‘What if it’s all of that?’said Taryn.‘And none of it.’
Lydia frowned.‘Excuse me?’
‘Men like Red… They’ve seen the shift in the industry, and in the way people talk to them.One day they’re the backbone of a town.Next, they’re being replaced with tablets, QR tags, or direct connection to clients via the internet.’
‘Progress,’ Finn grunted like it was an ugly word, that even had Lydia nodding.
‘I bet he started it for you,’ Taryn continued.‘Something good, like an early retirement plan.Maybe for that extra security over the mortgage.But now, Red’s probably in so deep, he can’t get out.’She then sat higher in her chair.‘And maybe the idea of you finding out, or if you were to look at him differently for doing this… That might be what’s eating him alive.’
Lydia’s mouth pressed into a line.She didn’t deny it.
‘Shame makes people do stupid things…’ Taryn said under her breath, but it was loud enough.
Lydia looked away, as if feeling that shame for her husband.‘No, he’s not like that.Red has always looked out for me, since I was eighteen.He fights for the people he loves.’
Finn didn’t interrupt her.But he watched the crack form.The protectiveness and loyalty Lydia carried for her husband was falling the way the first rain washes the caked-on dust from buildings and vehicles, to reveal the colours you forgot were underneath the dust.
She’d been holding on so tightly.But now?
Finn could see it—the truth was bleeding through now.
‘He just… gets overwhelmed sometimes,’ Lydia whispered.‘Red doesn’t like change.He struggles with the way the industry’s shifting.Feeling like he’s unheard.’
Taryn shifted slightly as if to speak—but this time, Finn was the one who pressed a knee gently against hers to hold her back.
He knew what she was thinking.
