“I called by to check on the dog.” Brad was an excellent poker player, no one could read anything in his expression if he didn't want them to. “Macy took a call from her mom when I arrived, and her dad's worse, so she had to get over there. I offered to drop her and look after Billy.”
It all sounded totally plausible to Brad's mind, but these people weren't the accepting type. They were the questioning, invasive type.
“Oh that's horrible, poor Macy. I hope that man doesn't suffer too much longer,” Willow said, jabbing Buster in the ribs as she passed him to reach the cabinet. “Make coffee, Buster.”
“Stop nagging me, woman.”
The man followed his words up with a kiss on his lady's cheek, then thank God, he moved to the coffee machine and the questions were over. Brad knew this was merely a hiatus, but he'd take it.
Billy found a table and a coloring book and pencils, and Brad had just joined him when he heard the thud of boots on the floor.
Millicent Lawrence looked to be walking toward him. Dear God, she wasn't deviating. Getting out of his chair as she arrived, because he had a feeling manners meant a great deal to this woman, and his height surely gave him a slight advantage if he needed to look intimidating.
“Aunty Milly.”
Two words, and suddenly her face changed. Gone was the thin line of her mouth, and the “who can I stomp on next” look was replaced with a smile. Not exactly sweet, but a smile nonetheless.
“Hello, darling.”
She hugged the boy and kissed the top of his head, then pulled up a chair and sat. Brad straightened and threw Buster a look, who in turn raised his hands and retreated.
Bastard.
“Where's Macy?”
“Her father's worse.”
“Why do you have the boy?”
“I was handy when she took the call.”
“Why?”
“I was checking on the new pup.”
Brad felt a trickle of sweat roll down his back. He now knew what it was like to be under the spotlight.
“Just see you don't hurt either of those two.”
Brad couldn't answer that one, so he shook his head.
“I've found a bird that makes its home on Buchanan land. It's on the endangered species list. It's my belief we may be able to use this.”
“Good work,” Brad said, because he felt something was needed.
“What are your intentions toward Macy?”
“P-pardon?” The switch in conversation wrongfooted him.
“Not deaf, are you?” She roared the words at him.
“Not that I'm aware of, but you keep speaking in that tone, I could be.” Brad respected his elders, but only if they respected him right back. He didn't tolerate insults from anyone. He'd made that decision after leaving home.
He wasn't sure but thought Buster, who had returned to the counter, may have gulped.
“Don't be insolent.”
“No offence meant, Ms. Lawrence, but you don't need to glare at me, I'm not the enemy.” She may be a terrifying woman, but she wasn't anything to him, and now that he'd retrieved his backbone he wasn't about to let her intimidate him. He'd been raised by a man who would eat her up and spit her out.
