“Tired, bud?”
Billy had found his way onto Brad's lap and was yawning loudly.
“No.”
“Okay, so the yawn is just because you're bored?”
Billy snuffled then rested on Brad's chest. He ran a hand over the boy's head and wondered at the closeness he felt with him. Was this what it would be like when he had a niece and nephew? He wasn’t ready to settle down yet, but he could love Ethan’s and Hope’s kids, couldn’t he? And if he came back here, he would see Billy again, and that would be enough.
He wasn't ready to settle down. He'd told himself that repeatedly since he left his father's house. He needed to see the world, grow as a person, and he couldn't do that if he had people who relied on him.
He had to leave Howling, and soon.
“Good evening to you all.”
And that was all it needed to turn what should have been a great night into an even more shit one. Brad looked up at the two lawyers who appeared behind Jake McBride.
Manners forced everyone to murmur a greeting, but the lack of enthusiasm was obvious.
“Can I buy the next round of drinks for everyone?”
“No thanks,” everyone said in response to Mr. Alexander.
“We just want to talk, nothing more than that. Answer any questions you may all have. We got off on the wrong foot at the meeting, and the Falkirk Consortium want to make amends for that.”
Brad watched Jake McBride turn in his chair and look up at the man.
“And how do they plan to do that, other than leaving the Buchanan land untouched?”
“Compensation.” The sleazy Mr. Ryan stepped forward, and Brad felt his hackles rise.
“You wouldn't be attempting to bribe an officer of the law, now would you?”
The man didn't flinch at Cubby's words, instead his smile grew.
“Of course not. We just want to ensure the people of Lake Howling get a chance to reap the benefits from the increase in tourism the development on the Buchanan land will bring.”
“Yes,” Mr. Alexander said, taking over. “A few extra developments.”
“Not interested,” Buster said in a hard, flat voice.
“You can't speak on behalf of the entire town, Mr. Griffin.”
“You have done your homework.”
“Tell me, have any of the Lake Howling residents you spoke with tonight been receptive to your offers?” Annabelle asked.
Their silence was only brief but it was enough to confirm no one was buying what they were selling.
Brad had heard enough. He had an outlet for his anger, and while he wasn't a resident, he was pissed enough to step in.
“Now leave, and take Ms. Buchanan with you.”
Mr. Alexander, Brad had realized, had a great deal more sense than Mr. Ryan. The latter was a terrier. No way in hell was he about to back off.
“I don't believe this concerns you, Mr. Gelderman, as you are not a resident here in Lake Howling.”
Brad lifted the now slumbering form of Billy off his lap and onto his mother's, and then regained his feet.
