“I want you to stay here, Brad. I want to get to know my brother-in-law, and I want you in my life, in our life. Please, just stay for a few days and see how things play out.”
She touched his cheek, her fingers warm on his skin.
“You two were pitted against each other, and both of you have suffered. But you’re good guys, Brad, and I know you will both be happier with each other in your lives.”
Brad looked over her shoulder to Ethan.
“She’s good.”
“The best.”
He exhaled loudly, and then leaned forward and kissed Annabelle’s cheek.
“All right. I’ll stay for a few days, but this emotional shit just makes me itch.”
“Of course it does, because you were raised without it.”
“And that’s a bad thing?”
She laughed, and then turned to take Ethan’s hand and lead him back to his seat, leaving Brad and Newman alone.
“Your brother is one of the best men I know, Brad. He would never jeopardize any part of this town or its inhabitants by allowing this development to go ahead. Since he came into my life, I’ve never doubted he’s there for me if I need it.”
“So you say.”
“So I know,” Newman said. “He saved the life of one of my friends, and I could name several other equally heroic gestures on his part, but you'll just have to take my word for that. So whatever this shit is between you, I’d suggest you take the time to fix it. If you have his blood, then chances are you’re a good man too. Get to know each other and heal this divide.”
“It’s too soon for this. I should have stayed away,” Brad said, disgusted that he'd reacted the way he had. He’d told himself to keep his thoughts to himself, and it pissed him off that he'd let them out. Brad had spent the last few years becoming a different person from the spoilt, out-of-control man he'd once been, and just the mention of his father had thrown him back there. That and the fact he was still carrying a trunk load of emotional baggage where his brother was concerned.
“From where I’m standing it’s perfect timing, because we may need your help to fight whatever your father is planning.”
“How do you figure that?”
“You worked alongside him from what Ethan’s told me. Maybe you can offer us some insights. Or are you involved in this consortium?”
“What? No!”
Outraged, Brad glared into the calm face of Paul Newman.
“Not nice to be accused of something you didn’t do, is it?”
“Well fuck.” Brad muttered the words under his breath. “You did that on purpose.”
“Of course I did. Now come and sit back down, Brad, and let’s talk.”
He found himself following the man when what he should have done was keep walking until he reached his bike, then get on it and leave town.
Sitting, he picked up his coffee and swallowed a large mouthful to steady himself. The Geldermans had disappeared, and as Newman didn't seem inclined to continue the conversation, Brad looked at the lake and let his mind wander.
What the hell was his father's game?
“I brought food.”
Brad made himself turn and face Ethan and Annabelle. The latter held a plate of sandwiches.
“I’m sorry, I had no right to come here and upset you the day after your wedding.”
“Why did you come here, Brad?”
