I couldn’t catch a thought. “The dynamite was planted right outside the back door, right? We have a clear view of that.”
Aiden’s nostrils flared. “The dynamite could’ve been right inside. The blast took out that entire section, so we don’t actually know, and the CCTV we just watched didn’t help.”
“Okay,” I said slowly. “This sucks.”
“I agree,” Aiden said, his voice low but certain. “We’ll find the answers, Anna.”
I wanted to believe him. I really did. But the air felt heavier now, filled with the sharp scent of burnt coffee and the constant patter of rain against the windows. Nothing added up, and dread sat cold in my stomach.
My phone buzzed against the table. I pulled it from my purse and checked the screen. “Oh, man.”
“What?” Aiden asked.
“It’s from Donna.” I swiped the screen open, my heart sinking further. “She says Jolene went to print early with tomorrow’s online edition of the Timber Gazette.”
Aiden groaned. “Just give me the headline.”
I stared at it, then said quietly, “Fiona O’Shea accused of food tampering. Felony charges to follow.”
The silence in the room deepened until the rain was the only sound.
I kept reading. “Damn it. Jolene mentions that I’m representing Nana and that Clark is dating Gloria’s niece. That my firm might have a conflict of interest.” How in the world had she discovered Clark’s girlfriend? I didn’t even know he was dating somebody until earlier today.
Aiden stared at me, his blue eyes darkening.
“What?” I asked, my stomach sinking.
“You might have a conflict, darlin’.”
No. Absolutely not. I wouldn’t trust Nana’s defense to anybody else but me. I sat back and crossed my arms.
I had to protect my grandmother.
Chapter 11
Morning had come too early, and now at work, I sat at my desk typing with a steaming latte next to me. The rain pattered outside, lightly tapping against the office windows. Even nature seemed restless, ready to shove winter out the door. The scent of lavender drifted around me from the assortment of candles and plug-ins Pauley had scattered throughout the office.
I still preferred the vanilla smell, but I didn’t complain. Pauley liked experimenting, and I encouraged his creativity whenever I could.
My phone dinged, cutting through the steady sound of the outside drizzle. “Hey, Oliver.”
“Hi. There’s a Brad Backleboff here to see you, Miss Albertini.”
I sat a little straighter in my chair. “All right. Bring him back, would you?”
“Absolutely, ma’am.” He clicked off.
I took a deep breath to keep from slamming the phone into the cradle. If he wanted to call me Miss Albertini, fine. But ma’am? That was a no-go. It made me feel ancient, and I wasn’t even close.
A moment later, Oliver appeared with Brad and lingered in the doorway. “Can I get either of you anything?”
“No, I’m good,” Brad said.
“Thank you, Oliver,” I added.
Oliver’s eyes twinkled as he closed the door behind him. I’d handle the ma’am situation later.
“Have a seat, Brad,” I offered.
