“Excuse me!” He quickened his step. “This is private property. You’re not allowed back here.”
“Private property? This is a lodge,” Inspector Pellet said.
“And if you check the paperwork, you’ll see this condo and back patio defined as private property, exclusive from the lodge.” He flared his nostrils, moving to Brighton’s side but glowering at the other woman. “Ma’am. Anything you need??—”
“Is this her?”
No. No way he’d tell this woman a??—
“She’s a reporter.” Brighton’s words were leaden with implication, her hand bunching the shirt at the small of his back. “Rumor works for the Times Tribune.”
Son of a??—
“I’m right, aren’t I?” Rumor said breathlessly, nodding. “That’s her??—the prostitute you were with.”
God forgive him, he’d never punched a woman, but he really wanted to right now.
“The one you left office for? I mean, that wasn’t the story that ran, but it will now.”
“No,” he barked, shouldering into her. He’d dealt with journos like her too often in Baltimore. “There is no story here, and if you print anything about me or that scandal, I will make sure you can’t get a job anywhere again.”
“It’s too late.”
Stone faltered. “What??—”
“My story about you and this lodge will go to print??—”
Stone surged forward but was stopped by a powerful right arm. He glowered, ready to throw a punch when he saw Griffin.
“Ma’am.” The big guy powered up all six-four of himself and stepped between them. Kept moving in, forcing the journalist back. “I’d like to have a talk with you.”
“You can’t threaten me!”
“Hey.” Canyon was there. “C’mon. Let’s go.” He guided them away as Griffin made the woman head back toward the front of the lodge.
“Crap,” Stone hissed. “She went to press about the lodge.” He ran a hand through his hair and noticed his brother putting his phone to his ear.
“This is Midas,” Canyon said. “General, we need to swing some of your Potomac Two-Step savviness.” He nodded to Stone, letting him know this was taken care of.
Anger churning, Stone turned.
Looking defeated, Brighton had tears slipping down her cheeks. “I’m sorry. I didn’t … I’m sorry. I’m ruining your life all over again.”
“You’re not that powerful, Tizzy.” He pulled her into his arms and held her as they trudged back to the cabin. “Besides, Canyon might be my little brother, but he has big connections. Don’t worry. They’ll get it silenced.”
“We’re never going to get away from this, what I did. It’s always going to hang over our heads.”
By the time they reached the cabin, Willow was out front. Stone nodded to her, urging her to take Brighton inside. But first, he whispered against her ear, “It’s going to be okay. I swear.”
She went with his sister reluctantly.
On the porch, he sagged against the rail. Roughed a hand over his face. She was right??—it just seemed relentless, the trouble from that scandal. Just wouldn’t go away.
“You really like her.” Canyon jutted his jaw. “Followed you and saw you about to come go to blows??—with a woman! My big brother, the unflappable, even-keeled Metcalfe.”
“Not since Baltimore.” He scratched his jaw and heaved a sigh. “What can I say? She’s important to me. I think I love her.”
“Little slow on the uptake there, dude. I could’ve told you that yesterday.”
