Page 91 of Wicked Fortune

“But I guess he helped you,” I say aloud. “Matthew fucked up big-time with me, but he’s gone all in about the trafficking. He totally owned what Elias Trent did. Didn’t try to sweep it under the rug so that he could save the business.”

I sniffle. “That was really cool of him, you know? I mean, it worked out fine—in fact, the public seems to have really given him kudos. But man … it could have gone the other way. It could have destroyed him.”

My heart squeezes, and I have to press my lips together to hold back more tears. I know how deeply he put Hardline into the line of fire, but I never really understood just how much Hardline was at risk until right now, as I lay it all out for Jenny.

“I miss him already,” I whisper. “Dammit, Jenny. I don’t know what to do. He did this stupid, horrible thing, and I want to hate him for it, but—fuck.”

I slam a fist into the grass. “I want you here. I want to be able to talk to you.”

“You can talk to me.”

I almost scream. Then I realize the soft voice is coming from behind me, and it’s familiar.

I wipe my cheeks, then turn around, and before I know it, I’m on my feet and launching myself into Bree’s outstretched arms.

“How are you here?”

She shrugs. “You need me, I’m there. That’s our deal, right?”

“Okay, but how did you know?”

She taps her head then points to mine. I cross my arms and stare her down.

“You have got to be kidding me,” she says. “You’re the one who’s all with the karmic energy. Okay, fine,” she adds when I just keep staring. “Matthew called. He tracked your phone here, and thought it was better if I came than him.” She bites her lower lip, then adds, “He sounds in pretty bad shape.”

“Good.” I sit back on the grass. “Considering what he did, he ought to be.” Except the sting has gone out of my voice. And from the look on Bree’s face, she knows it, too.

She makes a face at the damn grass, then joins me on the ground. “If I have grass stains on my ass, you owe me a new pair of jeans.”

I laugh, and it feels good. “That seems fair. But if I have to buy you a pair of jeans, you have to get dinner.”

She extends her hand. “Deal.” I take it, we shake, and then we burst into laughter.

And, yeah, it feels really good.

She cocks her head. “You hear that?”

“What?”

“Jenny.”

I stay quiet, listening to the rustle in the trees. “She’s laughing with us,” I say.

Bree just snorts. “The hell she is. She’s laughing at us. She’s always thought we were nuts.”

“And she was right.” I reach for her hand. “I love you.”

“I know. Now tell me the rest of it.”

“He stole it,” I say. “Matthew’s The Cat.”

She draws in a deep breath. “I know. He told me.”

I gape at her. “What? When?”

“Just now. I think he figured I needed to know everything. And I really am sorry. But, sweetie, that was a long time ago.”

“Doesn’t feel like it.”