Page 9 of The Moment He Couldn’t Walk Away

“You need a hug or something?” The words were mocking, and she didn’t deserve them from him, but they came out just the same.

Red’s words came back to him then. Nina had been robbed, and her car broken into, and he was treating her like this. You’re an asshole, McAllister.

“Coffee’s here!” Nancy’s voice broke through the tension.

“Thanks!” Nina called back, but her eyes stayed locked on his.

“Look, Nina, I’m s⁠—”

She cut him off. “Like I said, I know you’re going through shit.” Her words were cold and hard. “But then so are lots of people, and they’re not behaving like shitheads.”

He felt shame then. This wasn’t him; he’d always been one of the good guys, but before he could speak, she continued.

“So I’m not drinking my coffee with you.” She turned and stalked back the way he’d come.

Finch stood where she’d left him.

He never intentionally insulted or hurt people. He’d grown up in a family where peace, love, and understanding were important. McAllisters were decent folk, and he’d carried that value system into service for his country, but despite it, he had just spent the past few minutes insulting a woman who was clearly already having a bad morning.

He turned and followed her back toward the veranda because he owed her an apology, and some part of him that had been asleep for months had apparently decided to wake up and deliver it.

Nancy was there when he rounded the corner. She had Nina pulled in against her side, one arm around her shoulders, and was murmuring something low that Finch couldn’t catch.

God, had he made her cry again? He didn’t approach.

“How’s she doing, honey?”

“Not good, Nancy,” Nina’s voice was quiet now. “She doesn’t know me anymore.”

Who were they discussing?

“I saw her last week, and it was the same.” Nancy’s voice was sad. “It’s hard on you, Nina, but you know I’m always here for you.”

“I do. And thanks.” Nina took a slow breath. “Mom always loved working here. Loved you and Hank.”

Her mother. Now he really felt bad.

“She’s my friend,” Nancy said.

“Nancy!”

“Coming Hank! You sit under the heater out here for a while and drink your coffee. Finch McAllister is about somewhere. He might join you.”

“Thanks, Nancy.”

“I have to go, but never forget Hank and I are always there for you, okay?”

“Okay.”

After another hug, Nancy went back inside, leaving two mugs of coffee on the table along with two wedges of cake.

Finch tried and failed to picture Nina’s mother. He had some vague memory of a woman who laughed the way Nina did, but it wasn’t clear.

For a moment the only the sounds came from inside Circle Left. Voices, a Christmas carol playing, and the clink of cutlery.

He watched as Nina pressed a hand to her mouth.

“Nina.”