Page 71 of My Cruel Salvation

Tamra met Devlin’s eyes, and he nodded, confirming the truth.

“I see,” Tamra said. “Thank you for telling me. Let me think about how we can proceed without having to share your secret with the world.” She took a step toward Brandy, then met the younger woman’s eyes. “Are you okay now? Would you like me to find someone professional for you to talk to about this?”

“I don’t know.” Brandy’s gaze darted to Ellie. “I’ll think about it. Mostly, I just appreciate you asking. You can keep Devlin from getting dragged through the mud? Really?”

“I’ll do my very best. In fact, I think we should—”

The vibration of his phone caught Devlin’s attention, and he tuned out the conversation between the women so that he could check his phone, just in case it was Arnold calling to talk about the lawsuit.

It wasn’t Arnold. It was worse. Because that apparently was the way this day was going. It started off wonderful, and it was slowly spiraling down into hell.

Beside him, Ellie drew in a sharp gasp, and he realized that she’d been reading over his shoulder.

He met her eyes. She looked as angry and frustrated as he felt.

In front of them, Tamra’s gaze darted between both of them. “What? Is it bad news? Is it about Walt?”

“I don’t know,” Devlin said, working to keep his voice level. “All it says is You’re going to lose everything, Saint. I’m going to make sure it happens.”

Tamra’s brow furrowed, and he saw the anger flare in her eyes. She kept it together though, always the consummate professional. “Who’s it from?”

“I don’t know. Just a phone number. I’ll try to find out, but I have a feeling we’ll have about as much luck with that as we have with the earlier texts that Ellie was getting.”

“Anna was sending me those,” Ellie said. “At least that’s what we’ve been assuming, especially since they stopped once she died. And that’s a big thing to point out. She’s dead, so I don’t think she’s sending this text. And so is Joseph Blackstone. I suppose a lieutenant could have sent it, but considering the timing, shouldn’t we be considering Walt?”

“I’ll agree as to the timing,” Devlin said. “But it seems ballsier than I’d expect from that little bastard.”

“There’s someone else,” Brandy said, her wide eyes darting between Devlin and Ellie. “It could have been Christopher. I know everyone thinks he hated his brother, but what if he didn’t? Or what if it’s just about family?”

Her words were like a punch in the gut, because he knew how much that suggestion was costing Brandy. Ellie released his hand, then went over and sat on the arm of Brandy’s chair.

“She’s right,” Ellie said. “He’s our prime suspect now, isn’t he?” Devlin saw the pain on her face. That horrible feeling of not being able to protect the people you love. A pain he knew only too well, and he wished he could have shielded Ellie and Brandy from it forever.

But he couldn’t. So all he said was, “Yes. He tops the list.”

“Christopher and Walt,” Brandy said. “It’s like I’m cursed.”

“I’m so sorry,” Ellie said. “Why don’t we go? Tamra and Devlin don’t need us. Let’s go home and eat so many chocolate chip muffins we’re too bloated to remember any of this.”

She met Devlin’s eyes, and he saw the grief mixed with loss. The horror of what Brandy was going through. And the loss of their perfect day, which had become tarnished by the intrusion of reality.

“That’s a good idea,” Devlin said. “I’ll be along soon. You’re right that Tamra and I have a few things to go over.”

“It’s okay,” Brandy said. “I’m fine to go by myself.” She glanced up at Ellie. “I do want to talk and then veg, but right now, I just want to be alone in my head. Maybe lock myself in the sewing room and clear my thoughts.” She grimaced. Her nose wrinkling. “Is that okay?”

“I—well, sure. But are you okay to drive?”

“Totally. It’s not far. And I’m upset, but I’m not incapable.”

“Sorry.” Ellie pulled her into a hug. “I just want—I just want to make it better.”

“I know you do. I wish you could.”

“Yeah…”

“See you at home.” She turned to Devlin. “No keeping Ellie at your place tonight. I’m calling best friend privilege and keeping her home.”

“No worries there. In fact, I’ll join you at Big Shot Mansion tonight.”