Page 14 of Finding Redemption

“Can you be a grown up for two fucking seconds?”

“Damn. Who pissed in your Cheerios?” Riley asks.

“I need help.” I choose to ignore his ass.

“I’m not fucking you,” he says.

“Fuck you. Are you gonna help me or not?”

“Damn. Sure.” He pauses. “With what?”

“I’m going to convert a few rooms over my office into an apartment,” I explain.

“Just tell me when. Although, building is a better investment of your money,” Riley tells me.

“I know but there’s no one to share my life with, so I’m going to knock down a few walls for a loft. I already have the kitchen. A few minor adjustments and I can settle in.” I lay my head against the seat.

“Bad day in court?” Riley asks.

“Something like that.”

“I’ll run by this evening, see what we can figure out,” he offers.

“Sounds good.” I release a long-held breath. “Thanks, lil’ brother.”

“Anytime.” Riley ends the call, and I continue to sit in my SUV, gathering myself.

I grab my things and head in to get to work. Riley will be by later, and I’ll need to finish two consultations from last night. I’ve never prayed harder to not have to see someone than I am to miss Reese this evening.

The rest of the day flies by, and I ready for my next appointment. “Hey, Donna?”

“Yes?” she answers quickly.

“Am I missing something, or do I have an appointment in a few minutes?”

“You do. The client asked for anonymity. He’ll discuss with you what he needs when he arrives.” Her words, although odd, just round out this crazy as fuck day. “As a matter of fact, he’s here.”

“Please, show him in.” I stand, straightening my clothes. But when I glance at the door, I’m left speechless.

“Walker.” Chord’s head lulls. “I hope this is okay.”

I’m wide-eyed, gobsmacked that my ex-fiancé’s younger brother would be here to see me. I close my mouth to gather myself before speaking. From the look on his face, this isn’t about my former relationship. “I’m not sure I understand.”

He drops his head. “Maybe this was a bad idea after all.”

For some ungodly reason, I ask him to sit down. “Please, wait. Let’s talk.” I walk to the door, closing it behind him. I take my seat and turn to him. “How can I help you?”

Chord sits with his head down, looking beaten up by the world. If I know anything, I know this look. “I’m not sure where to start.” When his eyes meet mine, I know exactly what to say.

“Who is she?”

“Huh. Damn you’re good, but I’m not sure where to start,” he explains.

“Only women can make us this crazy.” I chuckle. “But I can’t help until you tell me what you need from me.”

“Secrecy.” He stares me in the eye. “I know we haven’t always gotten along and the shit with my sister was messed up, but I’m told you’re a damn good lawyer.”

“I’m working on it. I apologized to Thayer and Hardy not long ago.” I press my lips into a thin line and swallow hard. Still bitter tasting. “And I like to think I’m pretty badass in the legal aspect.”