Page 121 of The Doctor's Irreplaceable Love

“I know it’s none of my business, but you should know just how bad he is.If he thinks he stands a chance of getting his hands on Jim’s money, he’ll do whatever he can.”Brooke frowned.“And if he thinks that you might be the one responsible for making sure hedoesn’tget his hands on Jim’s money, then you need to watch your back.”

She nodded to herself.“And I’m going to tell Trip exactly that.He needs to look out for you.”

“I can look out for myself,” said Shelley.

“I know.I’m not calling you a helpless little woman or anything — believe me, I’m the last person who’d say something like that.Or even think that way.But Gavin…” She glanced over at him.“He’s bad news.I’m telling you.”

Shelley looked over at him again, but her attention was diverted when the front door to the café opened and Harper breezed in.

She smiled when she spotted them and came over to join them.

“Hey, ladies.Mind if I eat with you?I stopped by the clinic, but when I saw your cars were gone, I thought I might find you here.”

Shelley gestured for her to sit, and Brooke tensed.That surprised Shelley.From what she’d seen, Brooke and Harper got along well already.

It turned out that Harper wasn’t the reason for Brooke’s discomfort.

A moment later, Gavin stood over their table.He made a gesture as if tipping his hat toward them — a gesture Shelley had grown used to around here.But it was strange coming from Gavin, since he wasn’t wearing a hat.

“Good afternoon, ladies.”He glanced around the café like he was taking inventory, then tugged down the front of his suit jacket with both hands — the kind of move that screamed entitlement more than charm.“I thought I should introduce myself.I’m Gavin Sheridan.”

Shelley nodded, and Harper narrowed her eyes.

Gavin continued as if he hadn’t noticed the frosty reception.

“You’re the new lawyer, if I’m not mistaken?You’re here to assist my uncle?”He turned to Harper.“And you’re the woman who’s staying in his cottage.”

Shelley nodded slightly — and Gavin laughed.“It’s all right.I know what’s going on, and I appreciate you helping him out.”

“And what exactly do you think is going on?”Brooke asked.

Gavin looked irritated but didn’t even turn in her direction as he continued addressing Shelley and Harper.

“I don’t think it’s any secret that the old coot is losing his marbles, is it?”

Shelley bristled at that, and Harper looked fit to explode — but again, neither of them spoke.Harper had a temper, but she tended to be strategic rather than explosive.

Gavin shrugged, as if he were stating the obvious.“It’s only to be expected at his age.I shouldn’t have stayed away so long.I should have come home to take care of him before now.”He gave them a conspiratorial smile.“From what I hear, he’s even driving around the valley trying to deliver eggs — as if he’s reverted to his days as a young man.”

Shelley had no idea if perhaps Jim had had a job delivering eggs when he was a youngster, but whatever Gavin was inferring — she wasn’t buying into it.

Her blood ran cold when Gavin smiled at her again.

“I think we both know that he’s not mentally competent at this stage.And I’m sure I’ll be talking to you soon about how we handle things going forward.”

Shelley didn’t trust herself to speak.She glanced at Harper and could see the fury burning in her eyes.Fortunately, Harper chose not to say a word either.

Brooke’s eyes were wide as her gaze darted between Shelley and Harper before looking up at Gavin again and saying, “I’m sure you’ll be hearing from us.”

The look of contempt he gave Brooke was almost enough to blow the lid on Shelley’s restraint, but Brooke smiled sweetly and said, “Is that all you wanted, Gavin?We’re trying to have lunch here.”

Shelley blinked, surprised by the quiet steel in Brooke’s tone.Maybe she didn’t need looking out for as much as Shelley thought.

Gavin scowled at her before turning back to Shelley.“I’ll be seeing you.”With that, he turned on his heel and left.

Harper looked as though she was ready to tear him apart with her bare hands.

Shelley exhaled slowly.“Well done, Harps,” she said.