Page 103 of The Hardest Hit

“I don’t think she’s going to,” said Aiden. “I want her to, but… well… I’m just saying.”

Evan wanted to roll over and agree with Aiden. He appreciated Dominique’s faith in him, but Aiden was right: Grandma wasn’t going to change her mind. He closed his eyes and willed himself back to sleep.

37

Olivia – The Taggert’s

“Olivia,” said her grandmother as she came out of the office with Jackson in tow, “I don’t know what you’re doing, but I don’t think you’re supposed to be doing it.”

“Go back to your coffee and stories, Gran,” said Olivia. “And I’ll bring you a nice piece of pie.”

Olivia and her grandmother stared at each other.

“Pops will be home soon,” said Gran.

“I’m counting on it,” said Olivia. “I need to talk to him.”

That seemed to settle the matter for Gran. “All right then.” She turned and went back into the den where her bourbon-laced coffee sat next to her ever-growing afghan.

Olivia went into the kitchen and stared down at the pie she’d brought from home. Jackson had flown her to Georgia in a private jet. That was convenient. Rich people really did have the best stuff.

It was mostly dark in the kitchen, just the light on over the stove. She had spent many evenings in this kitchen. She didn’t need the lights on to know where everything was.

“Are you going to be OK with this?” asked Jackson, going over to look out the window.

“We’ll find out,” said Olivia.

“I’m sorry,” said Jackson.

“For what?” she asked.

“Making you do this, I guess,” he said.

“You’re not making me do anything,” said Olivia. “This has been coming for a while. You’re just the catalyst. Besides,” she said, looking up at him with a smile, “Evan’s worth it.”

“I’m not sure he agrees with you,” said Jackson.

“I know,” she agreed. “He’s very kind-hearted toward everyone but himself.”

Jackson laughed. “Ninety-nine percent of the world would not agree with you.”

“I know,” agreed Olivia again. “He goes a long way to make sure no one knows.”

“All the Deveraux’s do it. They keep the shields way, way up,” said Jackson, sounding tired.

“Self-defense,” said Olivia, and Jackson nodded.

“Car in the driveway,” he said.

“Let me do the talking,” said Olivia. “Don’t pitch in unless I ask for it.”

He nodded his understanding and leaned against the wall arms folded. She went to the oven and turned it on. Then she went back to the table and took the lid off the pie container.

The door opened and Pops stood a long moment in the doorway. Olivia didn’t need to look up to know that he’d be wearing dark suit pants with suspenders and a white and blue pinstripe shirt covering the expanse of his belly.

“Well, good evening Olivia Rose,” he said. “This is a surprise.”

“Is it? I cannot imagine why,” said Olivia with a smile. “Would you care for a piece of pie, Pops? I’m just putting some together for Gran.”