Page 78 of The Triple Threat

“Let me, you’re obviously upset.”

She looked deeply sad once more, and I fleetingly second guessed my plan again before remembering how she’d had coffee with Jefferson.

“Yeah, leave it to me.”

I left her room and furtively checked my pocket with a little pat.

* * *

“He’s going to be okay, right?” Bronte asked Carter.

My brother placed a hand on her shoulder and gave it a squeeze. “Of course, he will. I just want to keep him under observation.”

“And you’ll call me if he takes a turn for the worse?”

“Honestly.” Carter’s voice was soft and gentle. He surprised me with just how sensitive he could sound. Probably because it involved animals—Bronte’s cat, Rodrick, being the animal in question. Her shitting cat, Rodrick.

“Why don’t you two go over to Stars & Stripes,” he said as he looked over his shoulder toward his consultancy room. “I’ll come over in a little while when I’ve kept an eye on him for a bit longer.”

“You’ll come over?” I asked, thinking my plan was going well. I could bail and get him to give Bronte a lift home.

“I’m supposed to be meeting Hunter, he’ll already be there. Tell him I’ll get over asap.”

Bronte nodded. “Thanks, Carter, I really appreciate it.” She stood up on her tiptoes and leaned in to kiss his cheek.

This was getting better and better.

“Let’s go, Bronte.” I grabbed her hand and pulled her gently toward the exit door.

She gave Carter one last smile and followed me out.

* * *

“You do think he’ll be okay, don’t you?”

“Yes, of course he will. With Carter taking care of him he’s bound to be. He’s a great vet,” I stressed. “The best. So good with all animals and such a sweetie when he needs to be.”

“Hmm.” Bronte pulled a face that asked me if I was talking about the same Carter. “If you say so. Come on let’s sit down.”

We turned from the bar with our drinks and looked around for somewhere to sit.

“Oh look,” Bronte said, instantly moving away from me. “There’s Hunter.”

Before I even had time to say anything, she’d gone and positioned herself at Hunter’s table. He had his head in his hands, a bottle of beer almost empty in front of him.

“Hey, Hunter,” Bronte said brightly. “Can we sit with you?”

He looked up at me and then Bronte. “I’m waiting for Carter.”

I frowned at the sound of his voice. He sounded sad, and most definitely didn’t look like he wanted the two of us for company.

Bronte, however, had other ideas.

“We know,” she replied as she pulled out a stool. “He told us to tell you he’ll be here as soon as he can.”

“Why, where is he?”

Hunter’s eyes hit mine and there was questioning behind them. Shit he knew me too well. I immediately felt myself color up.