Brody (Texas Boudreau Brotherhood Book 3)

deputies working around-the-clock watching the main roads into town. Antonio’s got the FBI searching. Evan’s not stupid. He has to know you’re protected.”
“He’s not stupid, but he is vain. He’ll take it as a challenge to get the best of you, because you beat him before. I hurt his pride when I divorced him and took his daughter away. To his thinking, what does he have to lose by coming after me…us?”
“Stop it.” She hadn’t heard Brody come into the room, but the vehemence behind his comment had her straightening in the chair. “Your ex isn’t getting near you or Jamie. Not now, not ever.”
There was a finality in his words, a conviction which made her feel safe. For the first time since she’d gotten the call from the prison, Beth felt the knot of despair slowly unfurl deep inside. She trusted Brody, knew with a certainty he’d protect her and Jamie with his last breath.
Tossing the throw onto the arm of the chair, she stood and walked over to Brody. “Okay, my pity party is over. I’ve already spent too much time running from Evan, and it stops now. What can I do?”
“First thing, get something to eat.”
“Brody, I’m not—”
“We missed dinner. You need to eat, keep your strength up. If not for you, you need to be strong for your daughter.” He clasped her hands gently between his. “Momma sent me in to get you. Dinner will be ready in five minutes. Just enough time for you to go check on Jamie and wash up.”
She took a deep breath, then stood on her tiptoes and pressed a soft kiss against his cheek. “Thank you for being there for me.”
“Always.”
Brody stretched, feeling the ache in his low back from spending the night on the sofa. He’d refused to leave, wanting, no, needing to be close to Beth and Jamie. All the bedrooms were full up, Momma having called everybody home who could make it. Dane and Liam had doubled up. Lucas had showed up; he’d been down in San Antonio, researching a story, but had dropped everything the minute he’d heard there was trouble. Same thing with Ridge. Tessa shared her room with Serena.
Rafe had headed back into Shiloh Springs late last night, needing to be at the sheriff’s office bright and early, to coordinate and assign shifts to make sure Beth and Jamie were watched round-the-clock, for as long as it took to capture Evan.
The scent of coffee hit first, followed almost immediately by the sweet, sweet scent of bacon. Rubbing a hand over his face, he grimaced at the stubble on his chin. Grabbing a shower was at the top of his list, but first he’d detour by the kitchen and grab a cup of coffee. He needed an infusion of caffeine to jumpstart his morning.
Before he’d taken more than a few steps, there was a knock on the front door. Scratching his stomach, he walked toward the door, a huge yawn causing his jaw to crack. Too many nights with too light sleep was starting to catch up with him.
“Greg?”
Greg Summers stood on the other side of the front door, a sheepish grin on his face. “Hey, Brody.”
“Dude, what are you doing here?”
“I don’t know. I stopped by your apartment, and when I couldn’t find you there, this seemed like the next most obvious place.” Greg gestured toward the door. “Mind if I come in?”
“Sorry. Just woke up. Long night.” He motioned Greg inside, and pointed toward the kitchen. “I need coffee. Want some?”
Greg grinned. “I would love some.”
Making their way to the kitchen, Brody stopped short at the sight of his mother and Tessa, doing a kind of choreographed dance around the kitchen. One worked the toaster, while the other scrambled eggs on the stove. A huge platter of crispy bacon sat on the countertop, and if he wasn’t mistaken, Brody could swear he smelled his momma’s homemade cinnamon rolls. His stomach growled, and Tessa smiled at him.
“Breakfast is almost ready.” She spotted Greg standing beside him, a faint blush staining her cheeks. “Oh, sorry, didn’t know you had company. Y’all want some coffee?”
“Morning, Tessa. This is Greg Summers, and, yes, we’d love some coffee.” He strode across the kitchen and dropped a kiss on his mother’s cheek. “Good morning, Momma.”
“You sleep okay, son?” Her sharp-eyed stare didn’t miss a thing, he knew.
“I got some sleep. Momma, you remember Greg Summers?”
“Of course I do, I’m not senile yet.” She nudged Brody aside, and hugged Greg. “How are your parents doing? I do miss spending time with your mother.” With the familiarity only a mother could get away with, she cupped Greg’s cheeks. “Is everything okay? You look tired.”
“Everything’s fine, Ms. Patti. My folks are doing good. Mom’s getting the treatment she needs in Florida, and Dad’s spoiling her rotten. I came up to talk to Brody about the fire. Thought I’d better drive up and see the damage for myself, maybe get some pictures to send to my dad. He’s…upset about the barn going up in flames. He was counting on selling the property.”
“If you can give me a couple of minutes to change, I’ll take you over to look at the barn.” Brody grabbed the cup of coffee Tessa held out, taking a long sip. “Thanks, Tessa.”
“No hurry, Brody. I should probably have called first, but since it’s the weekend, I figured I’d drive up, look at the damage, and answer any questions you might have.”
“Appreciate it.” He glanced toward his mother and Tessa, who’d moved back to the stove and toaster, continuing breakfast. “I do have a few questions. I’d planned on calling you the first part of the week once I had more answers, but since you’re here…”
Greg held the mug Tessa had given him, staring down into it like it held the mystery of the universe in its dark depths. He shook his head before looking at Brody. “I can’t wrap my head around the place burning down. Do