Whispering Rock (Virgin River #3)(76)

Brie couldn’t help it—a shudder of revulsion passed through her. God, she hated to think of anyone going through what she had. Mike gave her a moment to gather herself and finally she just shook her head, saddened to hear it. “How awful. Have you ever worked sexual assault? Are you up to speed on this?”

“I haven’t worked a sexual assault unit, but I’ve worked with some of those detectives on cases that cross over, and have a little experience from that. And I’ve worked with a lot of kids, which gives me an advantage in this situation. I can get started without your help, but I’m sure I’ll be asking for your advice. Can you deal with that?”

“I can try. I happen to know a lot about this—and not just from personal experience. I’ve prepped a lot of rape victims for trial.”

“I was hoping you’d be willing to help. I’m going to go talk to some people,” Mike said. “Mel is dying to see you.”

“She’s at Doc’s?”

“By now she might be right outside.” He opened the door and saw her standing near the back door of the bar, bouncing David in her arms to keep him happy, giving them whatever time and space they needed. He gestured for her to come ahead. But Brie got up from the table and went to greet her. She opened her arms to Mel and the baby and they embraced as sisters would.

Mel slipped David onto the seat beside her at the small kitchen table while Brie got them each a soda. “How does it feel to be in my kitchen?” Brie asked Mel.

Mel smiled. “Took you long enough.”

“I had to think it through….”

“You look beautiful,” Mel said. “There is no doubt in your eyes.”

“Do you think they talk? The men?”

“Not the way we do. Mike won’t talk to Jack about you, I’m sure of that. Jack has been a real idiot about you and Mike.”

“He’s over that now,” Brie said. “Someone brought us breakfast and left it outside, and I suspect it was Jack.”

“Well, good. It’s time he came around. I’d apologize for your brother’s stubbornness, but you’ve known him longer than I have.” She laughed. “Someone should have warned me he can be such an interfering pest. And bossy? Lord.” She tilted her head. “One look at you makes it clear this is the right thing for you. For both of you. Mike is wearing some kind of halo.”

“He should. He’s an angel. I’ve never been treated with such kindness and tenderness. Never. He spent months talking me through the dark days without a hint that he expected more from me. How many men do you know who are willing to invest themselves like that, when there might not be anything in it for them?”

“Mike’s a good man,” Mel said. “He wouldn’t put a woman he cared about in a difficult position.”

“I wasn’t sure I’d even be able to respond to a man again, Mel. You can’t imagine how nervous I was.”

Mel simply waited quietly; if Brie wanted to be more specific she could. When a moment passed and Brie hadn’t said any more, Mel said, “I’m just so grateful you finally worked it out, and that it brought you back to us.”

Brie looked upward for a second, shaking her head, still in wonder. It was at times like this that she would miss her sisters most, but with Mel here she had the female connection she needed. That secret talk that women shared. “I had a lot to think about, to consider, but in the end, I’m here because of something that came up in Sacramento.”

Mel lifted her brows. “Anything you can talk about?”

“I haven’t had a chance to tell Jack yet—but Mike knows everything. The reason I came suddenly and without calling ahead is because Brad came to see me. Jerome Powell was found in Florida and the ADA is working on extradition to bring him back for trial.”

Mel reached out and covered her hand. “God, Brie,” she said in a breath. “How are you doing?”

“I’m going to testify against him. Of course. But I’m staying right here until that happens.”

“Oh, baby. You know we’ll all be there for you.”

“It was bizarre—that I should get this news from Brad. He came to the house to tell me. But before he told me about Powell, he asked for another chance, to see if we could rekindle some of what we had. He’s no longer with Christine.”

“Whew,” Mel said, sitting back in shock. “How do you feel about that?”

A slow smile spread on Brie’s lips. “I showed him the door and then packed immediately. I’m done with that part of my life.” Then the smile vanished as she said, “The other part, the trial, that’s going to take a little longer. Be a little harder. Who am I kidding? A lot harder.”

The very first occasion Mike had to present his business card officially came at Valley High School in the guidance counselor’s office. Mrs. Bradford was a cautious and serious woman and, while cordial, she wasn’t about to turn any of her students over to this man without being sure. He invited her to have him checked out with the sheriff’s office if she questioned his authenticity. And he told her a little bit about how he came to be the new town constable, showing her the badge Hope had given him. He’d been to the high school before, talking to the principal and some of the teachers, but just on a get-to-know-you basis, never as part of an investigation. He explained that, in his capacity, he wouldn’t be making arrests of any kind, but that his interviews might help solve a problem.