Page 27 of Shark’s Edge

Silva frowned. “Don’t you think that’s a little odd?”

“Have you ever tasted Abstract’s sandwiches and salads?” Sean’s comment, while dunked in pride, was the best and worst line right now.

The next question was once again Bourne’s. “So there was no time for anyone else to have tampered with the boxes on the cart?” he pressed.

“No. Those containers are noisy. Even if I’d turned to talk to someone, I would’ve heard the plastic crackles.” I shook my head, more defined about it this time. “I don’t understand any of this. Seriously, who would want to do this to Sebastian?”

A choke tumbled from Rio. “Sebastian?”

“Leave it,” Sean said, but I couldn’t thank him this time. All my energy was fixed on Bourne and Silva, resulting in my racing heart and clammy palms.

“Unless . . . Mr. Shark wasn’t the only one in that building who reported something?”

My question was awful but necessary. I’d delivered hundreds of lunches yesterday. Even if half of them had somehow gotten tainted and neither Rio nor I caught it, my business insurance company would never underwrite me again. I’d be finished before I ever started.

“He’s the only one who came forward.”

My shoulders sagged beneath my rush of relief. On the other hand, it was Sebastian Shark who’d come forward and told these guys to go specifically for me. But now that I was reasonably sure I wouldn’t lose my business, a new sensation took the place of my dread. A full fire bursting to life inside me.

Fury.

Imagine that. I longed so badly to borrow from Bourne’s stoicism, but that was not the natural inclination of my personality. I had the hot Irish temper bred into me from generation upon generation, and I felt insulted and infuriated. And, as everyone close to me knew, that meant tears.

Perfect. Goddamn tears pricked and burned, unwelcomed guests to this little patio party we were having, and I sucked in air through my nose, trying to get a hold of my emotions.

“Abs, it’s okay. We’ll get to the bottom of it. I’m sure there’s an explanation.” My brother stepped away from his wife to comfort me instead, and I couldn’t be strong enough to turn him away. His arms felt so good wrapped around my shoulders, his chest a comfort I needed.

Rio stepped in behind me and rubbed circles on my back while the deputies stood awkwardly by and said nothing. No one needed to know the tears weren’t just from the stress of this debacle. No one needed to know the tears weren’t just from the fear of my hard work being flushed down the john with a client’s food poisoning remains.

No. These tears were the culmination of a week of frustration and confusion and mixed-up feelings and emotions that I was so unfamiliar with having. I missed my mom and my other brothers, and I missed having someone to confide in when I had questions that only a girl’s mother could answer with complete honesty and without judgment.

I pulled back from Sean’s embrace after only a minute.

“Okay?” he asked, ducking down to be level with my eyes.

“Yes.” I nodded, swiping at my cheeks. “I’m fine now. Sorry about that.” I brushed hastily at his T-shirt where there were creases and light swipes of makeup.

He grasped both of my wrists to halt my fussing. “It’s fine, Abs. It’s fine. You needed that. I wish you’d lean on us more, actually.” His voice was tender and protective, and his big brotherliness swaddled me in a cocoon of love and compassion. It was the exact balm I needed.

“Outstanding, then,” Silva announced awkwardly, snapping my family out of the tender moment we were sharing. “I think we have all we need for now. I’d like to leave our information with you, Ms. Gibson. If you think of anything or have any questions—”

“That reminds me!” I interrupted excitedly as a memory flipped to the forefront of my mind.

“When you said ‘outstanding,’ it reminded me that I have this on my phone.” I dug in the pocket of the hoodie hanging on the back of the chair to get my cell phone. “A text message I received from Mr. Shark yesterday afternoon after he enjoyed the lunch I made for him. And no, it’s not something I casually interpreted.” I pointed to my phone. “The evidence is right there. I’ll be saving his words for posterity. Or a court of law. Whichever comes first.”

I had to admit, Silva’s answering grin was a blast to enjoy.

Bourne’s was even better.

I gave in to an easy smile. “If you don’t mind, gentlemen, I have to get back to what I was doing here.” I waved at the goodie bags still strewn about the patio. “I will definitely give you a call if I have any questions.”

We said goodbye to the officers, and Rio went inside to mix up a big batch of margaritas. It was definitely five o’clock somewhere.

Chapter Six

Sebastian

“Bas, really, you could’ve stayed home. She would’ve understood.” Pia eyed me from behind her giant Jackie-O sunglasses, patting my hand like she was excusing me from a root canal.