Page 90 of Bluffed By the Offense

“For what?” I ask, baffled.

Obviously the cameras will have gone by then, and he’ll have done his time.

“To help. Do you already have people helping with cleanup?”

“Winona’s got a few patients she needs to check up on. Daisy’s closing the shop at Moss and Maple. Emberleigh and Syd have to go check on the bakery.”

“So … no one?”

“It’s not a big deal. This is my project.”

“And, as your boyfriend, it’s my duty to stay and help.”

“If you insist.”

I can’t figure out his angle. I’m left wondering if he’s actually got a compassionate and selfless side to him living adjacent to the obviously arrogant and bossy parts.

“I do insist,” he says. “I’m going to check on the guys. Make sure they’re doing what’s needed.”

“Okay,” I say.

It should bother me—him taking charge. But I’m tired, my feet hurt and I don’t know what else. Something, though. It doesn’t deeply bother me that Marcus Delaney is rolling in and taking over pieces of this project. And that bothers me.

I’m probably dehydrated.

I head to the volunteer canopy and grab a bottled water.

“Marcus is being so helpful,” Winona says, sidling up to me and giving me a side hug.

“He is,” I admit.

“And this event has been a massive success.”

“I think it has. I’m so happy. Everyone seems so grateful and the volunteers all did amazing.”

“You’re at the heart of it,” Winona says. “It wouldn’t have happened without you. Sorry I can’t stay to help clean up.”

“You’ve got your job. It’s okay anyway. Marcus said he’d stay and help.”

“What a man. Am I right?”

“He’s something alright.”

Chapter 19

Cass

Look for the helpers.

You will always find people who are helping.

~ Fred Rogers

I look over toward the Seatrain. “What is he doing?”

“Who?” Winona asks.

“Marcus!” I’m already shouting his name as I jog toward him.