Page 41 of Unbound

Sybil doesn’t seem bothered by my aunt’s line of questioning, which is the only reason I don’t step in. She stands a little taller as she says, “My name is Sybil Shellenberger.”

“That’s a mouthful, isn’t it?” Deidre passes off a stack of plastic storage containers. “Put those in the refrigerator for me.”

Sybil peers down through the top lid as she carries everything. “Is this enchiladas?”

“Chicken and beef.” My aunt widens her eyes at me, gesturing in the direction of my fridge.

She’s not one for subtlety, but I do agree Sybil isn’t going to be able to get the appliance open on her own given how many containers she’s balancing. I step in and tug on the door, holding it wide as my former employee and current houseguest begins sliding everything into place.

“Do you always cook for Walker?” Sybil’s eyes lift to mine, but I can’t tell if what I see there is curiosity or judgment.

“I cook for him every Thursday at family dinner night.” My aunt shoves a few containers at me. “Speaking of, you should come along with him this week.” She points from me to Sybil. “But it’s on Friday this time. I figured everyone could use an extra day to regroup.”

“I’m not sure it’s a good idea for me to come.” Sybil turns to face Deidre. “I’m not exactly well-liked by your family right now.”

My aunt props both hands on her hips, eyes narrowing as they look Sybil over. “Do you deserve for them to dislike you?”

“Yes.” Sybil doesn’t miss a beat. “I lied to everyone and possibly put them in danger.”

My aunt angles a brow. “Did you do it maliciously?”

“No.” Sybil winces. “But I did do it for my own benefit.”

Deidre waves a hand at her. “Everyone does everything for their own benefit. Even if they don’t admit it.”

Sybil tips her head, studying my aunt. “That would mean you brought all this food for your benefit.”

Deidre collects her bags, flattening both before tucking them under one arm, and turns to Sybil with a shrug. “It would mean that, wouldn’t it?” She gives Sybil a pat on the shoulder. “Let me know if you need anything else while you’re here. I’ll make sure Walker gets it for you.” My aunt breezes past me, steps quick as she lets herself out my front door.

Sybil is silent for a minute, staring at the entryway. Probably trying to figure out what in the hell just happened.

Deidre Bradshaw is what just happened. If Sybil’s a tornado, Deidre’s a hurricane. And she has no concern over the destruction she leaves in her wake.

Finally, Sybil props both hands on her hips, looking perplexed. “Your aunt is nothing like I expected.”

For some reason, the comment has disappointment settling into my gut. “You stalked her too?”

Sybil snorts. “I didn’t have to. My mother is her biggest fan. She was always on our television when I was a kid.”

That’s not surprising. My aunt has graced just about every television in the country at some point in time. “Does your mother know you’re here?”

“Absolutely not. She’d have insisted on tagging along and probably made a complete fool of herself.” Sybil cringes. “Not that I’ve done any better.”

“You haven’t made a complete fool of yourself.” I go to open the fridge so I can peruse what Deidre brought. “Only partial.”

I smile when Sybil scoffs behind me. I’m not much of a teaser. Generally, when someone’s being an idiot, I’m more annoyed than amused. But Sybil isn’t being an idiot. Determined and reckless, yes, but she hasn’t done anything I would classify as stupid.

Maybe almost setting herself on fire, but that was an accident. One I was likely the cause of.

I pull out a couple dinner options and slide them onto the counter. “I’m just giving you shit.” I pop the lid off the first. “What do you want to eat?”

I might not have been able to successfully tempt her into a nap, but I’ll be damned if I let Sybil go without eating properly. It’s a little early for dinner, but maybe if I can get her stomach full, she’ll pass out early and actually get a full night’s sleep in.

And so will I. God knows I need one. Especially since I have to wake up early tomorrow to smuggle Sybil into my office before tackling the warehouse on my own. Which is going to be hell considering I’ve taken a day and half off to deal with the mess I can’t figure out how to fully clean up.

At least Sybil will be close enough I can keep an eye on her. I’ll probably even reach out to Heidi. Make sure Alaskan Security’s head hacker watches what Sybil is getting into, adding an extra layer of the security I’m becoming more and more convinced this woman needs. Not just now, but in her everyday life. Sybil is brilliantly talented at getting into places she shouldn’t be, but she’s not quite as skilled at deciding when to take a risk and when not to.

To be fair, neither am I. If all Sybil does is take risks, then all I do is play it safe. She dives headfirst into chaos while I surround myself with as few complications as possible.