Wild Justice (Nadia Stafford 3)

"Well, I'd have appreciated it if someone called me last night to be sure I had a big enough breakfast planned. But that's not your fault. If there aren'

t enough eggs, someone can go without."

"She means you," I whispered to Scout.

"No, I do not."

As the dog jumped off the chair, Emma waved at Jack's plates. "Don't feed her any of those. It's not on her diet."

"Hope she means the dog," Jack said as he handed me a bun and coffee.

"She does. We're trying to stop Owen from feeding scraps to Scout. If he does it, she can't understand why guests won't. She's snatched a few buns, which lands her in the doghouse. Literally."

"Ah." He turned to sit in the chair Scout had vacated.

"Don't! It's wet," I said. "We went in for a swim."

He shook his head, clearly refraining from commenting on the sanity of October lake dips.

"Let's go down to the dock," I said. "The sun's better there and the chairs are clean."

We sat in silence, enjoying the view and the coffee.

Still gazing out at the water, I said, "I'd like that journal."

He sipped his coffee. "You're happy to be home. Enjoy it."

"Because I sure as hell won't enjoy what's in that journal. I know that, Jack. But it's research. There are other girls in there. Maybe other Amys. If I can give their families closure, I want that."

"I know. And we will. But earlier? Said I could hold a chit. Stop you from doing something."

"I didn't mean--"

"Too bad. Taking you up on it. I won't keep this from you, Nadia. But I want to read it first." He held my gaze. "You keep saying you owe me. This is what I want. The only thing I want."

What could I say to that?

CHAPTER 14

As we drank our coffee, my cell phone rang. I was still carrying around my work one, in case Paul needed to contact me for anything about the failed Wilde hit.

When I looked at the screen, I must have reacted, because Jack said, "Quinn?"

I nodded.

A pause. Then, "Gonna have to talk to him, Nadia."

I definitely tensed at that.

"You have to," he said. "He'll read about Aldrich. Have questions. Especially since you were away from the lodge when it happened."

"Shit. I wasn't even thinking about Aldrich. You're right. I should have . . ." I shook it off and checked the voice mail.

"It's me," Quinn's voice said. "There's something in the news. I'm sure you know, but . . . Call me." A pause. "Please. This is important."

Jack watched my face as I clicked off. "Do it now," he said. "Get it over with."

I nodded, and phoned Quinn back as Jack took his coffee mug and headed toward the house.