Calculated Risk (Triumph Over Adversity #1) - Lynn Shannon Page 0,36

asked.

“No. She recommended I speak to Steven. Apparently, he was visiting Wendall in prison.”

Addison stilled, fork halfway to her mouth. “Steven swore he hadn’t been in contact with his dad for years.”

“He lied to you. Wendall’s sister was adamant Steven and his dad were in constant communication. Wendall even worked for Steven’s construction company for a bit.”

Kyle twirled pasta around on his fork. “Is Steven a part of this? Wendall wants revenge for his son’s death. Grief has a funny way of affecting people. Maybe time gave Steven an opportunity to think about joining his father’s crusade.”

“I have a hard time believing that.” Addison pushed away her plate. She’d lost her appetite. “Steven was the only family member to stand by me when I divorced Greg. And we’ve been in contact with each other all this time. If Steven wanted revenge, he could’ve attacked me a long time ago.”

The three men didn’t look convinced. She couldn’t blame them.

Steven had lied.

But why?

Twenty

The next morning, Addison smeared on lip gloss. Her black turtleneck dress covered the faded bruises along her throat. Paired with heels, a red suit jacket, and minimal jewelry, the outfit conveyed control and power. Chloe McCormick’s divorce hearing was set for this afternoon. Facing Michael and his expensive attorneys required confidence.

She flipped off the bathroom light, stuck her cell phone into the pocket of her suit jacket, and headed for the kitchen. Shelby was lying smack in the center of the island. Addison planted her hands on her hips. “You naughty cat, you know you’re not supposed to be up there.”

Shelby blinked her feline eyes, but otherwise refused to move. Addison glanced down at her black dress and winced. “Picking you up isn’t an option. I can’t go to work covered in cat hair.”

Shooing her from the counter wasn’t a viable choice either. Shelby had been abused as a kitten, which is how she ended up at the shelter. Addison took great care to be gentle with her cat, and they’d built a lovely bond.

She poured a cup of coffee, wishing she could inject the caffeine straight into her veins. Sleep had been elusive last night. Trevor’s warning words haunted her. The courthouse was a place she frequented. Would her attacker make another attempt on her life there? It was a terrifying thought, but she wouldn’t give in to the fear. She’d done that in her marriage with her abusive husband, and it’d cost Addison a piece of herself. Never again.

Movement outside the window caught her attention. Jason was standing in the middle of her yard, Connor by his side. Both of them had their gazes locked on the tree line. Addison pulled another cup from the cabinet and filled it to the brim. She left the brew undoctored. Jason preferred it black.

Stepping onto the porch, Addison drew in a deep breath. The air was scented with pine and dew-soaked grass.

Connor bounded over, tail wagging. Addison couldn’t pet him since her hands were full. She greeted him with a smile. “Hey, buddy, how are you this morning? Is it safe for me to come outside?”

“It is.” Jason climbed the steps. “Kyle is patrolling the woods. It’s been quiet all night.”

Butterflies flitted in Addison's stomach, growing stronger the closer Jason came. He wore professional slacks and a burgundy button-down shirt. The color brought out his olive skin and dark eyes. He’d trimmed the permanent five o’clock shadow on his jaw as well.

“Morning.” Jason gestured to the coffee mugs in her hand. “Are one of those for me or are you double fisting it this morning?”

Addison blinked, belatedly realizing she’d been standing there like a dunce staring at him. Heat rose in her cheeks and she thrust the undoctored coffee in his direction. “Morning. You look nice.”

“Thanks. Since I’m going to work with you today, I wanted to make sure I fit in.” He sipped the dark brew, making a noise of appreciation. “You make the best coffee. What time did you want to leave this morning?”

“Around ten. I’ll go to the office first and then I’m scheduled to meet Chloe at the courthouse an hour before the trial starts.” Addison crossed to the porch swing and took a seat. She sipped her coffee, gathering her thoughts. She and Jason were going to be spending the day together. Maybe it was wiser to let sleeping dogs lie, as the saying went, but it felt strange to ignore the sizzling attraction between them. Especially given the kiss they’d shared.

“Jason, I was hoping