His Old Lady - Debra Kayn Page 0,92

Williams, he understood his MC brother's concern. Though Walker's hands were literally tied in prison.

Walker sat in the chair, waited for the guard to secure the chain to the counter, and then picked up the phone receiver.

Faye grabbed the phone on her side and immediately said, "Stop frowning, Uncle. I'm okay."

Because he could only hear one side of the conversation, Curley watched Walker's lips, trying to decipher his reply. Once Walker had walked in, his gaze had stayed on Faye.

"I'm okay, really." Faye glanced over her shoulder at Curley, smiled, and turned back to her uncle. "Better than okay."

Walker's chin lifted, and he spoke into the receiver. Faye reached up and covered Curley's hand with her own.

"He's taking care of me and treating me right." Faye's shoulders relaxed. "I have news."

Over the last two weeks, Faye had taken a lot of time to do what she called 'soul searching' when she wasn't working at Promise. He'd given her time, which she'd spent walking the back property at his house. It wasn't until she'd sought him out and asked him to take a stroll with her, she shared her ideas with him.

"Now that I'm living with Cur—Carl and received notice that I can expect the payoff from the insurance company in two weeks, I'm going to rent out Grandma June's house. That way, when you're released, I can sign the deed over to you. It really belonged to you, anyway."

Walker glanced at Curley, nodded, and spoke over the phone. Curley stroked his thumb against the back of Faye's neck. He'd talked her out of selling the place.

Grandma June had already paid off the mortgage. Walker had made his wishes known that he wanted her to sell and put the money into the nursery, but there was no reason to go that route anymore. Faye lived with him. That was her home now.

"I don't know. I think it makes more sense to build the greenhouses next spring. I don't think anyone can construct them fast enough to have them up before the snow flies. That'll give me this year to help get Promise running to full capacity and extra time at home." She sat up straighter. "Before I forget, Tracy says hi."

While they talked and got caught up, Curley stayed tuned to Faye's body. Any sign of tension building within her, he'd get her out of here.

From his position, he could hear low voices in the room of other visitors talking to their chosen inmate.

Soon, there were only fifteen minutes left. As if Faye knew what he was thinking, she turned in the chair and set the phone on the table. At her sign to trade spots with her, he sat in the chair and picked up the receiver.

Right off the bat, Walker asked, "Does she know?"

"All's good there." He leaned on his elbow, changing the subject. "We're going to the courthouse and getting married next month. I want the paper, saying she's mine."

Walker nodded. "About time."

Throughout the years, Walker never broke his vow to cover Curley's crime when he had every reason to tell anyone who listened, especially Faye. He would never forget Walker's loyalty.

"Damn, brother. You're looking a little rough around the edges." Walker studied Curley's face. "I thought by now you'd be growing your hair out."

And just like that, he had his brother back.

Emotions choking him, Curley rubbed his head. He owed Walker more than he'd ever be able to repay him.

"Fuck you," he mumbled, swallowing hard.

Walker's eyes narrowed, and he held Curley's gaze before dipping his chin and chuckling quietly over the phone. "I'm not that desperate yet, but if you have a couple tits hidden away and some meat on your ass, I'd probably take you up on the offer, you son of a bitch."

Curley raised his free hand and placed it on the Plexiglass. Walker leaned closer, working around the cuffs locking his wrists together, and put his palm on the other side.

"Tarkio, for life," he whispered.

"Even after I’m dead," whispered Walker.

Curley cleared his throat. Walker sniffed, his expression hardening.

"You realize she's going to have you surrounded with plants in a year or two. The girl can make anything grow." Walker winked at Faye, who couldn't hear the conversation.

"Yeah, I suspect you're right." He shrugged. "The place could use a little sprucing up."

"Yeah, probably not a bad thing." Walker cocked his head. "Never pictured you a bar owner."

"Me, neither." He huffed. "Best damn decision I ever made at the time, but I'm happy to go back