Free Standing in the Shadows by Shannon McKenna Page A

about you don't even start?" Connor suggested.
    Sean barged on, undaunted. "I know you've been carrying a torch for that chick for years, but your testimony put her dad's ass in jail. You cannot be her hero, dude. You're just going to get hurt."
    Sean's words made him feel bleak and sad, not angry. "Thank you for sharing your opinion," he said. He unfolded the unicorn, and scribbled Claude Mueller's name, e-mail address, and the flight information that he'd memorized onto the paper. He pushed it across the table toward Davy. "Would you check these out for me?"
    Davy picked it up and examined it. "Who is this guy?"
    "This is the mysterious millionaire who has recently developed a passionate interest in Celtic artifacts. Erin's flying down to Portland, to be met and driven to Silver Fork Resort, where she will proceed to authenticate a mess of priceless relics for him."
    "And what is it exactly that bothers you about this?" Sean asked.
    "Neither she nor anybody she knows has ever actually seen the millionaire," he said. "He's always been too busy to meet with her since he started hiring her. Four months ago."
    "Ah." Davy's voice was thoughtful.
    "Find out who's paying for those flights," Connor told him. "And find out everything you can about the Quicksilver Foundation."
    "I'll see what I can do."
    "She's leaving tomorrow. I told her she needed a bodyguard, and she spit in my eye," Connor said. "Threw me out of her apartment."
    "I don't blame her," Sean said. "A guy who looks like you is not a good fashion accessory for a bodacious babe."
    "Bite me," Connor said wearily. He pulled his tobacco and papers out of his pocket.
    "Did it occur to you to shave, or brush your hair before you inflicted yourself on her?" Sean lectured. "Jesus, Con. You barbarian."
    Connor nodded toward his older brother. "Davyl's got beard stubble. Bug him for a while."
    "Davy's another story." Sean's voice was elaborately patient. "Davy irons his shirts. Davy eats. Beard stubble is a very different fashion statement on Davy."
    Davy stroked his stubble and gave Connor an apologetic shrug.
    Connor looked at Davy. "Speaking of food. You promised me a steak."
    Davy looked startled. "You mean, you actually want some?"
    "I'm hungry," Connor said.
    Sean's jaw sagged. "So having Erin Riggs spit in your eye stimulates your appetite, huh?" He sprang to his feet. "One rare T-bone coming right up. I'll nuke you a baked potato, if you want."
    "Make it two," Connor said. "Lots of butter and sour cream and chives. And don't forget the black pepper."
    "Don't push your luck." Sean's grouching was belied by his huge grin. He kicked open the screen door and bounded toward the kitchen.
    "When do you need the Mueller info?" Davy asked.
    "Tomorrow morning. I'm taking a road trip down to Portland."
    Davy's face darkened. "To meet her plane? Oh, Christ. Forget the hero routine just this once. Call Nick. They're the ones who should—"
    "I already tried Nick. They think Novak's back in Europe."
    "They probably have good reason to think so," Davy growled.
    "I've got a bad feeling," Connor said. "She can't go meet this guy all alone. If Ed were around, it would be his job to look after her, but—"
    "But Ed's not around," Davy cut in. "And that is not your fault."
    "It's not Erin's fault, either." Connor avoided his brother's gaze as he finished rolling the cigarette. "And I don't blame myself."
    Davy slammed his beer bottle onto the table, a rare show of temper for his self-contained brother. "The hell you don't. You can't save the whole world, lamebrain. Get your own life back on track before you go racing off to rescue some damsel in distress."
    "I didn't ask for your opinion on my love life," Connor retorted.
    Davy's lowering eyebrows shot up. "Whoa," he said. "Back up two steps. Who said anything about your love life?"
    Connor cupped the cigarette in his hand and lit it. He took a deep drag and exhaled, to calm himself down before he dared to speak.
    "Leave it alone, Davy," he