Free Spirit by Brigid Kemmerer Page B

rub at his head, but he was afraid if he lifted a hand, it would grab the cash almost against his will.
    “Hunter?”
    He turned his head, feeling like he’d lost a minute of time.
    Michael Merrick stood there, two rolls of something green hooked under one arm. A red shirt with the Merrick landscaping logo stretched across his chest, already sporting a fine layer of dust, and a stain near the hem. He had a couple inches on Hunter, but that might have just been the work boots on his feet. It was the first time Hunter had ever seen Michael clean shaven.
    Hunter had no idea what Michael thought of him, but considering the way his younger brothers were treating him, it probably wasn’t good.
    Then again, Michael wasn’t swinging a fist or openly mocking him, so maybe this was better.
    Michael said, “Why aren’t you in school?”
    Hunter froze. He’d been ready for that question all day—but Michael was the first one to ask, and probably the only one who wouldn’t buy a line of bullshit.
    Then Michael glanced at his watch. “Jesus, is it after three already?” He shifted the rolls under his arm and looked at Hunter a little more critically. “You all right?”
    The question took him by surprise. “Yeah. Fine.”
    The cash drawer slammed behind him, and Hunter jumped.
    Well, there went an opportunity. Hunter scowled and wondered if he should be relieved or pissed.
    The service manager cleared his throat. “I can take those for you here, if you’re ready.”
    “Sure.” Michael put the stuff on the counter. Then he pulled out his wallet. Hunter could see cash trapped in the folds.
    The service manager was watching him. “You need something else, kid?”
    He needed to stop staring and get the hell out of here.
    Before he did something he’d regret.
    “No. Forget it.” Hunter unclenched his fists and turned away.
    “Hey,” called Michael. “Hunter.”
    Hunter whirled, ready to be hassled. “What?”
    Michael was swiping a credit card through the machine. “The guys are all busy this evening, and I’m already behind. Feel like helping me build a retaining wall?”
    Hunter stared at him for a second. Lack of sleep and food was making him stupid. “I don’t—what?”
    Michael looked up. “It’s easy work, it just takes a long time, and I don’t want to lose the light.” He paused. “If you’ve got somewhere else to be, don’t sweat it.”
    Hunter stared at him, waiting for the other shoe to drop. There had to be a trick here. Had to be. “You want me to help you?”
    “Sure. I mean, I’ll pay you. Fifty bucks fair?”
    Hunter almost choked on air. Fifty bucks? That would probably carry him into the weekend. If Michael wanted him to cut grass by pulling up individual strands, he’d do it.
    But then he remembered Casper. “My dog is in the car.”
    Michael slid the credit card back into his wallet. “Bring him. As long as he doesn’t dig up the landscaping, he won’t bother me. Meet me at the truck.”

C HAPTER 8
    M ichael made for quiet company. Aside from giving Hunter a ball cap with their company logo on it and saying, “This way you’ll look official,” he didn’t say anything. Hunter curled the hat in his hands and wondered if this was a mistake—but they were already driving, and he’d feel like an idiot backing out now. The truck windows were down, air streaming through the cab. Casper sat in the backseat but hung his head over Hunter’s shoulder to let the air blow his ears.
    Hunter’s cell phone was in his pocket. No new messages.
    “I don’t have any idea how to build a retaining wall,” he finally said.
    “Then you’d better get out of the truck right now.”
    Hunter figured he was kidding, but Michael’s voice was so flat he wasn’t sure.
    Michael glanced over. “Can you keep your mouth shut and do what I tell you?”
    “Yeah.”
    “Then you’re an expert at building retaining walls.” Michael hit the turn signal. They were pulling into a Wendy’s parking lot.