Free Be Mine by Justine Wittich Page A

Our lady inspector went along for the ride.”
    His voice was again deceptively soft, and Sabina realized Chad hadn’t forgiven anyone involved with the afternoon’s adventure. She plunged in. “Chad doesn’t think a woman should drive a loader. He wouldn’t even look at my operating licenses.”
     Her imagination caught, Clara’s mouth pursed thoughtfully before she turned to her nephew. “If Sabina knows how, what’s wrong with Erica learnin’? The business buys her bread and butter, don’t it?”
    * * * *
    Chad wouldn’t back down. “It would also pay for her funeral if she were killed. She had no business out there today.” How could he explain his concern without sounding like a complete fool? He said to Sabina, “Before you run any of our stuff I want to check you out. Sometimes those permits are issued too quickly.”
    “I’m sure the mining company I worked for in Colorado would appreciate your skepticism, Chad. The two years I worked there I operated everything they had.”
    Chad grinned, then answered, “I like to think of myself as properly cautious. My sister Eden is a structural engineer, in case you’re interested. We’ve had these little discussions several times.” His mouth tightened. “It frightens me to think of her dancing along bare girders with only a hard hat for protection. If I pretend she’s a librarian I sleep better.”
    Now it was Jonas’s turn to grin. “Yer just gettin’ fearful in your old age, Chad. Y’need a wife and family to give ya somethin’ to reelly worry about.”
    Chad made the expected rude response, then centered his attention on the rack of spare ribs on his plate.
    “That’s funny. My brother is a librarian,” Sabina interjected quickly. “I bought him a hard hat for protection from falling books while he superintends his library’s move into a new building. Some of the volunteers are overenthusiastic.”
    The front door slammed. Clara rose as if on strings. “There’s Daniel. His dinner’s warm in the kitchen.”
    As she bustled out, Daniel bounded in from the hall. His hair was damp from his shower; his fair skin glowed with health. Sabina was struck again by the twins’ blond good looks.
    “Terrible practice. Terrible !” he complained cheerfully as he fell into the chair at her side.
    Chad eyed him skeptically. “Should I change my bet on tomorrow night’s game?”
    Daniel reassured his cousin. “Every time we have a lousy practice before a big game we win going away. Coach really tore a strip off us before we left.”
    “When ya’ leavin’ tomorrow?” Jonas asked.
    “Right after first period. Coach wants us on campus for a short practice to get used to the floor, and then an early meal. Playing the 7:00 game is the pits.” Daniel eyed the heaped plate Clara set in front of him. “Thanks, Gran. This is my favorite.”
    “Just so’s you play good tomorrow night.” She watched each bite he took, as if assuring herself of his nourishment.
    Mystified, Sabina watched Daniel attack his food. Finally, she asked, “Is this a special game?”
    “The regional basketball finals in Athens. Sunday’s winner will be one of the final eight teams in the state. The town will be empty tomorrow night.” Chad explained.
    “Then I’ll leave early so I won’t delay you. I’m nearly finished, anyway.” The idea of leaving this warm family circle made Sabina feel bereft. She wished she could help Erica before she left. How could Chad be such a hardcore chauvinist?
    She needed distance. Sitting across the table from Chad put stress on her nervous system. He looked as if he could read her mind as he said, “You’re welcome to stay over and go with us if you like. I’m sure I could turn up another ticket.”
    The invitation stole her appetite. When everyone at the table seconded the offer she felt even worse. “I really have to get back. I have a . . . a Saturday dentist appointment.”
    Chad threw her a skeptical look, but commented,