Free Hope (The Virtues #1) by Davida Lynn Page B

me that you’ll be safe.” I knew it was lip service. So did he, but I needed to hear something, anything.

    Trask wasn’t a sentimentalist. “I’m not going to lie to you. Your brother is safe. I'm not.”

    A lump formed in my throat, and I nodded and turned away before he could see my face. I sniffled and started to walk to Mrs. Halburn’s, Casper limping along with me.

    I looked back a few times, but Trask had gone back inside already. Fear gripped me. I knew he was ripped and military trained, but a feeling came over me that I might never see him again.

    When I walked around the corner, Mrs. Halburn was waiting for me on her porch. She smiled at me.

    “Casper!” She began her long process of standing again as the golden retriever limped ahead of me. The two met and he sat down in front of her. Mrs. Halburn bent over as far as she could to pet the old guy. His tail made its way back and forth as he licked her hand.

    “Mrs. Halburn, would you mind if we sat with you for a bit?” I tried to cover up the emotion in my voice, but she always knew.

    “Of course, dear. You want to tell me what’s wrong?” There was a knowing look in Mrs. Halburn’s eyes, and I nodded. She opened the door, and Casper and I followed her inside.

    ***

    I sat on the same couch as I had when I was growing up. It was probably vintage back then, but now it was yellowing, and most of the flowers embroidered into the upholstery were wearing through.

    The old lady handed me a cup of coffee and sat down beside me. Casper was laying next to my feet, licking at the Band-Aid on his paw.

    I smiled and took a sip of the strong brew. “Thank you.” I reached down to find the magic spot behind the dog’s ears to distract him from his injury.

    She nodded. “I know you’ve got something on your mind. Why don’t you let it out? You always talked to me growing up.”

    I couldn’t even remember how many times I’d cried on Mrs. Halburn’s lap about being made fun of at school, or a fight my parents were having. She was the grandmother I never had, and she always knew how to make everything okay.

    “I think this might be a bit heavy for you, but my brother owes some people a ton of money.” I hung my head, but felt her reassuring hand on my back.

    “Only God judges, dear. You tell me everything.” I looked up into her smiling face. Looking past her, I had a clear view of our trailer, and I let out a sigh. Might as well.

    I didn't really know where to start. “Nick called me and sounded really scared, so I came down from school yesterday to check on him...”

    I went on from there, telling her that Trask and the club was our only hope, and now he was going to try to get Nick’s debt wiped clean. Mrs. Halburn listened, smiling at the right times, and gasping and saying “oh my goodness” when it was needed.

    I felt such relief to get it all off my shoulders. After I told the story, Casper was on his side, snoozing, and Mrs. Halburn was almost in tears.

    I set the coffee mug down. “What’s wrong?”

    “Nothing.” She waved her hand at me, brushing it off. “It’s just you two. You’re meant to be.”

    I hadn’t really mentioned my past with Trask in the story, so I was a taken aback. “Huh?”

    Mrs. Halburn closed her eyes, “Listen, dear. I’ve seen a lot of people come and go, and I ain’t never seen eyes like he has for you. He’s protective, proud, and scared all wrapped up in one. That tells me one thing.”

    “What’s that?”

    “For a doctor, you’re pretty stupid, Hope Cantwell. Why do you think Trask is sitting in that trailer waiting for some ruffians to come? That ain’t his problem. He made it his problem for you.”

    That hit me harder than the wind on the motorcycle. After ten years, Trask had volunteered to put himself in harm’s way for me. I was blown away by that, and Mrs. Halburn could tell.

    “Didn’t think about that, did you, dear?” Mrs. Halburn had that knowing look in her