Free Icebreaker by Deirdre Martin Page B

the foot of the bed, thankful the room had Wi-Fi. She’d be able to keep on top of her e-mail messages and look over the notes she’d gathered for Adam’s case. She decided she’d order room service and make an early night of it. She wanted to be well rested when she talked to Rick Perry in the morning.

    Sinead’s rental car crawled along Eighth Street SW in “downtown” Claresholm, looking for the small, pale blue ranch where Adam’s brother lived with his wife and two kids. She’d been so certain last night that she’d sleep well because she was so exhausted. Instead, she spent a good portion of the night awake, worrying about her conversation with Rick. What if she’d come up here for nothing?
    The house was smaller than she expected, with a mud-splashed pickup truck parked in the drive. Sinead had been careful to dress well but not too well. Too business-like, and they might be intimidated; too casual, and they wouldn’t take her seriously as a professional.
    She got out of the car, and immediately a dog started barking inside the house. The dog was shushed, and the front door opened. Standing there was a man who resembled Adam, if Adam let himself go: slightly overweight, but big and solid. A little boy and girl peeked out from behind him impishly. Sinead smiled, and they disappeared back into the house, giggling.
    “You must be Sinead,” the man said, his Canadian accent slightly thicker than Adam’s. He extended his hand. “I’m Rick.”
    “Nice to meet you,” said Sinead. “I really appreciate your talking to me today.”
    “Adam’s not too thrilled about it, but I want to make sure he gets a fair deal.”
    “Exactly.”
    Sinead was ushered into the living room. It was small but neat, end tables littered with family pictures, a worn, green leather couch opposite a big-screen TV. The boy and girl came sliding back into the room on the wooden floor.
    “This is Dylan and Carrie,” said Rick.
    “Hi,” Sinead said, friendly.
    “Hi!” Dylan replied, running off to join his sister, who’d already slid away.
    “They’re sweet,” said Sinead. “How old are they?”
    “Four and six. Adam’s godfather to both of them.”
    “That’s nice.”
    Rick looked uncomfortable as he stuck his hands in the back pockets of his faded jeans. “Uh, can I get you anything? Coffee? Tea?”
    “Coffee would be great.”
    Rick gestured at the couch. “Sit down. I’ll be back in a minute.” He started to leave, then turned back. “D’you mind if my wife sits in with us?”
    “No, that would be great. Anything she can contribute would be helpful.”
    Rick nodded and continued on to the kitchen. A second later, Carrie’s head popped out from around the corner. Sinead winked at her. “Hi, Carrie.”
    The small blonde girl entered the room shyly. “Daddy says you’re here to talk about Uncle Adam.”
    “That’s right.”
    “Are you his girlfriend?”
    Sinead flushed. “No. Just a friend.”
    “Wanna see me pirouette?”
    “That would be great,” Sinead enthused, trying to ignore the small ache spreading through her chest. I want a child. I want a little girl who peeks out from around corners and pirouettes .
    “Ta-da!” Carrie said with a bow when she was finished.
    Sinead clapped enthusiastically. “That was terrific!”
    “I know. I’m really good.”
    With that she darted away.
    Sinead went back to her computer, reviewing her questions for Rick. He returned holding two mugs of coffee, accompanied by a tall, svelte, tired-looking blonde.
    “Hi, I’m Susie,” she said with a friendly smile.
    “Sinead.”
    Rick handed Sinead her mug. “Hope the coffee’s okay. I know you must be used to Starbucks.”
    “Rick,” Susie admonished under her breath.
    Sinead took a sip of the coffee. “It’s very nice.”
    Rick sat down on the couch while Susie settled in the leather recliner opposite. Once again Sinead was struck by how strong Rick’s resemblance was to Adam.
    “How was your