Weathering the Storm. Morgan Q O'Reilly

then reached for my phone again. I’d forgotten to make notes on him. So far it had proven to be the most reliable method for keeping track of new information. People were more than happy to pick up where they’d left off so I could eat.

      After entering the numbers and names to go with the faces, I needed a break. “Back in a minute.” The escape gave me a chance to sort all the new data into the mental memory banks. But there was something I’d missed. I had that feeling. With a glance over my shoulder, I made sure Karl was looking the other direction, then altered my trajectory toward the rack of party pig beer holders. A helpful, if tipsy, soul filled a cup for me and I gulped half of it down before turning back to the table. Cold and slightly fizzy, it tasted damn good. Like something I’d once had on a hot afternoon. Beer, wine, and any other form of alcohol, had been on the doctors’ not approved list and I hadn’t had a sip, not one, since the fall.

      Back at the table, I saw the smiling Irishman again and remembered. I’d taken his picture, but hadn’t input any information on him. At Karl’s raised brow, I tipped my cup so he could see the level of liquid barely reached the half way mark. What he didn’t know… Dammit, I was an adult.

      While conversation flowed, I pecked at the tiny optical keyboard on the screen of my phone. Aiden Seanessy, I typed next to his photo. I hadn’t asked for his phone number, so I made a note he worked for Bill, and a few other tidbits I recalled. He was from Montana, and built homes. Construction worker. Or was he a general contractor? Did it matter? I rubbed my eyes, sipped my beer and let the gentle mellowness ease over me as I typed in my notes using the shorthand I’d often used in the lab.

      About the time I finished, Karl nudged my arm. “Our day starts at oh-dark-thirty. The crew needs a good hearty breakfast to get them through the day. If you’re cooking, you need some sleep.”

      “Oh-kay.” I glanced up at the sky and then down at my phone. Nearly eleven, and it felt like Colorado nine o’clock. Yeah, getting used to the long daylight again would take a bit of time. Good thing I could sleep in the light, even though Karl had assured me the light blocking blinds in my little room under the kitchen worked just fine. And I was tired. Lord, I was tired. And maybe a tad tipsy. Perhaps that second beer hadn’t been a great idea after all, but it had tasted so good.

      Getting up from the table, I stumbled a little.

      Karl grabbed my arm. “Tell me you’re not drunk.”

      “I’m not drunk. A bit jet lagged, a little tired, long day. You know. But I’m not drunk.”

      He gave me a long look. “Yeah, okay. I keep forgetting you just flew in today. That, and your body clock needs adjusting. All the more reason to get home and get some sleep.”

      “Damn.”

      I turned to look over my shoulder. Aiden stood close.

      “I was hoping to dance with her now that the music is mellowing out.”

      “I could dance,” I said and turned his direction.

      “Zettie, that’s not a great idea. I made a promise and I’m not going to break it the first night you’re here.”

      I looked back at Karl and frowned. “What promise?”

      “Your folks, remember? I’m your surrogate father while you’re here and I wouldn’t be doing my duty if I just handed you over to some guy none of us know.” He shrugged at Aiden. “Sorry, but you’re a stranger here.”

      Bill stepped in with a hand on Aiden’s shoulder. “He’s staying in the trailer at my place. You’ve got my number if it gets too late.”

      Aiden nodded. “I’ll get her home safe. I don’t want to get a reputation for being an asshole the first week I’m in town. My da raised me better than that.”

      Karl gave him a long stare, sizing him up. They were about equal in height, but Aiden had muscle mass on him. “See that you keep her safe. One mark on her…”

      “And I’ll expect you to kick my ass. Probably right after Bill does it.” Aiden held out his hand and Karl reluctantly shook it in return.

      Wow. No one, in my entire life, had ever faced such wrath from my male relatives. No one had gone caveman over me like that. That I remembered. It’s possible Dad had taken on a teacher, principal, doctor or hospital administrator or two over the course of my life. I’d never heard any tales, but it was possible.

      Karl took the plastic cup from my hand. “Stick your phone in your pouch so you don’t lose it. But yeah, okay, I guess. I’m counting on you, Shaughnessy.”

      “My pleasure.” He agreed readily enough, but sent Karl a questioning look all the same. “Your place is back behind the Fairview?”