Read Online Let It Go by Dixie Lynn Dwyer - Free Book Online Page A

to be who we want them to be, or to be perfect. You know we’re both guilty of it.”
    Brooklyn felt that instant pain in her chest. She sure was guilty of it. To the point that she trusted Kevin with everything and it had nearly cost her life. She never wanted to feel that way again. She glanced at Antonia, who looked tired and depressed.
    “Can you drop me off at the house? I’ve got a headache and I don’t think I’m up to visiting the restaurant just yet.”
    “Are you sure?” she asked her, but she knew why. Antonia was embarrassed about the bruises and about people, strangers, knowing her business. She could understand that. It was one of the reasons why she would never share what happened to her. Brooklyn would be embarrassed, too. She’d learned a lot on the battlefield of life so far. Never show weakness and vulnerability, because the enemy could be in disguise.
     
    * * * *
     
    Aero walked into the Filling Station along with Jesse Cortland. Jesse and his brother Milton owned and operated a security system company after working for the government for years. Jesse’s brother, Jack, was a police officer with Zeke, and his other brother was Nevin, one of the town physicians.
    “I don’t get to hang out too often, so this is great that I can finally see the place,” Jesse said to Aero as they made their way through the bar area. It wasn’t too crowded and appeared that the lunch crowd was thinning out.
    “Well, remember what I said about Brooklyn. She doesn’t accept help or advice too easily and she is looking to get some bids from other security companies and construction companies,” Aero told him.
    “Like who? We do most of the surrounding area.”
    Aero smiled. “I haven’t a clue.”
    “Wow, who is that?” Jesse asked and looked straight at the bar. A blonde was standing there talking to Ledger. Aero knew that Ledger had been working here for a long time. In fact, he had heard from the Chief that Brooklyn hired him on the spot when he was down and out with no job or income. He was an amputee, too.
    They walked over as Ledger saw them and gave a wave. The blonde turned around and her eyes landed on Aero and then Jesse. Jesse smiled.
    “Hey, Ledger, how are you, man?” Jesse reached out to shake his hand and then Aero did the same thing.
    “I’m good. What are you guys doing here?” Ledger asked.
    “We came to see Brooklyn and talk about security and things for the new construction,” Aero told him.
    “Oh, she did mention something about that. I think she’s in the office trying to put in the deadbolt,” the blonde told them.
    “I’m Jesse,” Jesse said to her and reached his hand out to shake hers.
    “Carina, meet Jesse Cortland,” Ledger introduced them.
    “Nice to meet you,” she said and then Aero looked toward the hallway.
    “I’ll go see if Brooklyn is ready to meet you guys.”
    “I can go. You stay here and I’ll see if she needs help with that lock,” Aero said. Jesse was just staring at Carina.
    “I’ll wait here with Ledger and Carina and they can tell me more about this place,” Jesse said and winked. Aero chuckled.
    “Good luck, she’s not in a great mood,” Ledger told him and Aero wondered what had her so upset. He headed toward the hallway and saw Brooklyn squatting down on the floor. Her jeans were tight and hanging low on her hips.
    “Need any help?” he asked as he approached.
    “I almost have it. I’ll be with you in a minute,” she said and then gasped and dropped the screwdriver.
    “Son of a bitch, for crying out loud! God damn it to hell,” she exclaimed and held her hand against her chest and paced inside of her office.
    “Are you okay? Let me see.”
    “No, no, it’s fine,” she said and clenched her teeth and held her hand against her chest.
    “Let me see,” he said to her again and took her arm and tried to make her release her hand to show him the damage. He saw the blood and his eyes widened.
    “Shit,” he said.
    “I’m