Rocky Mountain Bride (Roberts of Silver Springs Book 4)

by Nadia S. Lee

  “No problem.” She hung up. “Ms. Biden, Sam’s on a call at the moment. Is there anything I can get for you? Tea or coffee? Maybe some pastries?” Emma had dropped off a few after lunch.

  “Call me Nelly, and it’s okay.” She sniffled. “I can’t eat. It’s just so upsetting, you know?”

  “I’m sure.”

  “How could they take money from my mother and now say it was all for nothing?” Tears beaded in her eyes.

  Lina plucked a few tissues and squatted in front of the client, her knees together. “Here.”

  “I mean, if there’s something wrong with the terms or whatever my mom signed, they should’ve told her or taken responsibility. They’re the ones with fancy lawyers, not my mom. But no, they took her money for over thirty years! Thirty! She worked so hard to provide for us, and now that she’s passed away, her policy is worthless, they say. I tried talking to them, make them see how unreasonable they’re being, but their lawyers told me I should be grateful I’m getting something, and the offer is final! Two thousand dollars is all they’re paying out. Who does that?”

  Lina flushed in outrage, although she tried to control her temper. She wished she could tell the woman Sam would crush those horrible vultures, but she didn’t want to make any promises on his behalf. She’d seen how morality had very little to do with what was legal. “That’s terrible. I’m sorry to hear that.”

  “I shouldn’t have to deal with this after losing my mom. She bought the policy for me, but I was really planning to use it for my daughter. She has a lot of special needs.”

  Lina nodded again.

  “You can’t trust big companies. They simply aren’t human, even if they have a nice-sounding name and a fancy logo.”

  “Which company is it?”

  “East Rock.”

  “Excuse me?” Lina asked. “Did you say East Rock?”

  “Yes. And they’re carrion feeders, the whole lot of them.”

  Lina’s heart sank.

  “They think I’m going to give up because I’m some stupid hick from a small town. I’ll show them.”

  Swallowing, Lina forced a sympathetic smile. Just then Sam came out to greet Nelly, and the two of them disappeared into his office together for the first consultation.

  Lina slowly rose to her feet, her knees shaky. East Rock was a new client her father had scored a year earlier. She’d heard him brag about it at Thanksgiving. “It’s a big insurance company with lots of billable work. Should keep the associates busy.” And it didn’t hurt that his compensation would rise as the partner who’d brought in such a lucrative client.

  Had her father known his client did things like this? Or worse, had one of his Harvard Law-trained associates bullied that poor woman when she’d just lost her mother?

  Had Sam had to do that sort of thing, too?

  Lina sat down and stared at the coffee. She’d assumed he’d left because he’d gotten tired of Manhattan, or maybe because he’d burnt out. A lot of attorneys did that, and there was no shame in it. Some took a break before coming back; some went into another field altogether. But maybe Sam wasn’t taking a break. Maybe he was really done.

  Half an hour later, Nelly left, her shoulders still sloped downward.

  Lina went to Sam’s office. “Can I talk to you for a moment?”

  “Sure.” He looked up from his computer.

  She closed the door first before taking a seat. “Can she win? Nelly, I mean.”

  “I’m going to draft a letter, and see how it goes.”

  “They aren’t going to pay her, are they?”

  “Not much. Not without a fight.”

  “She doesn’t want to fight?”

  “Oh, she’s willing. It’s just the money. It’s really expensive to contest something like this.” Sam frowned.

  “Not if you pool the victims together. If the company’s doing it to her, they may be doing it to others.”

  “A class action lawsuit?”

  “Why not?”

  “Do you know how much it costs to fund one of those, especially against a big insurance company?”

  “But isn’t that why you left? You didn’t want to be part of a team that bullied ordinary people?”

  “Lina—”

  “I’m not a child, Sam. And I’m not completely oblivious. I know East Rock is a Pearce Vogel Lott client.”

  Sam blew out a breath. “Yes, that’s why I left. I got tired of being used as a hammer by big, rich corporations. But your father’s firm also does pro bono work.”

  His defense of her father melted her because it was sweet of him to bring up, to make sure she wasn’t totally disillusioned and hurt by her family. “Thank you for that, but I can accept the truth. If the work had been more rewarding than soul-destroying, you would’ve stayed.”

  He said nothing.

  “And I finally, really get why you left and why you’ll never go back. Honestly? I don’t want you to. As a matter of fact, I’ll be disappointed if you do.”

  A big grin lit his face, and he came around the desk and wrapped his arms around her. “Thank you.”

  “For what?”

  “For being amazing. Every day you do and say things that just…” He slanted his mouth over hers. Her fingers twisted against his starched shirt.

  A loud knock on the door startled both of them.

  “Don’t forget we need to talk about the Lexingtons’ estate situation,” came Steve’s voice from the other side of the door.

  “Got it, Dad!” Sam rested his forehead against Lina’s. “He really has rotten timing,” he whispered.

  She giggled quietly, wagging a finger. “No naughty stuff at work.” She sobered. “You sometimes make me forget myself.”

  “You never leave my mind.”

  She smiled. “That may be so, but I must leave your office.”

  “Let’s go out tonight. There’s a cool sports bar and restaurant that just opened. It also has a dance floor and live music…”

  “Sounds fun.” She rose to her toes and pressed a soft kiss on his cheek. “Now go do your lawyer magic.”

  Chapter Sixteen

  The place Sam had chosen surprised Lina. She’d assumed that it would be sort of…faux rustic, maybe, but the sports bar was actually new and modern, with sleek big screens mounted high, gleaming counters and lots of shiny chrome and brass. Mirrors all along the back of the bar made the place seem bigger than it really was.

  Lina spotted a lot of local people she’d met over the last few weeks, but also saw some unfamiliar faces. She now had a method of figuring out who was from around there and who wasn’t. The tourists had the vibe that said they were just there to have fun, nothing more, which was to be expected, while the locals had a kind of genuine camaraderie that was conducive to maintaining the community and their way of life.

  Sam snagged a couple of empty stools at the bar, since the tables were already packed. Theo Barnes, one of Roberts & Son’s clients, came out to pat Sam on the back and hug Lina. He had a friendly face with laugh lines that immediately put people at ease. He was dressed in a tidy, casual way, with a V-neck shirt and jeans and cowboy boots, very different from the scruffy look he’d had when he’d come by two weeks ago to discuss some supplier contract issues.

  “Thanks for coming by. Didn’t know if you could make it,” Theo said.

  “I’d never miss opening week.”

  “This is the opening week?” Lina said.

  Beaming, Theo nodded. “My pride and joy. It’s been my dream since forever to start a place where everyone can come and enjoy themselves.”

  “Wow. Congratulations.” Lina could see the place hopping, especially when there were big games, and when did America ever not have a major sports game to watch?

  “Thank you,” he said. “Couldn’t have done it without Sam and his dad’s help. The zoning law and all.”

  “Don’t sell yourself short.” Sam smiled. “None of what we did would’ve mattered if it weren’t for your visio
n.”

  “I gotta go say hello to the new arrivals. Holler if you need me for anything. And enjoy.”

  Theo took off to greet a knot of people coming in. Lina grinned, watching him go, then turned to Sam. “This is perfect. I’m glad you brought me here.”

  “Thought you’d enjoy it.”

  “I love this town…the sense of community. I can see why you left Manhattan for this. I didn’t understand at first.”

  He nodded, a small smile on his lips. “I know you didn’t.”

  She flushed, recalling her questions to him when he’d first bought her lunch at Books ’N Beans.

  “So! What are you in the mood for?” Sam asked.

  She perused the menu. “Since he should have an awesome opening night, I’ll go with a glass of dry Riesling and the appetizer platter.” It came with chicken tenders, fried shrimp, spicy buffalo wings and fries. “You?”

  “I’m driving, so absolutely no alcohol,” he said, flagging one of bartenders. “Dry Riesling and an appetizer platter for the lady, and sparkling water and baby back ribs for me.”

  Lina pouted. “Ribs sound so good.”

  “Play your cards right, and maybe I’ll share.”

  She laughed. “Trade you for some shrimp.”

  “Deal.”

  Their drinks showed up almost immediately, and despite the big crowd, the food came out pretty fast as well. Lina nodded with approval. “Great service.”

  “Theo’s been planning on owning his own restaurant for a long time, and I’d be surprised if he hasn’t got everything planned down to the last nail and rivet.”

  “Good for him. I love seeing people achieve their goals, although I imagine this is just the beginning of a lot of hard work.”

  “It is, but he won’t mind it. Not as long as he gets to live his dream.” Sam tilted his head. “What about you?”

  “What do you mean?”

  “A few weeks ago you said you hadn’t achieved anything. So I wanted to know if you still feel the same way…and if you’ve figured out what you want to do with your life.”

  She flushed, suddenly embarrassed. “I don’t feel the same way. I was going through a very rough patch—as you know—so I probably said some stuff I shouldn’t have. Besides, it wasn’t all wasted. Everything that happened has brought me here to you, and I certainly don’t regret that. Plus, I love the fact that I have new friends here.” She bit delicately into a shrimp. “And you know what? I haven’t thought even once about what I’ve failed to accomplish in the last few weeks. So all in all…” She looked around. “Maybe this place is good for me.”

  “I’m glad.”

  The bartender came by to make sure they were all right, and asked Lina if she wanted more wine. She declined and asked for some Coke.

  Just as she and Sam finished eating, the live music started. For a local band, they were surprisingly good. The first couple of songs were classic country music covers. Then they started playing something slow and romantic. She extended a hand. “Would you like to dance?”

  “Why, yes. I thought you’d never ask,” Sam said.

  She giggled as he took her hand and led her to the dance floor. A few couples were swaying to the music.

  She put her arms around him, and took the advantage of the moment to rest her head on his shoulder. She inhaled his scent—all woodsy and all Sam—enjoying this intimate moment. He was an expert dancer, leading her with practiced ease. You had to admire a man who knew how to move—

  “Mind if I cut in?” Slurred and slightly belligerent words cut through her sweet mood.

  She lifted her head and, before Sam could say anything, responded, “I really prefer to finish this dance with my boyfriend.” Hopefully the subtle emphasis would make the obnoxious man go away.

  “What’s the big deal?” The guy’s petulant tone reminded Lina of Jared, who couldn’t stand it when he didn’t immediately get everything he wanted.

  Taken aback, she pulled back and studied him. She’d never seen him before, and from his attitude that he didn’t care what other people thought, it was obvious he wasn’t a local. “The big deal is that you’re interrupting my dance with my boyfriend. Surely you can see that you’re not wanted.”

  The man’s face reddened. “Don’t you insult me, missy.”

  “There are other women you can dance with if that’s what you want. I’m not interested, and I won’t be dancing with you anytime tonight.”

  She realized she’d made a mistake as soon as the guy straightened his spine and jutted his jaw forward.

  Sam gently moved her around so that she was behind him. “You heard the lady.”

  “You let your girl talk like that to another man?”

  “I have no problem letting her shoot you if she wants. She isn’t interested, so go find someone who might be.”

  He sneered. “I heard some townies say that she’s your live-in girlfriend.” His beady gaze drifted to Lina for a second before swinging back to Sam. “Guess everybody knows how she’s paying her half the rent.”

  She gasped. Sam took a step forward, one fist clenched. “Apologize to the lady. Now.”

  “Why should I? It’s the truth, ain’t it?”

  Lina suddenly realized the place was silent. Not even the band was playing anymore. She could feel the weight of everyone’s eyes on her, each gaze like a sodden, stifling sheet, and her face heated. They must’ve heard that horrible man’s insult. The jerk also said that he’d heard about her and Sam’s living arrangement from some townspeople. Did they think badly of her too?

  “Jenny, get on the phone and get Wayne down here,” Theo said.

  “No need,” the sheriff himself called out as he walked in, the usual cowboy hat on his head. “Somebody saved you the trouble. Now what’s the matter here?”

  Theo pointed at the drunken man.

  “I didn’t do nothing.” The man gestured at Lina. “It’s her fault, thinking she’s all high and mighty.” Then he added a few slurs to go with the accusation.

  “Watch your language, fella.” Emma stepped forward, her hands on her hips. “You don’t talk to my friend that way.”

  “People like you aren’t welcome in this town.” That one from a man who Lina had seen twice at Roberts & Son.

  “This dinky little town ain’t nothing without folks like me coming here to spend money!” the jerk said, wiping his mouth with the back of one hand.

  “We were fine before you and we’ll be fine after you. We don’t need you or your pathetic little money,” Theo said. “In case it wasn’t clear, you aren’t welcome here anymore.”

  Enraged, the drunken guy threw a punch. From the way he swung wildly, it didn’t look like he had any specific target in mind. Sam easily stepped out of range, and the sheriff stepped in, backing the man up until he was bent over a table and snapping a pair of cuffs around his thick wrists. Wayne hauled the guy up and started marching him out. Charlie had been shooting pool and stepped into their way, purposely bumping into the man, their shoulders clashing roughly. The drunk snarled, and Charlie took a step back, one hand raised in conciliation.

  People clapped as they left.

  Lina put her hands to her flaming cheeks.

  “Are you all right?” Sam asked.

  She nodded numbly, although she didn’t feel all right. Not at all.

  A woman standing close put her hand on Lina’s shoulder. “Don’t let what that idiot said get to you.”

  “Yeah. People like him always think the most lurid stuff because that’s what he would do,” Jack said. “Jerk.”

  “We know you and Sam are good people. Don’t let him ruin your date.”

  “Come on! Let’s get some music going!”

  The band started playing again, this time a jaunty tune that Lina didn’t recognize. Probably an original. As fun as it sounded, Lina didn’t want to dance anymore.

  Sam put a soothing hand at the small of her back and led her back to their seats at the bar. “Don’t let him get y
ou down,” he murmured. “He’s not worth it.”

  “I know.”

  “Guess I missed the main act,” came a deep, gravelly voice from beside her.

  She turned to see Charlie. He took a stool next to her, then suddenly grinned at Sam. “Guess what I got?”

  “What?”

  He produced a well-worn brown leather wallet.

  Sam groaned. “I did not see that.”

  “What is it?” Lina asked.

  “Question is, whose is it? Answer—that snake’s.” Charlie opened it and pulled out a few plastic cards and ID. “Interesting. Think he has social media accounts?”

  “Come on,” Sam said.

  “Just one. He deserves it.”

  “Deserves what?” Lina asked.

  Sam sighed. “Charlie is a hacker.”

  “Cyber-security consultant,” Charlie corrected.

  “He wants to hack into the guy’s Facebook account or whatever and post something embarrassing.”

  Lina blinked, then looked at Charlie. “Can you do that?”

  “Sure can. It’s super easy.”

  “I’ve heard of people who can, but never met one.” She grinned. “This is fascinating.”

  Charlie flushed, then cleared his throat. “It’s no big deal.”

  “It totally is. But you probably shouldn’t. What if you get caught?”

  “I won’t.”

  “It’s illegal, though. Right? I don’t want you taking an unnecessary risk for me.”

  “Even if I want to?”

  “Yes.” She smiled to lessen the impact of her rejection. “Thanks for offering, but I’m sure the sheriff will put God’s fear into that man.”

  “All right, then.” Charlie signaled at the bartender and ordered dinner.

  Her hand in Sam’s, Lina looked around at the smiling faces of the bar-goers, all of whom seemed to genuinely be in her corner. She inhaled slowly. Just because the jerk had heard some people talk about her situation with Sam didn’t automatically mean they’d said anything negative. Like Jack had said, the drunk had probably jumped to the most lurid conclusion because he was that kind of person.

  This was her and Sam’s fun time together. She shouldn’t let anyone or anything ruin their date. All that mattered was the truth, and the truth was she adored Sam, and she wasn’t going to let some drunken fool get in the way of their happiness.