Chapter 29

Dawson

It was barelyafter four o'clock when I pulled up to my brother's house.

I hadn't heard anything in a couple days, and figured if I dropped by I'd know if he was home or not, and if he was, I could at least see if there was anything he needed.

Big brother habits and all.

My brother was loading his truck up.

"Headed out of town to see the misses?" I quipped as I came up to him.

"Yeah, well, it's not like I'm needed any time soon, considering that adjuster just did a re-eval of everything all over again."

"What?" I asked, confused.

Re-eval?

Nolan hadn't said anything about the claim needing to be re-evaluated.

"Yeah, apparently there was an issue, and we had to fucking start all over again. I'm just ready for my shit to be replaced, you know. Feel like these insurance assholes are just dicking me around."

My jaw tensed immediately. I wanted to believe Nolan when he said he'd make sure things were good, but it sounded like they were in fact, not good. Not at all.

Damn it!

Why didn't he say something?

I told him to keep me in the fucking loop!

I fought to keep my facial expression normal. After all, I didn't want to give my brother any more reason for alarm. I'd get to the bottom of this, and I'd take care of it.

My brother was going to get his money. I would make sure of it.

"Yeah, I know what you mean. So, uh... how long you going to be out?" I asked nonchalantly, even though my teeth ached to grind.

"Couple days. Cara has a couple days off work, so we might do a little trip up to the campground," he said with a shrug. "Get my mind off all this stupid shit, you know?"

I nodded. "Probably a good idea, I'll call you if I hear something," I said as I tapped the hood of his truck with my hand, smiling friendly enough that I hoped he bought my display.

My brother smiled in return. "Sounds good."

When I got to my car, I immediately dialed Nolan. I tried to keep my panic in check, but it was no use. Once he picked up, I snapped.

"Dawson, hey..."

"Why didn't you tell me about the re-eval?" I asked, cutting to the chase.

Immediately, Nolan turned defensive.

"What? How the hell do you know—"

"He's my brother, Nolan. It's my job to know what's going on with his life, especially when it concerns his financial stability and job."

Nolan huffed. "I told you I would take care of it, and I'm—"

"Doesn't look like you're doing a very good job," I snarled.

Nolan actually sounded a little hurt, but he snapped back, "Maybe I could do a better job if I was focused on the task at hand and not being bitched at about every move I make! I don't come to your job and tell you how to fight fires, Dawson. So don't sit there and act like you know one thing about what I fucking do!"

Oh the attitude on this one grinds my fucking gears.

"Why wouldn't you tell me? He's my brother!" I said, feeling panic racing through my veins.

"Maybe because I didn't want to stress you out, like you clearly are now," Nolan grated, his voice full of disdain and snark.

"Since when do you get to make decisions for me, huh? This is... is my life and I am the one in charge here, not you!" I spat, the words coming of their own volition.

"Whatever, Dawson. I'm not doing this with you right now. I have a job to do," he nipped, hanging up on me, which only served to piss me off further. I threw the phone on the passenger seat, cursing aloud in my truck.

Fuck!

The phone buzzed immediately, and I half expected it to be Nolan, but it wasn't.

It was Cade.

Just got a table, how close are you?

I closed my eyes, sighing as I remembered I had forgotten about the plans I'd made yesterday with Cade, due to the fire last night, and my morning spent under Nolan's damn spell. I tapped out my text quickly.

Be there in 10.

I only hoped maybe a good basket of cheese fries would soak up all the anger and frustration I was feeling at the moment.