Wicked Garden Read Free Page A

job, one spent damn near in solitary confinement in Canada. Sure, he’d made more money in one year than in the last five, but his restlessness remained after the checks sat unspent in his bank account.
    After the stint in Calgary, he realized cash had to stop being the sole factor in his decision-making. He’d wrestled with the idea of tendering his resignation to the Chicago firm, amidst visions of a slower paced life, when he’d received the frantic call about Bob’s heart attack. Billy was using his vacation not only to help an old friend, but to make some tough decisions regarding his future.
    And his future looked endlessly bleak. On the outside it might seem he had it all—a high-rise condo, a high paying job in a prestigious company, but on the inside, he realized none of that surface stuff mattered.
    At thirty-two he was damn tired of being alone. Looking again at the happy pictures in Jim’s office, Billy recognized not only did his sleek black, white and chrome office in Chicago seem drab in comparison, his life was pretty colorless too.
    “You okay?” Jim asked.
    “Fine. I’ll keep you updated. Speaking of updates…how is Bob?”
    “Better. Mostly he’s scared. Betty says he might finally consider partial retirement.” Jim’s black eyebrows pulled together. “I don’t even want to think about that.”
    “He’s what? Sixty-seven? Didn’t you consider the possibility he might not want to work forever?”
    “Things’ve been so hectic we haven’t had time to consider another partner. And now Bob’s heart attack put us even further behind.”
    “What else can I do? I’m here, you’re paying me.”
    Jim gestured to the stack of folders on the corner of the desk. “Take your pick. Pretty simple projects, especially for a big city hotshot like you,” he grinned, “but I’d appreciate you takin’ a look.”
    “I’ll get to it right away.”
    “Oh, and I’m givin’ you a heads up my brother Jon’ll be around the condo sometime in the next couple of days. He’s between tour dates.”
    Tour dates? Billy frowned before he remembered Jim’s brother played in an up-and-coming rock band, which mixed traditional Lakota Sioux Indian folk music with ear-splitting electric guitar and drums.
    “Maybe you oughta take him along next time you talk to Eden.”
    “Why? Think Jon can work some musical Indian magic on her?”
    “He’s been tryin’. Hell, he’s succeeded. Eden goes out with him whenever he’s in town.” Jim sighed. “I keep hopin’ my little bro’ will wise up, marry her and settle down, because she is perfect for him. But they’re both just satisfied with hookin’ up.”
    Hooking up . A surge of jealousy rolled through him. “With the hordes of gorgeous female fans throwing themselves at Jon on a nightly basis? I don’t see the Indian rock star settling down, even with a woman as enticing as Eden.”
    “Enticing?” Jim repeated.
    The secretary buzzing Jim’s intercom allowed Billy an easy out. He snagged the folders and left before he said something else he’d regret.

Chapter Three
    Eden greeted her charges by name during the influx of after-school kids. The hallways teemed as they raced to the gym, a hotbed of basketball games, tumbling and jump rope classes. Her grin was as wide as theirs. This was her favorite part of the day.
    She ditched her heels and played a quick round of Double Dutch, then headed to the kitchen to help serve snacks. After checking on the latest arts and craft project, she verified the volunteer list for the homework help room. Tempting to blow off her remaining paperwork and immerse herself in the enthusiasm bouncing off the walls, but part of her job was to teach responsibility and shirking hers wouldn’t set a good example.
    In her office, Eden immediately spied the young Sioux boy sprawled in the chair across from her desk. She risked an indulgent smile. “Thomas!”
    “What do you want done today? ’Cause they’re lettin’ me play