Shaney nodded, biting hard on his bottom lip, hoping she didn’t probe further.
“I’m so glad to see Hudson getting some help. That boy works too hard, and he never charges me. I end up paying him in baked goods. I have a plate of chocolate chip cookies all ready for you both.”
Shaney’s mouth watered at the thought of homemade cookies. “I’m glad to help,” Shaney said.
Her face darkened. “I’ve worried so about that boy after what happened to his grandfather. Just about tore Hudson apart.”
An image of the stoic Hudson ‘torn apart’ had Shane yearning to hold him. “Hudson said he died.”
She nodded, watching the door to the bathroom. “About five years ago. They were very close. His grandfather might have been an eccentric old man, but to die like that.” She waved her wrinkled hand.
“What happened?”
“He was electrocuted.”
Chapter Ten
Shaney watched as Hudson assembled materials needed for the jobs on tomorrow’s schedule. Once again, the schedule was full. Hudson scanned his list of appointments and then pulled boards and other supplies he’d need, piling them near the door. The front of the barn was orderly with items stacked separately.
Shaney stayed out of the way and pondered Mrs. Winters’ revelation. Hudson’s grandfather? Electrocuted. What had seemed to be a touching moment of concern from Hudson while Shaney had lain on the cold, hard ground at the cabin hadn’t been concern at all. Hudson had probably been reliving one of the scariest events of his life. And wasn’t Shaney a grade-A ass for resenting that he hadn’t been foremost in Hudson’s mind?
Hudson scooped up three 2x4s and threw them over his shoulder. Shaney’s tongue darted out over his lower lip at the luscious play of muscles beneath the black T-shirt and that sweet ass. Balls. He was gaping again, and the lascivious thoughts rushed blood to his dick.
Shaney spun around to cool off and wandered toward the back of the barn where—unlike the orderly front—items were stacked haphazardly. Cobwebs and a thick layer of dust, covered most of the surfaces. Old sinks, a toilet, discarded furniture, ancient power tools, and other forgotten items filled the space. At the back of the barn, Shaney found an old staircase leading to a second floor. The treads of the stairs were cracked and some were partially missing. The dust on the stairs looked largely undisturbed. Was there a stash of old, forgotten, valuable stuff up there? Shaney had seen those TV shows where people searched old barns for stuff to sell.
A floorboard creaked behind him.
“What do you think you’re doing?” Hudson asked his tone on the threatening side.
Shaney stepped back away from the stairs. “Nothing. Just looking around.” Snooping.
Hudson narrowed his eyes, glanced up the stairs warily, then said. “It’s not safe up there. Floor’s rotted. Stay away from it.”
Hudson stepped back and gestured for Shaney to return to the front of the barn. Shaney complied, wondering what Hudson’s caginess had meant.
When they exited the barn, Shaney spotted Todd hurrying toward them. The pinched, agitated look on his face and hunch of his shoulder worried Shaney. Maybe ignoring Todd hadn’t been a good idea.
“I’ve been trying to call you all day. Why didn’t you pick up?” Todd grabbed Shaney’s forearms, his fingers biting into his muscles.
“He was working,” Hudson snarled and stepped up next to Shaney. He had a sneer on his face, and his eyes focused on where Todd touched Shaney.
Todd ignored Hudson. His unwavering, brown eyes stared hard at Shaney for an answer. Shaney sighed. “What he said.” Shaney gestured his head toward Hudson.
“I need you to come with me. Now. I have to talk to you about something really important,” Todd said in a rapid, unsettled tone. Something was clearly freaking him out.
“Why should he go anywhere with you?” Hudson asked disdainfully.
Fury boiled in Todd’s eyes as they snapped toward Hudson. “This has nothing to do with you, so back the fuck off!” That fury and wildness in Todd’s eyes scared Shaney.
Hudson visibly bristled next to Shaney, but Shaney remained focused on Todd.
“Todd, is everything okay?”
“Please, Shaney. I really need to talk to you.” The anguished looked tore at Shaney’s gut.
“Okay. Head to the car and I’ll be right there,” Shaney assured him with an unfamiliar disquiet. Todd continued to clutch Shaney’s arms, as if afraid to let go. Shaney smiled weakly and nodded his encouragement. After a moment of hesitation, Todd released his arms and, with a hesitant turn, walked toward the front of this house. Shaney watched for a few seconds and then turned to Hudson. The scowl on the large man’s face relaxed as his attention turned from Todd to Shaney.