Havenwood by Katherine Belle

Author:Katherine Belle [Belle, Katherine]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Independent
Published: 2024-07-07T00:00:00+00:00

17

Tangled Webs

Finn

Iruffle through the stack of papers before me, calculating the numbers over and over and over again as if that will magically prompt them to change. The city budget has dropped 10% since last quarter, and Havenwood is mere margins away from going under financially.

I cast my fatigued gaze past the budget and to my desk before me, where my calendar stares back. Another stark reminder that I’m running out of time, only 30 days until Halloween. I only have 30 days to find a solution, 30 days to save my home and all the amazing people in it. 30 days and I let Havenwood, and my parents, down. Admittedly, my encounter with Courtney in the bookshop earlier today helped to relieve some of the stress that had built up within me. But finally confirming her feelings for me is only a topical solution to a much deeper issue. If I lose Havenwood then I’ll have ruined my chances with Courtney for nothing, I can’t lose them both.

An incessant buzzing in my pocket clears the fog of somber thoughts long enough for me to retrieve my cell phone from my jacket pocket. I answer the call without bothering to check the caller ID.

“Hello.” I bark with more grit in my voice than expected. I’ve never been good at hiding my emotions but they become nearly impossible to disguise under strenuous circumstances.

“Hello, sunshine.” Milo chirps. He’s in one of his overly bright moods, the kind where he can convince you that the world is made up of rainbows and cotton candy. The kind of mood that I most certainly am not in.

“Yes, Milo?” I love my brother but I don’t have time for his cheery disposition when I can actively feel the weight of Havenwood crushing my vertebrae.

“Lighten up, would you? I have good news.” I readjust in my chair, the promise of good news perking up my ears. “I explained our situation to the state this morning and they said that Martha’s remains are practically ours, so long as we can get a determinate DNA match between her and Courtney by the due date.”

My hand flies to my goatee, my fingers anxiously rubbing at the dark hair on my chin. Milo doesn’t verbalize what comes next but he doesn’t have to, I know I will have to be the one to convince Courtney to take this DNA test. The security and stability of Havenwood is dangling right in front of me, packaged within a tanned brunette goddess who wears adorable fuzzy pajamas.

“This is the part where you celebrate.” Milo reminds me, some of his initial excitement having already dwindled at my reaction or lack thereof.

“Great news. Thanks, Milo.” I keep my voice flat, hoping my brother won’t pick up on my grim nature.

“Finn,” Milo’s voice softens on the other end of the line, proving my acting skills need major improvements. “This is a huge step; if we can get solid proof that she’s an ancestor and has the right to sign those remains over to us, Salem won’t be able to do a damn thing about it.

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