Page 25 of Something’s Brewing

Madison leaned forward, thinking. “Let me ask around. Quietly. I’ll start with some of the contractors in town to see if they’ve noticed a pattern.” And just like that, something shifted. Not just a sense of belonging, but a mission she hadn’t known she needed.

Chloe grinned. “Garrett’s going to love that.”

“He told me to attend this meeting,” Madison said, after sipping her water. “I’m just being thorough.”

As the meeting continued, Madison took notes, asked questions, and let herself enjoy the rhythm of collaboration. These women were strategists, doers, and protectors of a town they loved, and she was going to help them get to the bottom of this corruption.

When the meeting ended, Paige nudged Madison’s arm.

“Some of us usually head to the Eagle’s Nest on Thursday nights for a cocktail, or in my case,”—she placed a hand on her stomach—“a mocktail, and a little town gossip. Want to join us?”

Madison hesitated, then smiled. “Yeah. I’d like that.”

CHAPTER ELEVEN

Garrett stood behind the bar, wiping down the already-sparkling taps. The place was quiet. No customers. No music. Just the steady hum of the cooler.

Ryker had left an hour ago after finishing the keg-line install. Garrett had stayed behind, telling himself he was tying up loose ends, but really, he wasn’t ready to head home. Not yet.

The front door creaked open.

He straightened, ready to remind the visitor they weren’t open. But instead of a curious tourist, it was Nick—out of uniform, shoulders relaxed.

“Place looks good,” Nick said, taking it in with a slow nod. “Smells like fresh hops and stubborn ambition.”

Garrett smirked. “You get poetic when you’re avoiding paperwork.”

“Only when I know you’ve got cold beer in the back.” Nick closed the door behind him. “I met Madison.”

Garrett paused and gave him a look. “At City Hall?”

“Mm-hmm. Leaving from a visit with Morty. Looked like she’d just chewed through a tactical folder and hadn’t swallowed yet.”

Garrett smirked and set his rag down. “I sent her.”

Nick whistled low. “That’s one way to kick off a welcome tour.”

“She volunteered,” Garrett said, which was only mostly true. “It was about the inspection bill.”

“I heard. The infamous drive-by.”

Garrett grabbed two beers from the cooler and set one in front of Nick before opening his own can.

Nick picked up the other beer and popped the tab. His brother nodded in thanks.

“I’ve had three of those fines in six months,” Garrett said. “Always vague. Always ‘routine compliance.’ And always conveniently timed right after I submit a permit or paperwork. The first couple were fifty dollars, but the last one, in the hundreds.”

“And instead of handling it yourself, you sent in NCIS?”

Garrett took a long drink of his lager before answering. “Morty and I don’t mix. Never have. If I went down there, I’d make things worse. Madison, though . . . she’s sharp. Level-headed. She knows how to push without looking like she’s pushing.”

“Sounds like someone’s impressed.”

Garrett didn’t rise to the bait. “She’s Mason’s sister.”

“And you think Mason would care?”

“He wouldn’t have to, if I keep my distance,” Garrett muttered. “He’s my best friend and business partner. I’m not going to screw it up over . . .”