Bargain in Bronze Read Online Free PDF Page B

could see the issue already. “You think it’s got superpowers or something?”
    Tom actually nodded. “I’ve never lost a race since I started eating it.” He held up a hand. “I know, I know… but you know. It’s a talisman.”
    “Tom that’s ridiculous,” Jack half laughed. “Its muesli.”
    “I know. But it works. It really does. And I’m having it for breakfast. I have to have it. And it needs the hazelnuts. And I’m not changing anything in the next few weeks.”
    Never deviate from a winning routine. If it ain’t broke… and all that.
    Jack silently studied his elite-athlete brother. He knew the focus and determination required. He also understood the element of ritual—heck, he’d even had a lucky pair of socks back in the day when he’d competed. Of course he didn’t want anything to throw Tom’s focus and self-belief off in these last few weeks—but muesli of all things? “Did you tell her about your fixation?”
    “No. But she understood that I really wanted it and she was happy to make me some specially. And you sent her away.” Tom accused gloomily. “Is this all she left?”
    “Mmmm,” Jack thought rapidly. Because before he made promises, he needed to check out Libby’s story and be doubly sure about Tom’s motivation. Because Jack wasn’t just a big brother, he’d been mother, father, and friend rolled into one for Tom—he’d do everything he could to help, and protect, his brother. And he never wanted to be tempted into disloyalty again. The moment this morning had been bad enough. “Why did she have to make it here?”
    “She’s not in production at the moment. Her premises aren’t available. That’s why it’s not in stock in the shops.”
    “But you gave a complete stranger a key and the pin number for the alarm.” Surely that was because Tom was keen—on her more than her product?
    “I checked her out,” Tom defended himself. “But you only need to look at her to know she’s reliable,” Tom said. “And she’s an amazing cook.”
    Jack winced, he hadn’t accepted her integrity at face value.
    Tom’s sheepishness turned defiant and he frowned at the tray again. “I’m going to need more than this. And it needs the hazelnuts. It’s not right. It has to be right .”
    Jack heard the edge in Tom’s voice and he recognized the other signs—the pacing, the frown, the singular purpose… His brother was absolutely obsessive. It was his greatest strength. It was also his biggest weakness. And it was clear here that the obsession wasn’t Libby, but her muesli. Madness. Thank goodness.
    “I have to get more.” Tom labored the point. “I go through a lot.”
    No kidding. He’d probably been keeping her in business single-handedly.
    “This isn’t good enough,” Tom declared, turning away from the bench decisively. “I’m going to call her.”
    “ I’ll call her,” Jack interrupted, able to be every bit as determined as his kid brother. “You relax and go take a nap or something and I’ll arrange it.”
    “You will?” Tom stopped his march across the kitchen. “Plus hazelnuts?”
    “Absolutely. Hazelnuts and all.” Jack said. “Leave it to me.”
    Tom looked stupidly delighted.
    Jack shook his head, chuckling as he walked to his office. It was insane but a hell of a relief. So now he had to figure out how to square it with the luscious tornado that had torn through the apartment this morning. She wasn’t going to be thrilled to see him again. She hadn’t appreciated his approach in taking her all the way to her door. But he had a younger sister, he didn’t just drop a girl and leave her to fend for herself—especially a wounded one.
    He snorted. Who was he kidding…he’d had no brotherly thoughts towards Libby. He’d wanted to see where she lived— exactly where she lived. He’d wanted a lot more than that too, except filial loyalty had restrained him. But he knew that in pulling back he’d stung her pride. He’d have to make it up