Let Darkness Come Read Online Free PDF Page A

doomed to eternal frustration.
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    Because Dax Lightner is having lunch with a producer, Timothy is free for a couple of hours. Delighted by this unexpected opportunity, Briley slips into a restaurant booth and smiles across the table. “It’s so good to see you in daylight,” she says, reaching out to catch Timothy’s hands. “I can’t believe I have you all to myself for an entire meal.”
    â€œOr at least until Dax and his producer have a falling-out,” Timothy says, grinning. “My man’s been a bit touchy the past few days.”
    â€œIs he really as bad as all that?” Briley struggles to keep any trace of annoyance from her voice. “I mean, he’s been out of rehab for what, three weeks now?”
    â€œWhich only means the confidence rush is over.” Timothy’s eyes darken as they search her face. “And you know addicts. It only takes an instant for someone to slip.”
    â€œYou’ve never slipped.”
    â€œI have a good support system. But even here in Chicago, Dax is surrounded by people who’d do anything he asks, including getting him another fix.” Timothy shakes his head, sending a sheaf of dark blond hair into his eyes. “I seem to be the only person willing to tell him no.”
    â€œYou’re paid to tell him no. And I wish the man would develop a little backbone, because it’s awful not being able to see you as much as I want to.”
    â€œCome on, give the guy a break.” Timothy squeezes her fingers, then releases her hands. “You should meet him sometime. I think you’d like him.”
    Briley snorts. “Like I’d have anything to say to a British movie star. I don’t hang out with people who grace the cover of…well, People .”
    â€œNot everyone in rehab is an A-lister. Most are just like me and you.” His mouth twists in a crooked smile. “You know what they say—if you want to bake a cake, you have to crack a few eggs.”
    â€œWho on earth says that? ”
    â€œI do. I made it up. I’m trying to say that if you want to make a difference, sometimes you have to make a mess.” When she doesn’t respond, he smiles and spreads his hands. “You know—when you crack the egg, the runny part and the yolk splash all over the counter.”
    Briley shakes her head. “Remind me never to bake a cake with you.”
    Timothy picks up the menu and scans the front cover. As the waitress at the next table scrapes food from a plate, he lifts his gaze: “What’s good at this place?”
    Ignoring his obvious attempt to change the subject, Briley lowers her voice. “I know you want to help your client. I love that you’re the kind of man who wants to help others. But honestly, Tim, how long are you going to take these gigs? When you’re working, we can only see each other in bits and snatches.”
    He drops his menu. “I thought you’d understand. You work long hours.”
    â€œBut they’re dependable.”
    â€œSurely you have legal emergencies.”
    â€œA well-run case never results in dire situations. One thing I learned from my father’s example is that you can’t let people eat you alive. You have to set boundaries. You have to compartmentalize. Otherwise people will take and take until you have nothing else to give.”
    Compassion struggles with humor on his strong face as he studies her. “Do you remember the first time we met?”
    â€œOf course.”
    â€œIf I’d been mingling at that benefit on the front side of rehab, I don’t think you’d have looked at me twice. I wasn’t worth much when I was using, and I didn’t believe in anything but my next fix. But once I got clean, I was able to find myself again. And then I found you…and you’re one of the reasons I’ve been able to stay clean.”
    Briley blinks away a sudden rush of tears.