CHAPTER 9
Barrett wasn't proud of the way he treated Mary Jo. He had frightened her. In his clumsy advance, he had nearly injured her. Of course, that wasn't his intent, but that was the outcome, all the same. Worse yet, he had assumed she was as interested in him as he was in her. Why should she be? An ugly voice deep down inside suggested she wasn't going to get a better offer. She deserved someone better than that.
He had taken them out to lunch thinking that they could use a good meal and some socializing. In short, he thought his life was more enriched than theirs. Instead, what he discovered was their close family relationship. He had considered himself more successful and found that he never understood the true meaning of success. He thought they needed him, but instead, discovered he needed them.
He should withdraw from the case. He was getting personally involved. He even said as much to Logan.
Logan merely gave him a wizened smile. "You'd regret it for the rest of your life."
Barrett nodded. "Probably, but I don't want to get someone hurt. I don't know anything about being a PI."
Logan rubbed his jaw. "You aren't a PI. That isn't your part of this. You agreed to observe and report. I don't want you snooping around. You want to help this girl. Help her. Help your Uncle. Just watch and listen to what's happening around you. Your interest in this girl only makes your part that much more believable."
Barrett wasn't sure he was right, but he didn't argue further. He was the one who insisted on continued involvement in the first place. If Logan knew the facts and still wanted him to continue, he would.
The day he went out to seal the deal with Ma and Mary Jo, he wound up in another argument. He had already made arrangements and the trailer was supposed to be delivered that evening. Ma was taking care of Billy Ray and Mary Jo was on the roof daubing some tar on a hole. It felt awkward standing there holding the ladder for her while she did the work, but he didn't feel steady enough on his feet yet to attempt climbing around on a roof.
He decided to make conversation, and that was where he made his mistake. He watched her spread tar on a spot.
"Why does everyone in this family have two names?"
She handed him the putty knife and started down the ladder. "Doesn't everyone have three names?"
"Well, yes, but most people address each other by their first name - Mary instead of Mary Jo."