Beers, Lies and Alibis (Warblers Point Series Book 2) by Meghan Quinn

scenarios that might pop up before they walked in. Murphy wouldn’t let them go into the waiting room until he was fully satisfied with Sophie’s composure. She understood his intentions, if they showed the slightest sign that they had any part in the fire, they were royally screwed.  
    They walked up to the front desk, knowing it wasn’t visiting hours, but also aware that they were in a town where everyone knew each other. Murphy had a lot of pull, so he asked what room the O’Learys were in.  
    “Room 314. The O’Learys are in the waiting room, only Mary Margaret is in the room with Carlin right now.”
    Murphy thanked the receptionist and escorted Sophie to the elevators where the tension between the two of them was incredibly thick. All Sophie wanted to do was confess her sins, but Murphy had other ideas. Apparently, he didn’t want to go to jail for arson. Neither did Sophie, but could she really live with herself, knowing that a man’s possible death was written all over her hands? She didn’t think she could.  
    Nerves were gathering in the pit of Sophie’s stomach as they rapidly approached the waiting room. What the hell was she going to say? She had no clue what to do when she even saw the O’Learys. Did she give them a hug?
    All thoughts ran from her mind the minute she saw Finn and Liam huddled together while Bradon looked out the window. They looked so helpless and, instantly, at that moment, no matter how much they had hurt her, her heart reached out to them. She wanted to help them in any way possible because she was the reason they were in this mess.  
    “Hey lads,” Murphy said, as he stepped forward. Sophie followed softly behind, trying to gauge the boys’ reactions.  
    Finn looked honestly surprised when Murphy pulled Finn into a giant hug. Liam stood up and waited for his turn. The camaraderie between the men was not lost on Sophie. No wonder Murphy wanted to be with Fiona, he fit in perfectly with her brothers. It was as if Murphy was born to be part of the O’Leary family.  
    “You didn’t have to come down here,” Liam said, as he patted Murphy on the back.  
    “We wanted to make sure ya guys were okay.”
    “We?” Finn asked, confused.  
    That was when Sophie stepped forward. Both Finn and Liam had a weird look on their faces when she stepped forward. Not wanting to look too much into it, she said, “I’m so sorry about what happened to your dad. If there is anything we can do, please let us know.”
    Liam just nodded as he turned his attention back to Murphy. That was weird, Sophie thought.  
    “Can I get ya some coffee?” Murphy asked.  
    “That would be awesome,” replied Finn.  
    “I’ll help him,” Bradon said, a little too eagerly. It was well known in town that Bradon had a man crush on Murphy. He had always looked up to the man and took it the hardest when Fiona broke things off with Murphy. He was, in fact, still in denial.  
    Liam and Finn shook their heads at their brother as they sat back down, completely ignoring Sophie.  
    Feeling beyond awkward, Sophie asked, “Is Fiona flying in?”
    “Yeah, why, do you think she would miss her father being in the hospital?” Liam asked with a snarky tone that shocked the hell out of Sophie. If she didn’t know any better, she would have thought both Finn and Liam knew she had a part in their father’s hospitalization.  
    “No, I just, I don’t know. I just wanted to make sure you would all be together,” Sophie said, while rubbing Liam’s arm.  
    That small touch sent Liam flying out of his seat. He was inches from Sophie’s face when he said, “Don’t touch me.”
    Instinctively, Sophie backed up from the raging man.  
    Finn sidled up next to Liam and said, “I think you should go, Sophie.”
    “I’m sorry. I just wanted to make sure you guys were okay…”
    “No, you were trying to get all…friendly. Take advantage of us.”
    Shock was not even a good enough word for what Sophie was