Текст книги "Lovers and Reprisals"
Автор книги: Lori Turner
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Текущая страница: 10 (всего у книги 20 страниц)
“I’m must apologize for my brothers behavior. He’s over protective and he only wants to do what is best. Especially with both of my parents out of the country. This is our way; the eldest brother assumes charge.”
“Is Caleb the eldest?”
“No...Noah is. But...Noah cannot come into the hospital so it had been decided that Caleb would be the family’s mediator on my behalf.”
Lucien grab the attention of one of the lobby doormen.
He said...
“Could you have my driver come around to the front of the hospital. And explain to him that we’ll be joined by my guest and her brother.”
“Yes...certainly sir.”
It didn’t take long, and Ona watched a long black limo driving up the horseshoe shaped hospital entrance drive. Lucien pushed Ona towards the door, then it slid open. She was greeted with a hug from Noah.
He stood back smiling while saying...
“Ona...we’ve missed you. You look well.”
She returned his smile, and she was genuinely happy to see him as well.
“I’m fine Noah.”
Geff clumsily ambled forward then he nodded in greeting. He said...
“It’ll be good to have you back at the commune. My parents are looking forward to that dinner.”
There were more awkward stares, and uncomfortable moments, then the limo pulled right up in front of the door.
Noah addressed Lucien.
“Sir...I hope you don’t mind, but my brother Caleb will ride in the cab with Geff, and I will join you and my sister in the limousine.”
Lucien didn’t have a problem with this happy change of events.
He said...
“You’re more than welcomed to join your sister as a passenger. As a matter of fact...may I pay for the cab? It wouldn’t have been an unnecessary expense if you’d known before hand.”
By Noah’s expression, Lucien knew that he’d offended him.
Noah said...
“It is a matter of pride that we care for our own sir. The expense is neither a bother or unnecessary. Ona is a member of our commune and we take care of our own.”
Two hospital assistants were helping Ona out of the wheelchair, and steadying her as she wobbled, negotiating with gravity and the use of her walking cast. When she was safe inside, Noah climbed in, then Lucien told his driver their destination. It was late afternoon, and the traffic was beginning to get heavy. This made for slow driving and the silence was a form of torture. When she spotted landmarks, indicating that the dock was near, Ona broke the silence.
“Noah...I’ll need special seating on the ferry.”
“Don’t worry. I’ll take care of that”
When the limo stopped, Ona leaned towards the door, to look out the window. Her eyes were drawn to her brother when he said...
“Thank you Mr. Delors. My family is deeply grateful for all that you’ve done for my sister and we apologize for any inconveniences.”
Noah extended his hand, and Lucien graciously accepted his handshake. Noah looked at his sister, and he said...
“Stay here Ona. I’ll need to talk to the boat master to secure special seating.”
Noah jumped out of the limo, leaving Lucien and Ona alone. There were so many things that he wanted to say. So many questions that he wanted to ask. But he knew that he only had five or ten minutes alone–at best. Lucien chose to address the most important question.
While reaching in his coat pocket, he said...
“I see that you’re wearing your band.”
He wasn’t sure when that had happened.
Ona smiled, then she said...
“Caleb brought it to me weeks ago. I couldn’t wear it because I still had my arm cast on.” She lifted her arm for inspection, moving it freely.
Lucien uncurled his fingers. He said...
“I found this near your body, on the night of the accident. I should have given it to the police officer but I didn’t. When you woke up, I should have returned it to you then...”
His voice broke off, but Ona completed his sentence.
“But you didn’t”
They stared at each other, and their eyes penetrated the depths of their souls. Ona had to know. She had to understand what this meant. She shifted in her seat, looking for the return of her brothers. When she didn’t see either of them, she turned in her seat. When she faced him, she said...
“Why did you keep it–I mean, after all this time, why are you telling me about it now?”
Lucien was direct when he answered her.
“I was curious Ona. From the moment I first set eyes on you...I was curious. Since that day, one question has plagued me.”
Lucien slanted his head, viewing her at an angle.
“Are you married Ona? Or–are you promised to someone?”
He didn’t know if he was using the correct terminology, but by her expression, he rightly concluded that he’d been dead on.
Ona frowned, then she considered his wonderment. The notion that he’d considered her marriage status for months sparked a patchwork of emotions. On one hand, her sensibilities employed her to dissuade his concern. Then on the other hand, she wanted him to know and she wouldn’t leave without telling him the awful truth concerning the band.
“I’m not married.” She had to get that out first, just in case one of her brothers suddenly popped up.
Ona looked at the band, lying in his hand, then she continued...
“That band...it isn’t even mine. I borrowed it.”
She weighed the odds of telling the truth, then she measured his countenance. He looked like his hopes were perched on the edge of the seat and for whatever reason, she didn’t want to say something that might disappoint him. She liked Lucien, and she didn’t want to hurt him and she wouldn’t lie.
“Geff...that band belongs to him. He gave it to me before I appeared in front of the Conclave council. It was a nice gesture–that’s all. I am not his intended.”
Lucien’s face had appeared hopeful before she responded, now he looked pleased. His mouth twitched, forming a half smile. He sighed, as if a heavy weight had been lifted. And in truth–it had. He reached across the small distance, offering her the band. When she opened her hand, she’d expected him to drop the band in her palm–but he didn’t. Lucien lay the band in the center of her hand, then he caressed the inner surface, gently gripping her hand. His grey eyes traced the outline of her face, then his gaze drew her in like a breath of air. When he spoke, his tone and manner was unlike any of their brief encounters. His voice held an emotion that she’d never experienced while being in his company. He was only holding her hand, but every nerve in her body, lit then exploded like a firecracker. Her body had never experienced this kind of thunderbolt response.
Lucien tenderly stroked the outer side of her hand, when he said...
“I’d like to see you again. Maybe one day after you’ve settled in with your project, and your days aren’t busy.”
She was shocked by his suggestion. So shocked, that her jaw gaped open, but not one word left her mouth. Lucien had expected this, given her closed community and her religion. He also knew that he was treading on dangerous ground. Even though Ona couldn’t see her brothers, Lucien could. Or at least, that’s what he’d thought. For a few brief moments, he’d become engrossed in Ona, and her innocent beauty. He didn’t care that what he wanted was wrong. None of that mattered to him. His heart had been loss to her from the first second he’d set eyes on her.
The door to the limo opened, and Noah stood on the outside frozen in time. He didn’t want to leap to the wrong conclusion–and he’d listened when Caleb complained about Lucien Delors; but as the oldest of his parents children, Noah’s responsibilities required that he behave with the utmost propriety. He couldn’t blow his stack, like Caleb often does. When Caleb had been adopted, chronologically, he’d been older than Noah. In spite of this, Noah had been a Samaritan by birth, and according to the Creed, this made Noah the oldest sibling. After witnessing the scene at the hospital, Noah had instructed his brother to wait at the dock while he and Geff helped Ona board the ferry. He was glad for this, because based on what he’d just seen; there was reason for concern.
“Ona...have you thanked Mr. Delors.”
Lucien released her hand; leaving the band in her possession. Ona shyly smiled, when she said...
“Yes I have...but given all that he’s done for me...I’d like to thank him again.”
“That is understandable. Please...express your gratitude, then bid him farewell. The boat master is waiting. Also, a contingent of medical workers are on board. They’d like to begin their assessment before your arrival at the hospital.”
Ona nodded, and she knew that they wouldn’t be left alone. She looked at Lucien, and in their brief exchange, she saw something worth exploring. She didn’t understand this notion that dared her to want more of him. If she had the power to stop time, she would do it.
Ona began shifting towards the exit, mainly because Noah would expect this of her.
She said...
“Thank you so much Mr. Delors. And please...relay my thanks to everyone else–all the people that I didn’t get a chance to talk to before being discharged from the hospital.”
“It was our pleasure Ona. You needn’t thank us. Just get better, and take care of yourself.”
“I will.”
Noah offered her his hand, and she took it but before she left the car, she couldn’t leave without addressing his remark.
Hastily, she spoke, not giving Noah or Lucien time to interrupt or stop her.
“If you’re in the area...take a moment and stop by the Children’s Center once we get everything up and running. It would be nice to show you how appreciative I am, for the use of your building.”
Lucien replied...
“It’s a date.”
Poor choice of words, but he wouldn’t have said it any other way. He didn’t want there to be any misunderstandings. He didn’t know if what he was doing was right or wrong but he couldn’t leave her, without letting her know that he was interested in her.
Noah held on to Ona, practically lifting her out and onto the sidewalk. He allowed Geff to steady her while he spoke to Lucien before closing the door.
“Thank you for the transportation. Geff and I will see to my sister now. He has patiently waited for her return.”
Noah closed the door, giving Lucien something to ruminate on.
**********
It was late, and the cocktail hour had ended. After leaving the dock, Lucien’s driver had aimlessly drove around the city because he felt powerless in the Ona situation. The way Noah spoke to him, then made mention of the man Geff; he didn’t know if Ona could be forced to marry him, even if he wasn’t her choice. He didn’t return to the internet looking for information about the Samaritan’s and their marriage customs. He’d done that months ago, and the grueling task had left him with a lingering monster of a headache. He’d had his usual one drink, then he retired from the library where the rest of his family remained, engrossed in witty conversation. Lucien had an apartment in the city, but biweekly dinners were mandatory in the Delors family and he wouldn’t break with tradition. Instead of driving home, Lucien retired to his bedroom. Actually, it wasn’t a bedroom–and it couldn’t be referred to as a suite. When Lucien and Chantel attended college, their parents knocked down walls, extending their childhood bedrooms, then turning them into private apartments within the family home. That’s where he’d gone after he’d parted ways with his family and since then he’d stood by the window, examining a garment. He was near the window, but the street traffic didn’t interest him; instead, he’d been absorbed, staring at his white duster. The cloak that he’d worn on the day of Ona’s accident. When her surgery had been completed, and she’d been taken to the recovery room; one of the nurses had sought him out with an update. She’d also handed him a Lincoln Medical airtight sealed bag, containing his cloak. The cloak that had been stained with Ona’s blood. After the accident, and the hours of fear, and thoughtful contemplation; when Dr. Hazzar met him in the lobby with the first update–Lucien had been told that her outlook was promising. He recalled being told that he still had blood on his hands. He’d had a bullheaded notion, that told him, he could never cleanse himself of the unknown woman’s blood. Even then, he’d known that there was something about her that he deemed special and worth keeping. Even so, the nurses and doctors had been persistent, maintaining that he observe universal precautions. At that time, Lucien had enough to worry over, so he conceded to the prodding, and he thoroughly washed his hands. When he’d finally left the hospital, he’d gone straight to his parents home, because after learning about the accident from Eliza; everyone had waited for his return.
Lucien sighed because even though only a few months had passed, he knew that meeting Ona Zelle had been a major shift in his life. And he couldn’t bring himself to wash his cloak. He was staring at it now; much like he'd done in the past. His mind was on Ona, when his sister, Chantel walked into the room, catching him daydreaming. This had not been a first occurrence for her and she also knew what he was doing.
"You're thinking about that Samaritan girl."
He turned ever so slightly; adjusting his gaze to see the cloak and the expression on Chantel’s face. She was irritated by this preoccupation of his.
Chantel said...
"This is sick. You're standing in your room, all alone, staring at a blood stained cloak. An item that isn’t even worth the expense of dry cleaning. You should trash that thing. Or better yet–burn it, and be done with the memory."
"It's not that simple Chantel."
Chantel wasn’t a slacker. If the rules didn’t work; she would change them. In her mind, no problem was too big, and no solution was impossible. There was no such thing as–I can’t get it done, or there are too many details to deal with. Whatever she set her mind to; Chantel always came out on top–and once upon a time, so had Lucien. But something had happened to him, at the beginning of the year. Lucien had agonized over the accident, and he’d been brooding over the girl; and none of it made any sense to her. Their lives were picture perfect and she expected him to snap out of it, and rejoin the rest of the world. Chantel had been so curious about Ona Zelle, that she’d requested a picture of her. At Lincoln Medical, identification photo’s were a part of the admission process. When Chantel saw the bruised and broken Ona; even in her crippled state, the young woman exuded an inner and outer beauty. She understood Lucien’s reasons for being transfixed by the Samaritan woman. He couldn’t control his obsession, and she wished that he could.
Chantel lay it all out on the table.
“How long are you going to do this? How long are you going to pine over a woman that you cannot have?”
Lucien crossed the room, leaving his bedroom area. He walked back into the sitting area, where his sister had come in. Note to self; change the locks or never forget to lock the doors.
He walked over to the kitchenette, then withdrew a bottled water from the refrigerator.
"Lucien...
Chantel pressed, because there were other issues to consider. It was late, and her husband Clive had already retired to their quarters. She didn’t want him falling asleep only to be awaken after she’d joined him in their bed.
“Lucien–we’ve all noticed your strange preoccupation with this girl; but I’m the only one brave enough to confront the issue.”
“This Isn’t your concern Chantel. Go. Go be with your husband.”
“And what is going to happen when I’m gone. Will you spend the night, staring at that damn cloak?”
He would, but he wasn’t going to tell his sister that.
Lucien said...
“I’m going to see her again. I’m going to take a chance–even if I’m shot down.”
“Why are you chasing after girl that you cannot have? A girl, who more than likely is already engaged to another man.”
He wouldn’t respond to that. Telling Chantel that Ona was not engaged would be sinking his ship before it set-sail.
“I’m in love Chantel.”
“Oh bullshit. You are in guilt–and I don’t know why. Just because she was hit by a Delors employee, that doesn’t give her the authority to lay the blame on you.”
“She doesn’t blame me.”
“Good because she shouldn’t.”
Now that he’d been reduced to the truth, Chantel said...
“Lucien–I don’t want to see you get hurt. If you’re persuaded to believe that you are ready to settle down, then choose a woman with less luggage. Someone like Marisela.”
“Chantel...” He said warningly. “I’ve told you–I am not interested in your friend.”
“How would you know, unless you give her a chance, and spend a little quality time with her.”
“Chantel–please. Not now. I have a great deal on my mind.”
“So does Marisela. Do you know that she is still mourning the loss of her brother? I’ll bet you don’t even know, that her family’s private investigator got his hands on the police files and the medical examiners report. According to Marisela–their team of scientist and investigators aren’t buying the suicide angle. They think that Tollin was murdered.”
“Murdered?” he said surprised.
“Yes. And typically in situations like this, every detail of the victims life is paraded in the open, bringing judgement on the dead and the family members left behind.”
Lucien said...
“I’m very sad to hear that. I’m sure this is difficult on Tollin’s parents.”
“Yes–it is. And it’s also difficult on Marisela. Lucien–if you’d talk to her, or take her out to dinner; your attention could make all the difference in the world. She’s depressed Lucien–and the only time she smiles, is when your name is mentioned.”
Lucien couldn’t be bothered by this. He abruptly said...
“Chantel–did you hear me when I said that, I am in love?”
“Yes–and did you hear me when I said, that Ona Zelle is off limits. Lucien you would be crazy to waste your time on a woman you’ll never have to yourself. Maybe not even as a friend.”
“Then call me crazy–because I will make every effort to be with her.”
“And what about Marisela? What am I supposed to tell her.”
“Tell her whatever you want–as long as you aren’t involving me.”
“Lucien...” Chantel tried to make her point but Lucien interrupted her.
“Go Chantel. Go and leave me to my thoughts. I don’t want to discuss this matter any further.”
“You’re making a mistake.”
“Fine–if that’s what you want to believe. I can’t explain it–and it isn’t rational but I can’t stop thinking about her.”
“You don’t know anything about that woman. If you do this, people will think that you’ve gone mad.”
“Look at me Chantel. Do I look crazy to you?”
She was quiet, and he felt the need to remind her about her past.
Lucien said...
“And what about you and Clive. Remember what your friends said when you broke off your engagement to Drake, then took up with Clive, flying off to the South of France.”
Clive and Chantel were complete opposites, yet their three year marriage couldn’t have appeared stronger. In spite of his remark, she didn’t come to his room to talk about her past. Chantel said...
“You’re going to pursue this woman, regardless of what I say. You aren’t going to listen to anyone, are you.”
Lucien responded...
“When have you ever known me to be illogical?”
She thought about that for a moment, because she wanted to give a true and honest answer. After less than a minute, she replied.
“Never. I’ve never known you to be illogical. You’re very serious; especially as it involves others.”
Lucien didn’t say another word, he looked at the entrance to his bedroom. The place where he’d kept his blood stained cloak. He said...
“I don’t want to give you the wrong impression because as I stand here, I don’t have all the answers and in the end, I just might make an ass of myself.”
He took a breath, then finished his thought.
“But...I believe in destiny. I believe in being at the right place at the right time; and on New Year’s Day, I was in the right place. When I got involved, my interference mattered.”
Lucien’s eyes became pleading when he said...
“I know this doesn’t make any sense–and I’d be the first to admit that but–there is something about Ona that I can’t get out of my head. I’ve got to see her again, and I’m sure that her brothers won’t make that easy.”
“I hate this. I hate seeing you like this.”
Chantel walked towards the door. She placed her hand on the doorknob, then paused before opening it. Her brother was a catch and for years he’d avoided any talk that hinted of marriage. Yet, here he was, considering a woman that he couldn’t have.
She said...
“Is she worth disappointing our parents? Mom and dad haven’t mentioned anything directly to you, but they are deeply concerned. We all are.”
Lucien spoke decisively, when he said...
“Whatever happens between me and Ona Zelle is a private matter. I will be tactful, and respectful of her beliefs but her religion will not deter me. I won’t curb my interest in her to assuage either of our families. If my advances are unwanted; Ona will have to tell me to stop, using her own words to personally communicate her discontent. At this point, I won’t settle for anything less. I won’t allow her family to tell me that I can’t see her. I did that once, but never again.”
**********
Chapter 12
Family matters.
“What are you doing here? I thought you had an all important job, working with Eliza Pendleton.”
Bolden muttered a curse. Of all the people in the world that he didn’t want to see; Fawn’s name topped his list. After their last run in, he’d sworn that he wouldn’t be goaded into another confrontation. He scanned the large entry way, avoiding her angry gaze, then his thoughts flipped into reverse. This morning, he’d been in Dubois, Idaho with Eliza, expanding his horizon’s on another one of her scavenger hunts. Bolden had sat in a private hanger inhaling jet fumes, while Eliza boarded an Eclipse 550 without him. The plane had been there waiting before they arrived. His head had ached and he’d blamed his anguish on combustable vapors. While he endured the pain, he’d wondered what was so got-damn secret that this meeting couldn’t be conducted in an office. An hour later, Eliza stepped off the plane, then they boarded their private jet. Before the pilot had reached cruising altitude, Eliza had leaned across his seat, surprising him with an unexpected kiss. She’d pressed his lips with hers, seducing him until he’d opened his mouth, then she teased him by stroking her tongue along the inner softness of his cheek. Her enticement had been beyond anything he could resist; so he’d given in. They made love in the cabin, while the pilot flew at about thirty-five thousand feet. When their passion had been sated, they zipped and buttoned their clothes, then Eliza settled in her seat and delivered a message. She told him when the plane landed, she would disembark and he was to remain on board because their destinations weren’t the same. When he questioned this, she explained that she was returning to the hub and he’d been called home on a family emergency and she didn’t have anything further to add. The message had been vague, devoid of specifics. During the past few months, he’d learn to expect the unexpected where Eliza was concerned; but there was something telling in her remark. He’d never known Eliza to be without answers. He’d suspended his thought, then he pulled out his phone. He started first by dialing his mother. When her voicemail answered, he thumbed out a hasty text. His mother had always been the center of his world, and he would die if something happened to her. When she responded, texting back that she was well; in those few minutes, Bolden felt like his world had tilted off its axis. It was then that Eliza realized her mistake, and she quickly corrected it by telling him that the message had come from his father’s office. And now, here he was standing in his fathers sprawling Maine estate. Morpheus owned homes all around the world, but Bolden couldn’t recall ever coming here in the past. If he’d been alone, he would have studied the entryway further, but his examination was cut short by the whining tenor of his sisters voice.
She was heading down a long hallway, where the walls were adorned with works of art.
She was moving at a steady pace when she blurted out
“Are you coming? I don’t have all day to be here–and with you stalling, I’ll never get out of here on time.”
Bolden had a a snide retort, but he recalled his promise. No tit for tat. No giving just to get even for what he’d got.
He followed her and the enormity of the house overwhelmed him completely. He’d lived away from his father for so long, Bolden had forgotten how insanely wealthy his father was.
Fawn had crossed through an archway, leading into a richly decorated dining room that was so huge it could double as a soccer field. There were groupings of chairs, and sofa’s strategically positioned throughout the room. The floor plan had been thoughtfully arranged and it was perfect for intimate gatherings. In a room like this, people could kickback, not fearing that they’d broken rules that define decorum and proper etiquette. He was just about to admire the fireplace when his eyes caught sight of Raal, Morpheus and his mother. What in the hell was going on here? Where was the emergency?
“Bolden. Son. Come join us. I was just explaining to your Uncle Raal, that you’ve recently taken a position at the governors office.”
Governor indeed; that was a crock. The more he learned about his job, the more he didn’t want to know; and if it weren’t for Eliza he would have left months ago. Bolden flipped the thought around in his head. Promises, promises; he replayed his declaration of peace. Bolden had an unhealthy dislike of his father and his New Year’s resolution required him to be amicable when negative emotions rose to the surface.
Bolden payed close attention to his mother, studying her for cues or suggestions that might aid him. He crossed the room to join them, and he didn’t notice that Fawn was out of sight. Raal extended his hand in greeting...
“Nice to see you Bolden. Twice in one year.” He laughed.
“Yes...and we’re just four months into the year.” Bolden spoke, asserting a calm presence.
Mikita said...
“Bolden... Did you meet Kyle at the New Year’s Day party? He and your uncle are planning to marry at the end of the year.”
He considered her question but on reflection, so much had occurred on that day. However, he did recall seeing his uncle standing with a group of people and a young dark haired man had been closest to him. Had that been Kyle? He couldn’t say for sure–but what did it matter. For all he knew, he might not see Raal for another ten years.
Bolden forced a smile when he addressed his uncle; a man he knew so little about.
“Congratulations Uncle Raal. I wish you well.”
Raal nodded, then he said...
“So...what’s it like working for Eliza?”
Bolden had been prepared to rattle off one of his stock phrases, but there was something in his uncles wording that unnerved him. His uncle didn’t say ‘working with Eliza‘; he’d said ‘working for Eliza’. He didn’t want to be overly paranoid, mainly because the wording could have been a slip or a grammatical error.
He said...
“I’m learning a lot and she keeps me pretty busy.”
“She’s the best.”
Mikita knew her son, and by his expression, it was obvious to her that he’d been rattled by Raal’s comment. She was pretty sure that he would let the remark slide, but she didn’t want to take a chance. She smiled at Raal when she asked...
“So...does Kyle get along with your kids?”
Raal smirked, and she could see parts of Morpheus in him, when he said...
“Kyle loves my kids...it’s their mother’s that he has the problem with?”
Raal laughed, then he turned his attention to Morpheus.
“Enough about me and my love life. Now that Bolden is here...what’s the big emergency? And it had better not be Will talk. You know how much I hate talking about death and estate planning.”
Morpheus said...
“Yes Raal–I know. But before you ride off into the sunset; the attorney’s have informed me that Kyle hasn’t signed that prenup.”
The brother’s exchanged an uncomfortable moment but Morpheus didn’t pause. He continued...
“We will discuss that later. For now...I’ve called you all here because you are my family. Each of you are important to me–and it’s high time that we all make amends.”
Fawn stuck out her lip, then slanted her head at an angle when she said...
“Are you kidding me? Is that the reason you insisted that I be here? I rearranged my day for a freaking family powwow?”
“Fawn!” Morpheus shouted. “Have a seat, and be quiet.”
“Daddy...you said that this was an emergency meeting. You asked me to come because you said that there would be an exchange of important information. But that isn’t true. You’re manipulating me...and you know it.”
There were so many aspects of her life that she hated; and two of those annoyances were currently present. When her mother abandoned her, leaving her to be raised by her father; her mother had fled because Morpheus had given her no choice. Mikita had come into the picture and Morpheus had fallen madly in love with her. And when she gave him a son, Fawn had felt invisible. But when her father cheated; like he’d done so many other times in the past–Mikita and Bolden had left and Fawn had her father all to herself. Now, Morpheus was determined to rebuild relationships that had nearly deteriorated and he wanted her to sit quiet as if she didn’t have a voice.
Fawn was furious when she said...
“I can’t deal with this. I have to go. I’m flying back into the city to meet up with Judd.”
Morpheus said...
“I thought that young man of yours was busy with a community charity project.”
Fawn snidely said...
“Nice of you to remember–given that you didn’t give my boyfriend five minutes of your time.”
“I had a meeting Fawn. Your boyfriend understood.”
“He has a name dad.”
“Fawn...stay for dinner. Cook made one of your favorite dishes.”
This was one of her father’s old tricks. He would change the subject, hoping to delay or avoid a topic. She wouldn’t play that game, mainly because segments of her life seemed to be peeling away. She had abandonment issues and from the moment Judd infused himself with that damn charity, she’d been seeing less and less of him. Fawn detested being alone and that fueled the irony in this situation because currently she wanted to be any place except here.
