Cover-Up by Langan Ruth

Author:Langan, Ruth [Langan, Ruth]
Language: eng
Format: mobi
Tags: Suspense
Publisher: Harlequin
Published: 2004-09-21T05:00:00+00:00

Chapter 7

Bert touched a napkin to her lips and studied Jason as he watched the antics going on around him. The look on his face left no doubt that he was enjoying himself.

She could still recall the sad, somber boy who had followed Emily into the kitchen one soggy summer day. He’d been as bedraggled a stray as any of the animals her granddaughter had rescued. More so, perhaps, because he was so heartbreakingly stoic. When she and Trudy had discovered the marks and bruises on his body, he’d had an excuse for every one. A fall from a bike or tree. A tumble on the sidewalk. A scrape from a passing boat.

Was that when he’d begun weaving fact into fiction?

“Got to run.” Hannah pushed away from the table. “The sod truck ought to be rolling up with another load any minute. Thanks, Trudy. That was great.” She waved to Jason. “I hope I see you again before you leave.”

Before he could respond she was gone, and the others were on their feet, ready to follow.

Charley checked her watch. “I have a one o’clock showing.” She kissed Bert’s cheek, then the judge’s before offering her hand to Jason. “So good seeing you.”

It was Sidney’s turn for goodbyes, followed by Courtney, and then the judge, who was eager to return to his workshop.

Frank Brennan offered a firm handshake to their guest. “Nice to see you, son. I’m sure we’ll get together a few more times before the week ends.”

“I hope so, sir.” Jason returned the handshake.

Emily brushed a kiss over her grandmother’s cheek. “I have patients waiting.” When she turned, she nearly bumped into Jason. At once his hands were on her arms, steadying her. She stood perfectly still for a moment, enjoying the quick rush of heat that accompanied his touch. Reluctantly she turned away.

He stood watching as she crossed the patio and stepped through the open French doors.

If Bert had had any doubts before, they’d been swept away in that instant. The looks on both their faces had been achingly revealing.

She cleared her throat. “She’s grown into a lovely young woman, hasn’t she?”

Jason blinked and realized he’d been caught staring. He held out a hand and helped her to her feet. “You’re a sly woman, Mrs. B.”

“So I’ve been told.” She tucked her arm through his. “Walk with me, Jason. It will give us a chance to catch up.”

They left the patio and followed weathered stepping stones set in the lawn leading down to the water’s edge. There they stood watching the play of watercraft.

“My son, Christopher, was a strong-willed man.”

Jason chuckled. “I wonder where he got that?”

She joined in his laughter. “I guess he was his mother’s son. But he also inherited his father’s keen sense of duty. As the father of four daughters, he was determined to give them every opportunity to have the futures he thought they deserved.”

“What if they wanted a life he didn’t approve of?”

The old woman crossed her arms over her chest and faced into the breeze.

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