Double Threat in Ripley Grove by Shirley Worley

Author:Shirley Worley [Worley, Shirley]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781644571125
Publisher: ePublishing Works!
Published: 2020-01-13T16:00:00+00:00

Chad leaned against the doorjamb and glanced again at his watch. Thirty minutes. How much longer? His casual stance belied his inner turmoil. He straightened as the doctor approached. “Sir, if you don’t mind, I have a couple of questions.”

Doctor Cunningham raised his eyebrows and stared intently into Chad’s face. He turned and led the way to his office at the end of the hall. There, he offered Chad a chair and a fresh cup of hazelnut-flavored coffee. He nodded when Chad pulled out his badge and offered it for inspection. “Somehow I guessed you to be in law enforcement.”

“A keen sense of observation is helpful in my line of work, so pardon me if I don’t apologize for eavesdropping. I overheard bits of your conversation with CiCi, but not enough for my liking. Something happened to her in the past that involves her father, and I’d like to know what.” Chad leaned forward. “I’m not asking as a detective. I’m asking as a man who’s deeply in love with her.”

“I want to help, but I can’t ignore the privacy issues. Have you asked her?”

“Not in so many words. She avoids any discussion that involves her dad.”

“That’s not surprising.” Doctor Cunningham leaned back in his chair and steepled his hands over his midsection; thumb to thumb, finger to finger, pinkie to pinkie. His blue eyes narrowed as he remained deep in thought. “How long have you two been together?”

“We’ve been dating for a year, exclusively for about eight months. We’ve known each other since seventh grade and dated on and off all through high school.”

“From your recollection, what was she like back then?”

Chad smiled as he thought back to high school. “She was smart, beautiful, and a lot of fun. She hasn’t changed. Although back then she was a bit clumsy…well a lot clumsy, actually. She was considered the class klutz.” His laugh faded and he stared off into the distance. “She was always getting hurt, but now…I don’t know.” He turned to look squarely at the physician. “Or maybe I do, and don’t want to believe it’s possible.”

“As a detective, you sense there’s more to her past than you perceived at the time, and you’re right. Her mother’s death has opened old wounds she would rather ignore and brought her into contact with people she would rather avoid.”

“Jack?”

Doc nodded. “In my opinion, it would be best if you hear about it directly from her.”

“I would do anything to be able to help, and nothing will ever change how I feel about her. I want to propose, but not in the shadow of her mother’s death.”

“Considering the current circumstances, you’re wise to hold off on a marriage proposal. You couldn’t have picked a sweeter girl. I’ve watched her grow up, so naturally she holds a soft spot in my heart. Don’t push her too hard. She’ll open up when she’s ready, and I have a feeling it will be sooner than you think.”

Doc checked his watch and rose to indicate he had other patients to see.

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