In Search of Hope by Anna Jacobs

Author:Anna Jacobs [Anna Jacobs]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Severn House Publishers
Published: 2013-09-14T04:00:00+00:00

Ten

Chad arranged an Internet video call to Des Monahan, so that Emily could judge whether she would like to put the search for her daughter into his hands.

She studied the private investigator’s face on the screen. Nondescript with perhaps a hint of Irish ancestry. He was studying her just as carefully.

‘Chad’s told me what happened, Ms Mattison.’

‘Yes. The reunion people found her and were pretty sure it was her, but we got a message back that she had no desire to contact me. Which is strange, when she had instituted a search as well.’

‘They were sure it was she who replied?’

‘They wouldn’t discuss it with me beyond giving me that information. So I don’t really know how sure they are.’

He nodded three times, slowly and thoughtfully, before looking her straight in the eyes. ‘Will you trust me to do this for you? It’s a delicate matter, finding a lost child. On both sides.’

She gave him an equally searching look. ‘Yes. I will trust you.’

‘Good. Actually, I prefer this sort of case to messy divorces, I must admit. It can be very rewarding if it’s successful.’

‘You’ll pull out all the stops?’ Chad said.

‘You’re in a hurry?’

‘I think Emily has waited long enough, and it’s the only cloud on our joint horizon at present, so I’d like it to go away. Do whatever it takes, don’t count the cost. After that, perhaps we can settle down to planning our wedding.’

When the connection was broken, Emily dug Chad in the ribs with her elbow. ‘I did not give you permission to discuss our wedding with all and sundry. I’m still not sure we need to marry.’

He leaned forward to give her a lingering kiss. ‘I’d go and get married next week, if it was up to me, Emily.’

She felt flustered. ‘I’m still getting used to the idea. I was so very sure I’d never marry, and after all, there isn’t the same pressure to do so in today’s world.’

‘I want our commitment to one another to be made in public in the traditional way – and celebrated in style!’

‘Even if we do marry, I am not having an elaborate wedding. I’m too old for all that fuss.’ She sniffed. ‘You’ll be asking me to wear a long white dress next!’

‘You’re never too old to celebrate a pairing like ours. But white wouldn’t suit you. And to hell with tradition; I will help you choose the dress. I know a fashion designer in London and I know that you don’t maximise your attractions.’

She spread her arms out in a gesture of helplessness. Chad had an unexpected romantic streak, which had surprised her. And he kept insisting she was beautiful, which she knew she wasn’t.

But it was rather nice that he wanted so much to marry her, she had to admit, though she wasn’t telling him that … yet.

The following week, Mrs Hockton picked up the phone. ‘Greaves and Hallibourne, Solicitors.’

A rather harsh voice said, ‘I’d like to speak to Mr Greaves, please.’

‘May I have your name, sir?’

‘Bainton.

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