The General's Secretary by Debby Giusti

Author:Debby Giusti
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Harlequin
Published: 2012-10-14T16:00:00+00:00

TWELVE

When Dawson arrived back at his BOQ, he was still stewing about Mr. McKinney’s comment concerning ex-cons. Lillie’s dad had no idea Dawson’s father had been incarcerated, and although his comment troubled Dawson, her father had the right to his own opinion on such matters. Besides, Dawson knew the statistics fell in line with what the older man had mentioned.

Law-enforcement personnel were well aware that more than four in ten offenders returned to prison within three years of being released. Recidivism was a national problem and one with no easy solution.

The previous night, after Lillie had gone to bed, Mr. McKinney had talked openly about Irene Beaumont’s death and his concern for his daughter. The McKinneys had taken her in as a terrorized four-year-old. When her mother’s body had been unearthed, the middle-school-aged Lillie had suffered a setback, and both parents worried about her emotional health.

The prosecutor had talked to Lillie’s foster father about Granger’s trial. Mr. McKinney had been forthcoming with Dawson concerning his own fear that Granger’s guilt had been too quickly decided.

At the time, the McKinneys had been focused on Lillie. They wanted to ensure their daughter didn’t experience another setback or more pain than what she had already suffered. In an effort to insulate her from the wagging tongues in town, Mrs. McKinney had decided to homeschool Lillie. In hindsight, they wondered if they had protected her too much.

All in the name of love.

Love was a word Dawson rarely used. Never in conjunction with his mother or his missing father. Hearing it associated with Lillie’s name gave him pause. Surely, the way he felt about the pretty secretary wasn’t love. Or was it? He thought of her kiss and the way she had molded into his embrace.

As much as he enjoyed kissing her, he didn’t like the turmoil of emotion that welled up within him today. Plus, Lillie had pulled away from him last night, so she must be equally confused.

More than anything, she needed closure, which Dawson hoped would come when all the facts about her mother’s death were brought to light.

Dawson hadn’t told Mr. McKinney about his own personal involvement in the case. Eventually, the two men who cared about Lillie would have another heart-to-heart talk. Although after learning the truth, Mr. McKinney might not want to ever see Dawson again.

His phone rang. He grabbed the cell off the kitchen counter and smiled when he saw Lillie’s name on the caller ID.

“I’m sorry about what my father said this morning,” she said in greeting.

“It’s okay, Lillie.”

“He’s really a good man, who thinks the best of people. That’s why I’m not sure where that comment came from.”

“He’s worried about you. We shared a pot of decaf last night after you went to bed.”

“Oh? Then maybe fatigue was playing into the mix this morning.”

Dawson laughed, although when he thought of the cozy farmhouse and her loving parents, he had a pang of regret. Lillie would soon be going to church with her parents. He wanted to be sitting next to her in the pew.

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