The Three Mrs. Parkers by Joan Medlicott

Author:Joan Medlicott
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Pocket Books
Published: 2005-03-15T00:00:00+00:00

23

ALAN RETURNS

Along with interior renovations and repairs, the façade of the shop underwent a face-lift. Large display windows replaced the narrow, old-fashioned windows, and a pink and maroon-striped awning bearing the name Aladdin’s Treasures—Antiques extended over the sidewalk.

The day after Zoe and Maudie’s departure for North Carolina, Katie was unpacking stock in the storeroom, while Winifred stood at the counter behind the new cash register sorting pens, receipt pads, and credit card forms. When Winifred heard the squeal of a rusty hinge from the front door, she made a mental note to ask Jon to oil the hinge.

A man strode into the shop with an air of confidence, his smile showing perfect white teeth. Under a black jacket he wore a black turtleneck pullover. Black pants hung easily over black Gucci shoes. Of medium build, with hair like a raven’s, his skin tan, he was movie-star handsome. Winifred thought he looked overly cool and out of place in Walhalla. Perhaps he was a Spanish businessman or an actor from a shoot somewhere close by, since the area was home to a movie company. An odd thought crossed her mind: I wouldn’t want him as an enemy.

In the storeroom, Katie was pricing a box of 1940s kitchen crockery she and her grandmother had found at a local flea market. When she heard the door creak, she poked her head into the shop.

The moment she saw him, she knew: Alan Camaro. He was as handsome as Zoe had said, and seductive with his sensuous mouth and intense dark eyes. Banked passion, she thought, and rubbed the goose bumps that rose on her arms.

“Good morning, ladies.” His voice was deep. “I’m looking for Zoe Parker. Someone suggested she might be here.” His eyes scanned the room. “Nice place you’ve got.”

Without time to alert her grandmother, Katie moved closer to the cash register. Soon Jon would be back, but for now they were alone with him, and that frightened Katie.

The man stared at Katie. His eyes traveled the length of her body, and a trace of a smile touched his lips. He raised an eyebrow and nodded slightly, as if he could see through her clothing and approved of what he saw.

Katie went cold. This man was a brute. Why had he returned? What did he want?

The intruder reached in his pocket for a pack of cigarettes. “Mind if I smoke?”

“We would prefer you did not,” Winifred said.

“Certainly.” He shoved the cigarettes back into his pocket. “Am I in the right place? Is this where I can find Zoe Parker?”

“We own this shop,” Katie replied, stepping behind the counter, placing most of her body out of the line of his sight.

Winifred sensed the tenseness in Katie’s body, noted her guarded eyes. Something more was going on here than met the eye.

“Does Zoe still live at Amorey Lane? I could just drive out there.” His voice purred. “I’m an old friend.”

“I am Winifred Parker, her mother-in-law.”

He stepped forward and extended his hand. “Pleased to meet you, Mrs.

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