To Protect Their Child by Lynn Sheryl

Author:Lynn, Sheryl [Lynn, Sheryl]
Language: eng
Format: mobi, epub
Publisher: Harlequin Intrigue
Published: 2012-01-16T06:00:00+00:00

Chapter Nine

Elaine rode in silent, seething humiliation. Near home, she finally made herself look at Ric. His profile seemed set and stony, harsh in the lights from the truck dash. She was the reason King disliked Ric. Her uncle either knew, or suspected, Ric was Jodi’s father. King would deprive his grand-niece of a father rather than let everyone know a man he considered trash was a part of his family. Miserable and torn, she tugged her shawl tighter around her shoulders. “About my uncle—”

“One question,” he interrupted. He glanced her way. “If Tate finds proof King is involved in the murder, what’s your position?”

She blinked rapidly. “Position?”

“Will you defend your uncle?”

Her heart sank. “How can you even ask that?”

They’d reached the entrance to the McClintock Ranch. He slowed the truck. Far in the distance, pale bowls of light glowed around buildings in an otherwise pitch-black landscape.

“Your uncle threatened to plant contraband on my property. Or maybe he’ll go after Walt. He’s real nervous that we’re getting too close to the truth.”

She groaned and let her head fall back against the seat. The truck left the paved road. Gravel pattered beneath the wheels.

“If you hadn’t been with me,” he said. “I’d be in jail right now.”

“I know. And I’m sorry. But he isn’t evil. I swear to God, Ric. He’s just scared.”

“Of me?” He laughed, a bitter note. “Right.”

“Don’t you understand? King is scared of being embarrassed, of losing his job. It’s all he has. Did you know he has three kids? They hardly talk to him. I can’t remember the last time any of my cousins visited. He lives alone, and he’s lonely. His whole identity is being sheriff. He knows he botched the investigation. That’s why he’s acting so mean.”

Ric focused on the road ahead. His cheek twitched. He chuckled deep in his throat.

“Why are you laughing?”

He loosed a long breath. “Ah, Laney, do you have any idea what a good person you are? You give everybody the benefit of the doubt. You’re always willing to look beneath the surface.”

His words discomfited her. “I try to be fair.”

“And my question was unfair. I know you’ll do the right thing. I’m sorry.” He groped for her hand, found it and squeezed. “I really am sorry. Forgive me?”

“Forgiven.”

“Good. Because I refuse to let King ruin the best night I’ve ever had.”

At her house, he hopped out of the truck and hurried to the passenger side to help her down. Even when she was firmly on the ground, he kept holding her hand.

“The best night ever?” she questioned.

“If there were better nights, I can’t think of any.”

He walked her to the door. The porch light cast alluring shadows over the strong lines of his cheeks and jaw. His eyes were dark, compelling. The last remnants of anger at her uncle wisped away. Her heart began to thump with the possibilities. Jodi was staying all night at the big house. She and Ric were adults. It might be uncomfortable for both of

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