WOULD-BE CHRISTMAS WEDDING by DEBRA WEBB

Author:DEBRA WEBB [WEBB, DEBRA]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: ROMANCE - - SUSPENSE
Publisher: HARLEQUIN
Published: 2013-10-05T04:00:00+00:00

Chapter Eleven

She had to admire his timing. Emmett had cleared the suite minutes before Casey had knocked on the door. They caught up on family and simple things, but serious talk had to wait as her friends arrived to help shuttle things downstairs.

They’d just returned from setting up the gift table when the suite phone rang and Cecelia cringed as Casey picked it up. What if it was Emmett? Would her daughter disapprove of her social life as much as she disapproved of her new career goals? Would she call Thomas and give away Emmett’s location?

“Sure, she’s right here.” Casey covered the receiver with her palm. “A detective for you.”

“Jerry?”

Casey shook her head as Cecelia took the phone and introduced herself.

“Ah, Mrs. Manning. If you could come down to the hotel café, please. We just need another moment of your time.”

“We’re terribly busy. I gave my statement to Detective Gadsden last night. Can’t this wait until tomorrow?”

“I’m afraid not. We have suspects in holding, but I can’t keep them there without cause. I just need you to take a look at a few photos.”

“Of course. I’ll be right down.”

She knew there was more to it. Detective Gadsden should have been asking her these questions. The voice wasn’t quite right, either, but she refused to cower again. She’d be safe enough in the café with her daughter beside her.

“I have to go downstairs for a moment and look at a couple of pictures. Apparently they have some suspects in last night’s trouble. Will you come with me?”

“Sure, Mom.”

Cecelia gave an excuse to the other women who were taking the last load of items out of the suite, then she and Casey headed downstairs.

“It didn’t sound like Detective Gadsden,” Casey said.

“No, it wasn’t. He must have sent a colleague.” She punched the button for the lobby level as well as the floor above it. “Can you keep an eye on me—be my backup—and still let me handle whatever this is?”

“Are you expecting trouble?”

“After last night, I wouldn’t be surprised by anything.” That was an understatement, for sure. “It should be a straightforward process, but if I’m wrong, do the right thing and call your uncle.”

“You know I will.”

Cecelia’s palms were damp as the elevator stopped and the doors opened at the second floor. “I mean it, honey. Don’t interfere, just make the call.”

Casey didn’t look happy about it, but she made the promise as the doors closed between them.

At the café, a man with dark hair brushed back from a face that might have passed for mid-twenties stood up from a nearby table as she paused at the hostess station.

“Mrs. Manning?” He flashed a badge, and then extended his hand. “A pleasure to meet you. I’ve ordered coffee.”

Closer now, she could see he wasn’t as young as first glance implied. “Thank you, but I’m terribly short on time.”

“A big night ahead of you.” He gestured for her to join him at his table.

“Yes.” She settled into a chair and waited for him to resume his.

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