Walls of Jericho by Lynn Bulock

Author:Lynn Bulock
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Harlequin
Published: 2001-03-15T00:00:00+00:00

By five in the evening, Claire’s resolve to stay in her dad’s apartment was wearing thin. True, she’d arranged everything to her satisfaction. But she definitely needed a phone to do all her committee business. And she felt a little bad about abandoning the boys to their dog cleanup and training. She was so used to taking care of everybody that it felt strange not to do it.

But if she caved now, Ben won. That was the only thing keeping her out here.

She wondered what the guys were going to have for dinner. Burgers on the grill, if Ben got home in time, probably. It was the star of his cooking repertoire. In fact, it was the only thing in his repertoire.

When the phone at her elbow rang, Claire jumped. She picked it up. “Hello?”

“Hey, kid. My grandsons told me you were hiding out in my old place.”

Her dad sounded more cheerful than worried, but Claire knew he was digging for information.

“What’s up?” he asked.

“Nothing serious. Did they tell you about your new grand-dog? He’s mostly the reason I’m out here.”

“He sounded a little boisterous when I was on the phone with Kyle.”

Claire could hear the smile in her father’s voice. “Boisterous is kind. He’s a monster, but he’s just a pup, so maybe he’ll outgrow some of his bad behavior. I hope so, because he’s going to be the size of a tank.” The picture of Tiger full grown with the enthusiasm he already displayed made her shudder. “I didn’t think this phone still worked. Thought you had it disconnected and your calls forwarded to Gloria’s number.”

“I meant to. Hadn’t gotten around to doing it, but it sounds like that will come in handy. You can’t do business there without a phone. Besides, if you’re really intent on staying out there, it isn’t safe without one.”

Now he sounded like Sheriff Dad. “I know. But I’m fine, really. And I won’t be staying here alone that much. Once we get this project off the ground, I’ll move back into the house. Just don’t tell Ben that.”

“You two on the outs?”

That sounded like her dad, too. Always got to the point.

“If there’s anything I can do, believe me—”

“No, Dad, really. We are not ‘on the outs,’ as you so charmingly put it. Just having a discussion about what my job is supposed to be around here. And what his job is, for that matter. This just struck me as the best way to make my point.”

“Like he could miss one of your points on something.”

Even on the phone, Claire could visualize her dad’s teasing grin.

“Don’t stay out there too long. It can’t be all that comfortable. I didn’t leave that much in the place.”

“That suits me just fine. More room for the racks of clothes we’ll be collecting.” Claire was struck with one bit of inspiration. “You didn’t happen to leave any paper napkins in the pantry, did you? Those, I could use.”

Dad sounded confused. “Probably. I always keep a big old package on hand because I never remember to buy them and that way I don’t run out too often.

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