A Perfect Life by Mike Stewart

Author:Mike Stewart [Stewart, Mike]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Literature & Fiction, United States, Mystery; Thriller & Suspense, Thrillers, Suspense, Fiction
ISBN: 0440241324
Amazon: B000FC2NTY
Publisher: Dell
Published: 2004-01-01T05:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER 26

Sarah Hunter loved the stars. “See, those are the Pleiades. You find 'em by finding the Big Dipper first and then following its handle.”

Kate studied the child's face.

“No.” The little girl giggled. “It would help if you looked at the sky, Kate.”

Kate Billings looked upward. “How is it possible to have more stars here than in Boston? God,” she said with a sigh, “it is beautiful here.”

Sarah looked over at her new nanny. “You know there aren't really more stars here, don't you?” She was teasing—trying hard to do as her father had asked and “build a relationship” with Kate.

A car horn sounded on the other side of the house.

The little girl cried out, “Daddy's home,” and took off running.

Kate followed at a slower pace, then veered toward the kitchen door. She was taking dinner out of the oven as Charles came in holding a cane in one hand and Sarah's hand in the other.

Kate smiled. “How's the foot?”

Charles chuckled. “Broken. What's for dinner? Sarah claims she made it all by herself.”

“She did.” Kate put a round platter on the center island. “Homemade pizza.”

Sarah laughed. “Bisquick and Ragu with mozzarella cheese on top. The recipe was on the box.”

“Sounds wonderful.” Charles ran his hand over Sarah's long brown hair. “Why don't you go get washed up. I'll be right behind you.”

Sarah skipped out of the room, and Charles lowered his voice. “Kate? I've got to run up to Boston for a few days. There's a, uh . . . there's a problem I have to take care of personally. So I was wondering.” He sat on a stool to take the weight off his cast. “I was wondering if you think Sarah would be comfortable staying alone here with you. I know you two are just starting to get to know each other . . .”

Kate showed her teeth. “Absolutely.”

“Really? Because I could make other arrangements.”

“No way. I guess Sarah's the person you really need to ask, but I think we're good to go. She was just out on the beach trying to show me how to find the Pleiades.”

Charles smiled. “Well, okay then. Of course, I'll talk to Sarah. But”—he stepped gingerly down off the stool—“I don't foresee any problems. The place will be all yours for a few days. I just hope you won't get bored during the day when Sarah's in school on the mainland.” He paused. “But I guess you're pretty much alone here even when I'm at the office a mile away.”

“I like it.” Kate showed her teeth again. “Enjoy your trip. I've got things here under control.”

Charles hobbled out to wash up for dinner, and Kate pulled a chef's knife from a maple block on the counter. As she pressed the heavy blade through hot cheese and tomato sauce to cut through the crust, she began to sing quietly to herself.

And, for the first time that evening, a genuine smile crept across Kate Billings's face.

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