Colton Mountain Search by Karen Whiddon

Author:Karen Whiddon
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Harlequin
Published: 2024-02-07T15:59:19+00:00

Chapter 9

“That was something else,” Della said. Never had she been so glad to leave a restaurant. She hadn’t known she could feel so protective toward Max, but she did. Though he hadn’t outwardly reacted to his half brother’s statement, she’d seen the flash of pain in his eyes. When she’d taken his hand and squeezed, he’d held on tightly as if she was some kind of lifeline.

No matter how awful they might be, she suspected no one ever outgrew the need for their mother. Even Nathan and Sarah had looked pained when they’d talked about their mother.

“I left home as soon as I could,” Nathan had continued, apparently oblivious. “She’s always been pretty awful, as I’m sure you know.”

“I do,” Max had agreed, still clutching Della’s hand. He gestured around the room. “We all do.”

“Well, she’s gotten worse ever since she joined that weird church,” Sarah had interjected. “You can’t even talk to her now.”

At the word church, Max had tensed. He’d asked a few more questions, but as soon as he learned Jessie had joined the Ever After Church, he’d been ready to go.

He was unusually quiet as he drove her home, and Della figured he needed time lost in his own head. When they finally pulled up into her driveway, he leaned over and kissed her on the cheek, clearly distracted. “Thanks for coming with me,” he said. “I really appreciate it.”

“Did you want to come in?” she offered, even though she felt pretty sure he didn’t.

“Not this time.” He shook his head. “I can’t help but feel there’s something I’m overlooking. I need to investigate how far that church has reached.”

“The Ever After Church?” For years, fringe members had been hanging around town. There’d been rumors they wanted to build an actual physical building, maybe even some sort of compound, but nothing had ever come of it. At least not that she knew of.

“Yes.” His clipped answer made her study him. As she realized what he might mean, she sat up straight.

“Are you thinking they might have had something to do with Angela’s—and others’—murder?” she asked.

“I don’t know. But I’m sure as hell going to look into it.” Meeting her gaze, he grimaced. “Any other time, you know I’d come in. But I’m looking at several hours of computer work, and you are way too much of a distraction.”

This made her smile. She leaned over and kissed him softly. “Another time, then.”

“Definitely.” He checked out his fitness tracker watch. “I’ve got to go. I’d like to get started on it right away.”

She opened her door. “Thanks for inviting me,” she said. “I had a nice evening. I’ll talk to you later. Please, if you learn anything interesting, let me know.”

“I will,” he said, waiting until she’d reached her front door and unlocked it before putting his truck in Reverse.

After watching him drive away, she went inside. Charlie danced around, greeting her as if she’d been gone for days instead of hours. She got down on the floor with him, returning his affection as effusively as he gave it.

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