Identity^Classified by Liz Shoaf

Author:Liz Shoaf [Shoaf, Liz]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Harlequin
Published: 2018-12-18T12:58:15+00:00

TWELVE

Sarah released a huge sigh and smiled at Ethan. He took a chair across from her.

“You’re sure you’re okay? You don’t need to see a doctor? Did you secure the kids like Chloe asked you to?”

She rubbed her chest again. “I’ll be fine, and, yes, the kids and faculty are all safely indoors.” Her smile melted away and Ethan got his first glimpse of the protective, mother hen side of Sarah. “But Chloe isn’t okay. I want to know what’s going on and how you’re involved in it.”

Ethan sat back and grinned.

“And what do you think is so funny about this situation, young man?”

“I see now where Chloe gets her feistiness. I know she’s not your daughter, but from what she’s told me about her past, she holds you in high regard. I believe she came to you at the age of ten and you were a large influence in her life.” Ethan felt a little guilty for misleading the woman and making it sound like Chloe had shared her life story with him, but he needed information and he needed it fast. Things were escalating and the killer was becoming bold.

Her face softened. “It was longer than that. At about the age of four, Chloe’s parents, who were my close friends, started leaving her with me when they were on the mission field. They didn’t feel it was safe to take her with them because of some of the places they were assigned.”

“Tell me about her parents.”

Sarah abruptly sat up. “First you’re going to tell me what’s going on.”

The woman was sharp, Ethan would give her that. His subtle interview tactic didn’t work on her. Chloe stepped through a short set of swinging doors at the back of the room and approached the table with a large tray in her hands. Ethan’s stomach growled and Chloe chuckled as she set the steaming dishes on the table in front of them. Ethan took the plate, silverware and napkin she handed him and waited until she was settled. Chloe nodded at Sarah and they bowed their heads. After a prayer was said, they began filling their plates.

Ethan moaned when he took the first bite of country-style steak. It melted in his mouth. Mashed potatoes followed, and he waved a fork in the air. “This is the best meal I’ve had in a long time.”

Sarah nodded her head regally at the compliment, and Chloe started shoveling it in as fast as he did. Chloe finished first, daintily wiped her mouth with a napkin and looked at Sarah. “Did Ethan grill you while I was in the kitchen?”

Neither woman looked at him.

Sarah nodded. “I’m sure he did his best, but he could learn a thing or two from your adoptive father.”

Ethan leaned forward, planting his elbows on the table. “You two ladies do know I’m sitting right here, don’t you?”

They both laughed, and Ethan relaxed. He was itching to probe matters on exactly who Chloe’s adoptive father was, but decided the best strategy would be to let them get comfortable.

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