Protecting Katie by H. D. Thomson

Author:H. D. Thomson [Thomson, H.D.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: contemporary romance, contemporary mystery romance, custody battle
Publisher: Bella Media Management
Published: 2019-07-27T16:00:00+00:00

Chapter Eight

Later that night, Kristen pulled up in front of Jeff’s house. She hadn’t called ahead, convinced he would try to delay their conversation for another time, and on the phone earlier today she hadn’t bought his excuse of working late.

Luck was with her, she decided as she slipped out of her father’s car and walked up the sidewalk. A light from inside beckoned through the windows and screened security door, illuminating the manicured lawn and lantana-trimmed hedges on either side of the brick walkway. She let herself into the cool, air-conditioned entryway and was about to call out a greeting when she heard Jeff’s voice. Curious, she closed the screen and front door softly behind her and moved down the hall on silent feet.

“What do you mean she’s out of the hospital? When the hell did this happen? I thought the old bat was in remission and about to drop dead. You told me yourself she had a half-year—max— months ago. And now, you’re telling me differently?” From the kitchen, rage and frustration crackled through the air, its power forcing Kristen back a step. “Well, at least that’s something. Let me know when she’s back in the hospital—”

Cemented to the floor, Kristen listened, wondering in alarm who Jeff was talking about. And why? It sounded as if he wanted this woman dead. Although she wanted to turn away from his spiteful words and leave, she stayed because she needed to talk to him.

Sudden silence, then the echo of Jeff’s heels against the kitchen tile interrupted her thoughts. Instinct impelled her to retrace her steps. Just as she re-closed the screen door, Jeff came around the corner and stopped abruptly. He smiled, but it lacked any warmth.

“What are you doing here?”

That same instinct kept her from mentioning what she’d overheard. “I wanted to talk to you about Marla and your daughter.”

“Can’t it wait? I thought Friday was good enough.” He rubbed the back of his neck. “I’m tired. I had a long day at work. I don’t have the energy to deal with a scene.”

“No, it can’t wait,” she coolly replied, reining in her temper at his condescending tone. “And I’m not going to cause a scene. All I want are some answers.”

Nodding, he motioned her forward. “Then let’s go sit down. It might take a while.”

She closed the front door, led the way into the living room and said over a shoulder, “You know, you really should get out of the habit of leaving your door unlocked.”

“I’m not worried.” He shrugged, then reclined on the sofa, resting both arms along its top and crossing an ankle over his knee. “I shouldn’t have to. Not when I had to cough up a load of money to live in this neighborhood. Anyway, the cops aren’t stupid. They know who really pays their wages.”

Recoiling at Jeff’s attitude, she sat on the chair’s edge to the right of the sofa. “So can you tell me what this is all about with Marla and Caroline?” she asked.

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