The Hidden One by T.B. Markinson

Author:T.B. Markinson [Markinson, T.B.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: series, Romance Suspense, Political
Publisher: T.B. Markinson
Published: 2018-09-11T23:00:00+00:00

Chapter Fifteen

On Monday night, the sound of Grover tearing down the hallway to greet Maya and me caused my heart to gallop, matching Grover’s frantic speed.

Maya leaned down and opened her arms right as Grover launched off the ground and plowed into her chest, snorting upon contact but also wiggling and kissing her face.

“I think he missed you.” Fee leaned on the bedroom doorjamb.

“You’re home?” I squeaked like a fool.

Fee straightened, sighing. “What happened now?”

I waved her into the room and closed the door. “We have a guest staying.”

“Don’t tell me you moved Hildy in. I like her, but—”

I waved her off. “It’s…”

Grover’s shrill bark startled me, as if even he knew I was in trouble. Or maybe he heard the front door open. Maya encouraged me with a smile.

“Kylie.”

Fee blinked. “Your sister? Why is that hush-hush? I know you two aren’t super close, like you and Ham, but—”

“She’s not alone.”

“Victor! What are you doing here?” Pat’s voice boomed from the front room.

I tossed my hands in the air. Keeping a secret in this family was harder than finding a cure for the common cold. “Kylie and Victor—”

Fiona rushed out of the room before I could fill her in.

“I told Ky bringing him here wouldn’t work.”

“Not sure they had another place to go.” Maya shrugged, motioning for us to join the Carmichael family reunion. “Not with the Tattler squad tightening the noose around them in Philly.”

I only had their word on that, and at the moment, I wasn’t entirely convinced. Everything about this stoked a cold sense of dread.

“Fee, it’s Victor and Kylie. Never in a million years did I think we’d find them in our apartment, together.” Pat’s smile was broad and uncomplicated.

Fiona, trained from birth to circle the Carmichael wagons, wrapped the couple in a three-way hug. Much to my relief, she demanded, “What’s the whole story?” If Fee, along with Ham’s people, were on Victor’s case, the truth would be forced into the light. I had my fingers and toes crossed Victor’s intentions were pure for Ky’s sake, but I wasn’t counting on it. At the moment, I trusted the Republican-controlled senate more than I did anyone with the Quillian last name.

Victor wiggled out of her embrace and leaned down to stroke the dog. “This must be, Grover.” The dog skittered around the room with excitement. “I loved the video of Susie running from you,” Victor said, giving Grover a pat on the head, followed by, “Good boy.”

Grover barked.

“Pat, we may need you to teach Grover more tricks,” I said, stalling.

Fee cleared her throat.

I gestured for everyone to take a seat. “Kylie and Victor have something they want to say.”

Maya tossed me a look that suggested she couldn’t believe what I’d just done.

Kylie’s glare communicated the same.

I hoped my stare back at them said, Tough shit, Miss I Want to Get Married.

Fee clicked her fingers. “Do you have some dirt on Susie for the campaign? I love good gossip.”

“Says the Harvard educated presidential historian.” Pat squeezed her thigh.

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