The Lakeview Haunting by Marie Wilkens

Author:Marie Wilkens [Wilkens, Marie]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2023-11-06T00:00:00+00:00

24

Hugh and John Miller approached the trio of women slowly at the old man’s pace. Josiah followed the two men, his suitcase in one hand and John’s in the other. Right away, she could see that the younger man was a doting son to his father. Though he didn’t help his father in any way, Laura saw his hand subtly placed behind the aging man by his son in case the man’s frail bones gave out and he needed support. By the time the men reached the women, Laura was teetering with intrigue. Clem cleared her throat and stepped forward first, extending her hand to the elderly man.

“Mr. Miller, it’s a pleasure to see you again.”

The man scoffed and brushed away her hand. “I was building my company before your pops was born, child. Give me a break with the fake pleasantries. We both know you’ve got nothing useful to say to me. Run along and play with your dolls, and while you’re at it, tell your parents to meet me in the sitting room.”

Clem flushed bright red but continued to smile as she excused herself and jogged up the steps. The senior Miller turned and barked for Josiah to follow Clem and get things set up. His son, the younger Miller, looked mortified at the way his father had spoken to both Clem and Josiah but didn’t say anything. She could see from the look in the man’s eyes that he was going to speak to his father about decorum later on. When his eyes locked on her, Laura’s heart started to pound with such enthusiasm she was certain someone would hear it.

“Now, on to business,” Mr. Miller growled. “I’d know you anywhere. You must be Laura Redding, and you’re Kayla. Laura, you’re the spitting image of your mother—”

“You knew our mom?” Kayla asked.

“In picture and through Hank’s words only, my dear. Your father loved her a great deal. It was a shame she passed. I’m sorry for your loss.”

“If you knew about our mother…then you knew about us,” Kayla hissed. “Why in the hell didn’t we know about you?”

“Simple, child. It wasn’t my place to tell you that I existed. It wasn’t anyone’s, as a matter of fact. Your grandfather and I were the only ones who knew Hank was alive and married, and he swore us both to secrecy. I kept his wish right up until Edward died and something had to be done. Now, if you’d forgive an old man his manners, this heat and standing is for the young. I’ll see you inside,” John said.

He turned to his son. “Make your introductions and join us inside.”

Hugh smiled at his father and nodded. For a split second, Laura was worried that the old man would struggle with the steps, but when she turned, she saw two of the staff members already waiting to aid him if needed. Glancing at Hugh, she saw him watch until his father was safely up the steps before turning his attention to the sisters.

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