Part 28 (1/2)
”How much do you know about your sister?”
”Only that she was born somewhere around Memphis and was taken away from my mother. I don't know how, or why, or even who. I know the approximate date. Nothing more.”
”An informal adoption then?”
”I think so. I don't know. We can't find a birth certificate.”
”When your home was trashed, was anything taken pertaining to this mysterious daughter?”
”No. I hadn't had time to do anything.”
”It might have been an attempt to distract you,” he said.
”But why? Who would care about an adoption thirty-plus years ago?”
That was the question that kept ringing in his head.
But he knew from long experience that the immediate questions were probably not the right questions.
”Anything else?” he asked. ”Anything you can remember that might have even the slightest relations.h.i.+p to the events of the past few days?”
She shook her head.
”What was your father's reaction to your sister?” He kept coming back to Charles Rawson.
She shook her head slowly. ”He would never hurt my mother or myself. We've had differences. More than one. But I am sure of that.” She paused. ”He would be mortified if this came out about my mother.”
”I would think he would be more concerned with his daughter's safety.”
Her face flushed. Her eyes glinted. She was becoming defensive.
Because he'd hit a sore spot.
”Can I go home?” she asked.
”I'll talk to Wagner.” His emotions were reeling. Her terror came through, even though she was very good at hiding it. And her grief about her mother's friend. He'd wanted to take her in his arms. Tell her that he would help. That he would be there.
It had taken all his willpower to remain cool and professional. Yet that had been what she needed now.
Today showed she continued to be in danger. Mrs. Starnes's death proved someone would stop at nothing.
How much of a catalyst was Meredith Rawson?
And how much a target?
*Chapter Sixteen*
'NEW ORLEANS'.
Meredith struggled to keep her composure as she hugged the dog to her. He whined to get away, to check on his mistress. How long had the two been together?
She rubbed her cheek against the dog's fur. She would not cry, even though grief wrapped around her heart. She couldn't shrug off the guilt, no matter what Gage Gaynor said.
The only way to help now was to care for the dog.
She glanced at the front door. She wanted to leave this house. She wanted to go home. But that, too, had been violated. Despite the new alarm system, she hadn't really felt safe at home. She wondered whether she ever would again.
'Get over it'. She was an attorney. She prided herself on her toughness and control. She had seen horrendous situations both as a prosecutor and as a private attorney.
But she had never before been the focal point of violence.
The dog licked her hand anxiously.
”It's okay, Nicky,” she said softly. ”I'll find someone for you.”
But 'someone' wasn't his mistress, and she was fully aware of that.
Gage returned. ”You can go for now. I'll drive you home.”
Not ”May I?” Or ”Can I?” An order. Like her father always gave.
”My car is here,” she argued.
”I'll have a patrolman drive it to your house later.”
She didn't want to capitulate. Didn't want to need him. Didn't want to need anyone.
But she did. She needed someone now. Not to protect her. But to share her sorrow for a woman she didn't know.
A warning voice told her that someone shouldn't be-- couldn't be--Gage Gaynor. She didn't want to break down in front of him, and she was frighteningly close to that point right now. Her mother's illness, her mother's secret, the attempt on her life, the tras.h.i.+ng of her home, and now this.
Emotional overload. She recognized it. She'd seen it too many times in her clients. She knew there was a breaking point, and she wanted hers to come in private.
”No,” she said sharply. ”You have things to do here.”
He sighed heavily. ”Meredith. Someone died today. It may or may not be connected to you, but it's a h.e.l.l of a coincidence if it isn't. I'm not going to let you go home alone to an empty house. If I have to follow you, I will.”
”Then you will have to follow me,” she said. It was better than being in the same car with him, seduced by the sight and sound and scent of him.
He nodded curtly. ”Ready.”
She stood, still holding the dog. He was an armful. A furry armful. He squirmed, protesting, and she whispered to him. He quieted and drooped forlornly against her.
Gage reached for him, but she shook her head. ”I'll take care of him.”
Gage shrugged.