Harlequin Romantic Suspense April 2021 by Karen Whiddon (good e books to read txt) 📗

sure they had a platter of assorted appetizers, and since neither women were big on drinking beer, he’d poured them both a glass of wine.

Fallon nodded as Carly approached. “Sit,” she ordered. “You and I need to talk.”

Stifling a sigh, Carly sat. “Mom, I know you’re worried. I am, too. But there’s no way I can drive to work from Oak Park every day. It’d be a ridiculous commute, especially with traffic.”

Fallon reached across the table and covered Carly’s hand with hers. “I can’t bear the thought of something happening to you. How about you go stay with one of your brothers?”

“We’ve talked about that,” Carly replied. “But ultimately, I decided against it. I have a dog now plus I refuse to live my life on the run. Especially since I still have no idea who might want to harm me.”

Farrah leaned forward. “Do you think they might be after Micha?”

“It’s possible.” Carly shrugged. “But the police don’t seem to think it’s connected to the person or people who killed Dad and Uncle Alfred.”

“Tell me, what are you doing to stay safe?” Fallon asked.

Now Carly wished Micha had accompanied her. “Micha isn’t working right now,” she began, and then as she realized how that sounded, she winced. “He’s just getting settled back here in Chicago. But since he was in the special forces, he has lots of contacts. Between them and the police, I honestly feel we should be safe.”

Her mother and aunt exchanged glances. Carly found herself holding her breath as she waited.

“Well, you are an adult,” Fallon finally conceded. “I don’t like this at all, but I’m going to trust you to do what’s best.”

“Though it would have been fun to have a dog in the house,” Aunt Farrah interjected, smiling. “Even if we’re not going to be there much after next month, hopefully.”

Carly sat up straighter. “What? Where are you going?”

“We’ve been trying to get back into our old routines,” her mother said. “We’ve resumed running Gemini Interiors, though they managed to continue on just fine without us apparently.”

“And we’re considering taking a trip together,” Farrah added. “Right now we haven’t decided anything firm, but we’ve been looking at going to Dubai.”

Pleased, Carly nodded. Before the murders, traveling had been one of her parents’ passions. Often, both couples went somewhere together. In fact, right before the two men had been killed, Carly was pretty sure the foursome was planning a trip to Scotland.

“Or do you think it’s too soon?” Farrah asked, the anxiety in her voice reflected in her gaze. “To be honest, the grief has been overwhelming and neither of us has felt like doing much of anything.”

“But there’s only so long one can mope around the house,” Fallon interjected. “That’s why we’re going back to work. Baby steps, you know.”

“I do know.” Carly glanced back over her shoulder at Micha, who was talking to Sean. “When they told me that Micha had died, I couldn’t get out of bed for days. And we had only been together for a fraction of the time you two were married.”

“That doesn’t make the pain any less,” Farrah wisely said. “You were at a different place in your relationship than we were. You were just starting out, full of hopes and dreams and making plans. We were settled, having raised our children and paid our dues.” She wiped away a stray tear. “We had so much living yet to do. It hurts to have that ripped away.”

Fallon reached over and gave her sister a firm hug. “We’re getting through this,” she said, her voice fierce. “One day at a time.”

“Yes, we will.” Sniffing, Farrah hugged her back. “And knowing our children have found their happiness in life really helps. Whether with their dream careers or finding the love of their life—or both—it warms the heart to see you all turned out so well.”

Carly nodded. “Thanks. Now if you don’t mind, I’d better get back to Micha.”

“No need.” Fallon grinned. “He’s headed this way right now.”

Despite herself, Carly’s heart skipped a beat. She glanced up, straight into Micha’s warm brown eyes. Awareness shivered through her.

“Evening, ladies.” Smiling at the two older women, Micha planted a quick kiss on Carly’s head. “Do you mind if I join you?”

“Of course not.” Farrah waved her hand at the empty chair. “Sit. We have some questions we want to ask you.”

Hearing this, Carly stifled a groan. She shot Micha a look of warning as he lowered himself into a chair. She knew her mother and her aunt. Micha didn’t know it, but he was about to be subjected to an intense grilling by the matriarchs of the Colton family.

The questions started off casually. They asked him about his time in the army and thanked him for his service. Carly watched him relax at her mother’s and aunt’s friendly tones. Though she knew he could take care of himself, she fought the urge to warn him. Instead, she sipped her beer and listened as Farrah took the lead, switching from wanting to know about the past to pointed questions about the future.

“Once you’re married to my daughter, how do you intend to make a living?”

Whoa, Nelly. Carly shook her head and held up her hand to forestall Micha’s response. “Mom,” she chastised. “No one has said anything about us getting married. Please don’t make that kind of assumption.”

Eyes widening, Farrah looked from her daughter to Micha and then back to her sister. “But why not?” she drawled. “It seems you two have picked up right back where you left off.”

Despite feeling her face color, Carly stared right back. “Mother...”

“It’s all good, Mrs. Colton,” Micha interrupted, smiling. “We’re still working through a few things, though.”

“What things?” Farrah asked.

“We need to figure them out on our own,” Micha said smoothly, his raspy voice firm.

Carly exhaled, smiling gratefully.

The two older women took the hint. “All right, dear,” Farrah said, patting the back of Micha’s hand. “You can’t blame me for being concerned for my daughter’s welfare.”

“I can’t blame