A Love to Cherish Read Online Free PDF

led Tommy over to the couch. “Sit down and tell me about Aunt Naomi. Where does she live?”
    Casey hated using a child’s innocence to gather information but it was necessary. Long ago he had hardened himself against situations that pulled at his heartstrings. That’s what made him a good detective. Ridding himself of sentimentality and remaining focused allowed him to solve cases others could not.
    “Why do you want to know about Aunt Naomi?” Tommy asked, suddenly wary. “Mama said I shouldn’t talk about her.”
    “If I’m to protect you and your mother, I should know what kind of danger to watch out for.”
    “Aunt Naomi is not dangerous,” Tommy protested. “She gives me presents and writes Mama letters. After Papa died she let us live with her in her big house so that mean old … nevermind, I’m not supposed to say anything about him.”
    “Him?”
    “Yes, the mean man who wants to take me away from Mama. But Mama and Aunt Naomi said they won’t let him take me. There are lots of girls living in Aunt Naomi’s house. It was fun there.”
    “Tommy! What have you been telling Mr. Walker?How many times have I told you not to discuss family business with strangers?”
    “Didn’t you hire Casey to protect us, Mama? I was just telling him about Aunt Naomi and the girls.”
    Belle blanched. God, if Casey Walker was T.J.’s man, this was one more black mark against her already besmirched character.
    “Go sit by Wan Yo, Tommy, he may wake up and need something.”
    “I’m sorry, Mama,” Tommy said as he trudged back into the bedroom.
    “I don’t know what Tommy told you, Mr. Walker…”
    “Casey.”
    “What?”
    “My name is Casey.”
    “As I was saying, Mr. Walker, Tommy doesn’t really know what he’s talking about. He’s only a child.”
    “He wasn’t saying much, just telling me about his aunt. Do you have any other relatives?”
    “I have no relatives, Mr. Walker. Naomi isn’t a blood relative. She’s just a woman who’s been incredibly good to me and Tommy.”
    “If this woman cares for you, what are you doing in Placerville by yourself? I’d expect you to settle where you had someone to rely upon after your husband’s death. What about your inlaws? Aren’t they willing to help you?”
    Belle stiffened. Dear God, this stranger was baring her secrets one by one without realizing it. “There is no one,” she repeated.
    Casey stared into the frightened depths of Belle’sbrown eyes and could almost smell her fear. He was somewhat surprised at the guilt he felt at pressing her for answers, but she still hadn’t told him everything he needed to know.
    “What’s the real reason you hired me, Belle?”
    Belle was immediately alert. He had called her by her nickname. Where had he heard it? Her eyes narrowed and her lush lips pressed together into a flat line. “Why did you call me Belle just now? I told you my name is Isabelle.”
    Casey wanted to laugh. Didn’t she think he had ears? “I heard Wan Yo call you Belle. And that man Dinks. I reckon there are others who call you by that name.”
    Belle plopped into the nearest chair and breathed deeply. She was becoming paranoid lately. But she had a gnawing fear that McAllister was closing in on her. If she lost Tommy she’d have nothing … nothing …
    “I’m sorry,” Belle said, trying to sound natural despite her racing heart. “I prefer Isabelle, but some call me by my shortened name.” How she wished she could trust this man. She needed someone to confide in, someone to turn to for comfort. Lord, what was she thinking? She hardly knew Casey Walker. And she certainly didn’t need a man. Damn few were worth the trouble.
    “Why don’t you take your things to your room, Mr. Walker? You’ll find it off the kitchen. I’m going to stay here awhile with Tommy and Wan Yo. Tell Dolores and Sanchez you’re the man I hired today. Since I usually feed Tommy at the restaurant, your services won’t be needed any more