Assassin Deception Read Online Free PDF

stopped him. Drunk or not that’s not an excuse. Thank you for saving me from a life filled with unbearable pain and anger. I’m just sorry you didn’t do it sooner. Maybe if you had, we could have saved my mom from the hell he locked her in.”
    “The past is filled with maybe’s, would have’s, should have’s, didn’t’s, and wanted to’s. The future is filled with hope. You have your whole life ahead of you. Let your memories lie in peace with your mother.” James ran a hand over his face. He kissed Chloe’s forehead, looking drained of emotion.
    “Rest for awhile, sweetheart, then freshen up. Don’t worry if your suitcase is still in your car. I’ve taken the liberty of acquiring new clothing for you, already in your closet and drawers. I hope you don’t mind. Carrie and Candy were very helpful. And don’t be surprised if they come asking to borrow items. I’m afraid they fell in love with some of the purchases that they picked out for you.”
    Chloe smiled at that. It would be interesting having other women around to talk to. But James was right, she felt physically and emotionally drained and perhaps some rest would be a good idea.
    * * * *
    Chloe smiled as she looked around the large dining room table. All of the younger children were eating upstairs under the care of another watchful eye. James had always insisted the evening meal was reserved for adults.
    A time when they could eat in leisure, while discussing adult topics openly, not needing to spell out certain words. Without having to wipe sticky faces or hands, having to scold or ignore bad behaviors. Where they could avoid thrown food and temper tantrums. Where a glass of wine could rest without the worries of being spilled. Candles glowed without the fear of a curiously seeking hand.
    Chloe had felt so mature when finally, at age eight, she had been allowed to dine with the adults, though she was ever wary of James summing up her maturity and table manners. She had been warned by Damien, who was far wiser at the age of ten, one false move and she would be banished back to the children’s table upstairs, where a strict nanny would lecture on the importance of etiquette, how to chew with your mouth closed, and the need to keep your elbows off the table.
    Chloe noted that even though James had stepped down, he still remained seated at the head of the table. Chloe knew it was out of respect for his father that Dirk would never push the issue.
    Dirk remained seated to his right. Damien had sat her next to his father on his left, in his usual seat. Chloe knew James wanted her close. Damien settled himself on her other side. He rested his hand on the back of her chair, his fingers in easy reach of her shoulders, which he occasionally caressed in a familiar way.
    “So, Chloe, how have you been?” Dirk asked while reaching for his wine glass.
    “I’m fine,” Chloe replied into his pensive expression. She took a dainty bite from her salad plate.
    She understood that for a brief while Candy had experienced problems in her pregnancy and Dirk was unable to leave her. She was secretly happy Dirk had been unable to track her earlier. Dirk was very good; there was no doubt in Chloe’s mind he would have found her. Dirk could find anyone, anywhere, anytime.
    Though feeling a certain amount of shame at her thoughts, Chloe was grateful she had missed her mother’s funeral. She admitted to herself she felt certain anger with her for not protecting her from her father and then not taking care of her when she needed her.
    Even though it had been at the request of her granny, Chloe still felt it was her mother’s fault she was sent away. Perhaps now she would begin to heal from her anguished childhood, now that she was surrounded with loved ones. She wanted only to forget the past.
    “What were you up to?” James asked casually enough. A small piece of lobster was suspended in the air, halfway to his mouth.
    Chloe knew he had been agitated his man had been