Her Unlikely Family Read Online Free PDF Page A

his stomach, irritation that she had carried out her hair-coloring threat sparked through him. It would be one more battle Lisa would wage with her grandmother.
    Lisa moved to the side. Her hair wasn’t only green. It also looked as if a lawn mower had gotten hold of it. “You promised you’d get rid of him, Josie.”
    â€œThat was before I realized he’s not as bad as you said he was.”
    â€œBut you didn’t try. You sat right down and started chatting with him at the diner like he was some long-lost friend.”
    â€œAnd he wasn’t even scared off by my interrogation or gum-snapping small-time waitress act.”
    â€œScared off? He probably hasn’t had a date since snooty ol’ Gloria told him to take a hike. The poor guy must be desperate.”
    Incensed, Michael said, “I beg your pardon.”
    The screams of the two women startled him, but he managed to stay balanced. Josie, on the other hand, dropped to the floor, and Lisa practically dove under the bed.
    â€œIt’s only me, the desperate one,” he said.
    Josie hopped up and fully raised the window. “You…You Peeping Tom! I should call the police.”
    â€œGo right ahead. I’ll tell them you’re hiding a minor here. For all I know, you kidnapped her.”
    He squinted, peering through the screen into the tiny bedroom. “Speaking of the minor…Lisa, come out from under there.”
    Silence.
    â€œLisa…”
    â€œOh, give it up, Lisa,” Josie said. “Come on out. We’re busted.”
    â€œAnd so are you, buddy,” said a gravelly voice behind Michael. “Police. Put your hands up.”
    Josie had to fight the incredulous laugh that nearly bubbled out of her. It wasn’t very often the president of a bank found himself in Mike’s position. She pressed her face against the screen and found a frequent patron of the diner and member of her church. “Hello, Officer Fredrickson.”
    â€œYou okay here, Josie? Your neighbor called saying someone was sitting in a car casing out your house. Do you know this man?”
    Mike glared at her, and she bit her lower lip to keep from grinning.
    â€œI don’t really know him….” This would be one way to get Mike off Lisa’s back. But did she dare?
    â€œSo, do you want to press charges against this pervert?”
    â€œPervert? This is ridiculous. My name is Michael Throckmorton. My niece is in there.” He leaned his face closer. “Tell the man, Josie. You do remember what we talked about?”
    Yes, the supposed kidnapping. She couldn’t risk it. “I actually met him today, Officer. And his niece is here in, uh, on the floor.”
    Lisa slung the yellow-flowered bedspread back and scooted out from under the bed. She approached the window, her furious gaze spearing first Josie, then Mike.
    â€œIs this your uncle, Miss?”
    She jammed her hands on her hips. “Yes.”
    â€œThen what’s he doing out here peeking in?” the policeman asked.
    â€œIt’s not something I do every day,” Michael said through clenched teeth, scowling at Josie. “Can I put my hands down now and explain?”
    â€œSure, if you’ll hop off there and show me some ID.”
    While Mike complied, Josie coaxed Lisa to go outside with her. They joined Mike on the lawn as the officer checked his license with a flashlight.
    Josie figured she’d better not push him any further. “You can go, Officer Fredrickson. We were about to discuss his niece.”
    â€œYou’re sure? I won’t leave if you’re not totally comfortable.”
    Recalling the full name printed on the business card Mike had left at the diner with Bud, she knew she would never be totally comfortable around one Michael H. Throckmorton III. “We’re fine here. Just a misunderstanding.”
    â€œOkay. You can relax now, buddy. Call if you need anything, Josie.” He