In From the Cold Read Online Free PDF Page B

cheek. “It’s been ages. How have you been?”
    He clearly knew the woman. “Sharon, what are you doing here?”
    “I’m a guest, darling, like yourself.”
    “But I mean here , in this house? I thought you’d be up at the estate.” He eased her back from his personal space, his arms rigid.
    “Normally I would be, but Miles had plans …” she said bitterly, “…and it was my turn with Yvette, so Jason put us here too. Perhaps we could call it the Play house.” She winked at Drake, then gestured toward Yvette. “You remember my daughter, don’t you?”
    Yvette stood near Suzie, and my heart ached at the wary look in her eyes. No child should have to feel like that, especially toward her mother.
    Drake turned from Sharon and studied Yvette for a moment, then walked over and knelt in front of her. He seemed to know what to do to put the child at ease, and I felt a tug inside, some tiny thread pulled. A knot loosened in my chest.
    “Hi, sweetheart. I’m Drake.” He nodded at her toy. “Who’s your friend?”
    “Meow,” she whispered.
    “Hi, Meow. It’s nice to meet you.” Solemnly, he shook hands with the toy, then looked back at Yvette. “Have you been playing with Suzie?”
    She nodded. The lines around her eyes relaxed, and she stopped biting her lip. I flipped a glance at Sharon and was struck by the look of yearning on her face. She looked softer, wistful, like a turtle sticking its head from its shell when it thought no one was looking. There was more, much more, to the story of Sharon and Yvette, and I wondered how much of it Drake knew or would be willing to tell me.
    “We’ve been playing with Meow and Ontidi, Daddy,” Suzie cut in, running up to Drake. “We’re all friends now. Ontidi’s very happy.”
    “That’s fantastic, honey. It’s great to have new friends.” He swung her into his arms and squeezed her tight. “How’s my girl this morning? Feeling better?”
    “Uh hunh.”
    “Has Miss Claire been taking good care of you?” He looked at me for the first time, his gaze warm. Aware of our audience, I kept my expression neutral.
    “Oh yes! I had a bubble bath and breakfast and watched SpongeBob and she read us a story and we’ve played.”
    “All this morning? What time did you get up?” He glanced at me. I held up my fingers and mouthed “five.”
    He grimaced and mouthed back “sorry.”
    My stomach did a little flip.
    “I don’t know, but it was dark.” Suzie blithely chattered on, oblivious to the byplay over her head.
    “Miss Claire’s probably ready for a break then.”
    “Actually,” I interrupted, and turned to Sharon too, “I’d like some idea of your plans for the day. I saw a brunch on the schedule, but nothing else that might include the children. Did you want them to attend or not?”
    “Really, Miss Claire, as I said, I’ll be busy. Just keep her entertained.” Sharon leaned in the doorway, exasperated. The turtle had certainly disappeared quickly.
    “Mr. Driscoll?”
    “Drake.” He smiled and my heart seized again. He bounced Suzie in his arms. “What would you like, Birdie? Wanna go to a brunch?”
    “What is it?”
    “A big lunch party. Lots of grownups.”
    She wrinkled her nose. “No.” She wriggled out of his arms and took Yvette’s hand. “Ontidi and Meow want to play.”
    “Okay. If you’re sure.”
    She nodded and he turned to me. “So what were you thinking, Miss Claire?”
    I was thinking he looked even better this morning—his hair mussed, his jaw stubbled with whiskers.
    I was thinking this glorious man loved his daughter, openly, tenderly.
    I was thinking I should get the hell out of Dodge fast .
    I stuffed my hands in my pockets so he couldn’t see them tremble and prayed my voice wouldn’t betray me.
    “If it’s okay…I’d like to take the girls into town. There’s an indoor pool with a big kiddie area. Then maybe stop by a T-O-Y-S-T-O-R-E. There isn’t much here for girls their age.”
    “That sounds