Sworn to Protect Read Online Free PDF Page A

talk—I’ll come to your rescue. And if Jacob starts in on one of his tirades, then—”
    “No worry. I’ve got the drill.” Sandra winked at Tiana.
    Danika felt the tension the moment she stepped into the ranch house in the north part of town. The home had Jacob’s touch throughout. He had a gift for building with his hands, and he’d customized cabinetry, furniture, and trim throughout. Since Toby’s death, he hadn’t picked up a hammer, except to pound his family with demands.
    She didn’t hear the lively sounds of Nadine, Kaitlyn, Amber, or Jake Jr. Neither did she detect Jacob’s favorite country and western music. The house sparkled from Lucy’s routine cleaning, and the enticing smells of dinner permeated inside and out. The beans, simmering with peppers and onions, were a sweet reminder of Barbara’s ability to prepare truly authentic Mexican food. But the quiet brought a bitter chill, urging Danika to take her daughter and Sandra back home.
    Danika had come this far, and for Barbara and the children, she’d venture closer. Through the kitchen window, Danika viewed Jacob flipping burgers on the patio grill, and inside, Barbara scurried about setting the table, but her face and neck were redder than the tomatoes. What wasn’t said shouted louder than the silence. The two younger daughters helped Barbara set the table. Danika saw Jake Jr. standing beside his dad. But where was their oldest daughter?
    “Where’s Nadine?” Danika asked, dumping a bag of nacho chips into a bowl.
    “Don’t ask,” Barbara said.
    As Danika suspected, discord had sung its song before they arrived. She was determined not to get involved in family problems, but the lines deepening around Barbara’s dark brown eyes revealed the burden on her heart.
    “Hey, kids, I’m here to help Mom. Why don’t you play until dinner’s ready?” Danika captured Sandra’s attention and silently reaffirmed their earlier commitment.
    The nanny escorted Tiana from the kitchen in the direction of her youngest cousin.
    Alone, Danika turned to her sister-in-law. “Do you want to talk?”
    Barbara’s eyes watered. She shook her head and lifted the lid on the bean pot. Steam rose and clouded the glass lid. “I don’t want to take advantage of our relationship. Lately, Lucy seems to be right there when I need to talk.” She reached for a tissue. “Thanks for coming tonight. It helps. It really does.”
    “I’m here if you need another listening ear.”
    Barbara washed her hands before stirring the pot’s contents. Must have been a huge argument. “Nadine is in her room.”
    Was it choice or had she been banished? Even though she was seventeen, Jacob refused to allow her to date, and he restricted her girlfriends as well—just like he ruled the rest of his household. Toby had never been abusive. He’d been kind, caring, encouraging Danika to reach out to others . . . No wonder the two men argued.
    “Can I talk to her?” Danika asked.
    Barbara placed the lid back on the beans. “Lucy is with her.” She shrugged. “Praise God my dear friend has a way of calming her, or . . . I don’t know what I’d do.”
    “I’m so sorry.” At least the girl wasn’t alone. Danika had no idea why Sandra didn’t like Lucy when she was always there for Barbara. The woman had a successful maid and nanny service, and she was intelligent and attractive. But then again, Danika didn’t work for her.
    “Jacob’s getting worse.” Barbara drew in a breath. “Nothing any of us can do is right.”
    “Is he still meeting with Father Cornell?” Danika placed her arm around Barbara’s waist.
    “He quit several months ago. Said he couldn’t fit it in with work and family responsibilities. And he’s spending a lot of time away from home. I have no idea what he’s doing.” She didn’t have to say how his family suffered. Barbara peered out the kitchen window to where Jacob stood with Jake Jr. He was telling the boy something. He pointed his