The Spring at Moss Hill Read Online Free PDF Page A

Hartley’s place forever. Unless the daughter who’s buying it is available?”
    Russ wasn’t going there. He had no interest in either of Julius’s daughters. “Right now I’m focused on this trip.”
    â€œI thought you’d worm your way out of this one. Daphne’s got you by the short hairs, doesn’t she?”
    â€œShe’s a valued client and a good friend.”
    Marty sputtered into laughter. “You just did the civilian version of saluting smartly. Daphne’s great, but she knows how to get what she wants. Think she’ll go through with this class in this little town? We have a pool going at the bar. Most of us think she’ll twist an ankle or get a sinus infection to find some way out of it.”
    â€œI resist any urge to predict her behavior. She’s talking about helping to start a children’s theater in Knights Bridge.”
    â€œWith the theater-major twins? Seriously? Where’s the start-up money coming from? Don’t let Daphne fool you. I’ve seen her calculate a tip. She’s careful with a buck.”
    â€œI’m not getting mixed up in what happens with this theater.”
    â€œYou always were the smart brother.”
    When Marty pulled up to the appropriate terminal, he had a death grip on the wheel but otherwise seemed okay being this close to aircraft. He cleared his throat and turned to Russ. “I’m doing fine, Russ. I mean it. Don’t insult me by worrying about me.”
    â€œWhat makes you think I’m worrying about you?”
    â€œBecause you’re here, working in Beverly Hills. It’s not what you want. You’re here because of me.”
    â€œTell you what, Marty. You don’t worry about me and I won’t worry about you.”
    â€œNever. You’re my baby brother. I always worry. The reverse doesn’t work.” Marty pointed at him. “Shirt really does look great.”
    â€œI figure I can change when I get to Boston.”
    â€œHa-ha.”
    â€œI’ll see you soon.” Russ climbed out and grabbed his bag from the back. “Thanks for the ride, Marty.”
    â€œNo problem. Safe travels. I promise not to wreck your Rover while you’re gone.” Marty still held tight to the wheel as he leaned across the seat. “You have directions to this town?”
    â€œHead west. Look for the goat signs.”

Three
    D aphne Stewart arrived at Marty’s Bar as Marty Colton returned from dropping Russ off at the airport. “This is an awful little place,” she said, hopping onto a bar stool. “But that’s part of its charm.”
    â€œThat’s what we all think. French martini?”
    â€œAs only you can make one, my dear Marty. Did Russ bitch and moan about heading east?”
    â€œYou know us Coltons. We’re stoic.” Marty reached for a glass. “His flight hasn’t taken off yet. You still have time to call him and cancel this trip to this little town.”
    â€œThen you’d lose your chance to drive his Rover.”
    â€œThe sacrifices we make for our siblings.”
    â€œI don’t have any siblings. I’m an only child. Thank heavens. I’d hate for anyone else to have had to endure my SOB of a father. What was your father like, Marty?”
    â€œSolid.”
    She frowned at him. She’d heard something in his voice. A certain raggedness, or unease. Maybe it was just driving to and from LAX. Her idea of hell. She was relieved Russ hadn’t taken her up on her offer to drive him, not that she’d ever doubted he would. “Is he still with us? Your father, I mean?”
    â€œNah. Died ten years ago. You didn’t drive over here, did you?” Marty held up the martini glass. “I don’t have to worry about you getting behind a wheel after having one or two of these babies?”
    â€œI did not drive, no, and you never have to worry about me. I’m a