Nora Roberts Land(75)
“I have your coffee in my car.”
“I already had my jolt for the day. Get going. I only have so much willpower.”
Heck, yeah. “See you tonight.”
She was halfway to the door when he stopped her by saying her name. She turned.
His jaw clenched tightly. “Be careful.”
“Count on it.”
The reminder burst some of the bubbles, making her aware of her own gravity again.
Chapter 32
Tanner firmed his shoulders and knocked on Arthur’s door, wondering how in the hell he was going to deal with two stubborn, single-minded Hales.
Arthur welcomed him in, one white eyebrow arching at the pastry box in Tanner’s hand. “You didn’t have to bring anything.”
Tanner shrugged. “Cover…I’m concerned about you being involved after what happened with Ray.”
“Don’t insult me, boy. I’ve lived a hell of a long time. If you think this is the first time I’ve been in hot water over a story, you’d be dead wrong.”
“What are you two crossing swords over?” Meredith stepped into the entryway just as Tanner set the box on the table by the door. She had on the same blue sweater and gray skirt, and just seeing her made him want to cross the room and kiss her senseless.
“He was underestimating an old man,” her grandfather explained.
Tanner growled as he took off his coat. Why didn’t they understand he wanted to protect them? Was it a Hale family trait? “I didn’t mean any disrespect.”
Tapping his cane like a judge’s gavel, Arthur picked up the white box. “Then, I’ll hear no more about this, or I’ll ask you to leave. Meredith and I can conduct our own investigation.”
He followed them into the kitchen. “Smart of you to get here early so you two could present a united front,” he said to Meredith.
She stopped him with a hand and leaned up to kiss his cheek. “I don’t want you changing your mind. We’re in this together now.”
He liked this affectionate side of her. Of course, he desperately wanted more than a kiss, but his conscience continued to give him fits. He felt like he was being stretched in a dozen different directions.
“Best not argue, son. It’s two to one.”
Tanner rubbed the scar by his mouth. “Fine, but you have to promise to take precautions. These people are dangerous.”
Pouring two single malts into crystal highballs, Arthur said, “What? Do we have the word ‘stupid’ tattooed on our heads?” He handed one of the glasses to Tanner, who resisted the urge to toss it back in one shot.
“I’m going to shut up now.”
Arthur extended his glass for a cheer. The crystal chimed when their glasses met. “Good. Dinner’s ready, so let’s eat.”
Tanner doubted he’d taste the food, but he followed them into the dining room.
“So, let’s talk about what you’re planning.” Arthur folded a blue napkin in his lap.
Someone had lit white candles in silver holders. It was a strange setting to concoct a plan for taking down murderers, but when didn’t the Hales surprise him? Arthur passed around a plate of steaks, a bowl of salad, and a platter of mashed potatoes, and everyone served themselves.
“I got my oil changed today.” He took the bread basket from Meredith. “At Dare Auto Care.”
“That was ballsy,” Arthur said, cutting off a piece of steak.
Meredith looked up at him, her eyes wide. “Are you nuts?”
He patted her hand. “No. I wanted them to know I won’t back down. I stared that fucker—sorry—asshole Kenny down.”
“So you went there for a pissing contest?”
His glance told her what he thought about her accusation. “I wanted to case it out. See if there was anything unusual there.”
“Was there?” Arthur asked.
“Nothing obvious. I’m going to plant some listening devices later. See what we can pick up from Kenny. It’s the place to start since we know he’s involved. He won’t expect it after I showed up in plain sight today.” He flung his hand out, his impatience surging. “We need a lead. Or we need to pressure them into doing something stupid.”
Meredith set her fork down slowly. “You’re planning on breaking and entering his garage? Are you crazy?”
“Honey, you’re repeating yourself. I’ve done this before.”
“Of course, he has, Meredith. He’s an ambitious reporter. Do you think he’s the only one?”
She choked on a bite of salad. “Grandpa, are you saying you’ve done it too?”
His wicked grin lifted the wrinkled grooves around his mouth. “Of course, girlie. Sometimes you have to get your hands dirty.”