Good, maybe that will shut her up.Jason took a deep breath. “Try to hear me out, Aunt Dottie. I have something to tell you.”
“I knew it! It’s your deep, dark secret, isn’t it?”
Shocked silent, Jason froze with his mouth agape. Fortunately, Ralph jumped in front of him to block her line of sight and perhaps distract her from him.
“Honey, he asked you to listen. Now I’m sure he wants to recommend we take that vacation he offered us before. That way he can deal with things on this end the way he thinks they should be handled. Isn’t that right, Jason?” He twisted his torso to watch his face without Dottie seeing it.
Jason nodded and inhaled a deep breath.Thanks, Uncle Ralph. That’s a much better idea than trying to explain away everything she’s seen.“I was thinking of buying a vacation getaway in the islands. Someplace where no one would recognizeme, and I could really relax with Merry in the off season. I’d like you to check out a few places for me.”
Ralph stepped aside. “There, you see, Dottie? The only secret is where he’ll be spending his vacations so he can have complete peace. And I think it would do us a world of good too.”
“Humph. I doubt that’s his only secret.”
“Please, honey. Don’t insult our nephew by calling him a liar. He’s been more than kind and understanding.”
“I thinkI’mthe one who’s been more than understanding. I’ve put up with wolves at my door, birds in the hallway, and a vampire somewhere in the basement where I do our laundry.”
“Aunt Dottie, there’s no such thing as vampires, and I saw no one in our basement when I found you. Neither did you. Doesn’t that tell you something?”
“Well, how did I get gagged and all trussed up like a holiday turkey? Did I imagine that too? Or maybe, I tied myself to that chair and knotted the rope behind my back where I couldn’t reach it.”
“I’m going to talk to Nathan. I promised you that and I will, as soon as I know you’re all right.”
She took another swig of the Scotch. “I’ll feel better when I’ve had about three of these, but you’re not going to convince me I’m hallucinating—and I’m not going anywhere. You need me here to protect your interests.”
Jason sucked in a deep breath. “Look, I’m sorry to have to tell you this, but I’ve avoided inviting my buddies over due to your frequent—um, how do I say this? Alarming reports?”
“What in heaven’s name do you mean?”
Jason looked at Ralph.
“Please don’t deny it, honey. You’re an alarmist. You jump to conclusions and the first thing you do is look for Jason. I don’t blame him for worrying about having friends over. If they were here when you… Well, let’s just say, I don’t blame him.”
“But youdoblameme. Yet you’re the one who doesn’t want me to call the cops!”
“No, Aunt Dottie. Nobody’s blaming you. I know you think you’re helping, but…” What else could he say without calling her a pain in the ass? “Look, I really would like you and Ralph to take a little vacation in the islands. It’s on me.” Maybe he could get her to go if he gave her a mission she’d enjoy more than looking for real estate. “Um, I wasn’t going to say anything yet, but while you’re down there, can you look for a private honeymoon hideaway?”
Dottie’s jaw dropped. “You’re getting married? Why didn’t you tell us?”
Jason shrugged one shoulder. “She hasn’t put on the ring yet. She’s still thinking it over.”
“Oh.” Her posture slumped.
“I’m pretty sure she’ll accept, though. I know her. She has a kind heart, and I don’t think she’ll let me down.” He sent a pointed look to Ralph.
Ralph smiled and clapped him on the back. “I don’t think she will, either. Congratulations. Now doesn’t that sound like fun, Dottie? We have a honeymoon to plan, and we can take a second honeymoon in the process.”
At last Dottie let a weak smile cross her lips. “I suppose. It’s been a long time since we’ve gone anywhere.”
Thank God, now if I can just get her out of here soon.“I’ll make the plane reservations. Do you two have passports?”
Dottie nodded. “Yes. We applied for them when they changed the laws, and we needed them to visit my sister in Canada.”
“Great. I’ll see what kind of island tour I can get at the last minute.” He leaned toward Ralph and said in a low voice, “Can I count on you to keep an eye on her while I do that?”
He nodded. “I’ll look after her. She needs a good nap.”
“Okay. I’ll go talk to Nathan now.”And I hope he has a good explanation. I don’t want to evict the guy who saved my life.
