AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“I stayed,” he said softly. “If you’re busy—”
“Of course not. Come in. Would you like a drink? We have some hot buttered rum that’s pretty good.”
“That would be great.”
She led him into the living room, then headed for the kitchen. Her gap-toothed little shadow matched her step for step. They looked almost conjoined.
A gorgeous, beautifully decorated Christmas tree dominated the corner of the room.
A rush of memories hit him.
Come on, Dan-the-man, let’s put up the star for Mommy.
He turned his back on the tree and sat down on the hearth. A fire crackled behind him, warmed his back. He wouldn’t be able to sit here for long, but at least he wasn’t facing the tree. A coil of sleeping dogs lay at his feet.
“Well, well, well.”
At the sound of Ellie’s voice, he looked up. She stood behind the sofa with her hands on her hips. “It’s nice to see you again, Max.”
“You, too, El.”
She came around the sofa and sat down beside him. “You know what I hear?”
“Trevor McAulley is drinking again?”
“Old news.” She looked at him. There was no smile left. This was her cop’s face. “I hear you took my sister to the movies.”
“That come across the police scanner?”
“I didn’t say anything at Thanksgiving, it being a holiday and all, but . . .” Ellie leaned toward him. She got so close he could feel her breath on his neck. “Hurt her and I’ll cut your nuts off.” She eased back, smiling again. “And you like your nuts.”
“I do indeed.”
“Then we understand each other. Good. I’m glad we had this little heart-to-heart.”
“What if—”
Ellie frowned. “What if what?”
“Nothing.”
Julia and Alice returned.
Ellie immediately stood. “I’m going to Cal’s. You two be good.” She picked up a box of packages and left the house.
Julia handed Max a cup.
They sat down side by side on the sofa. Neither said anything. Alice knelt at Julia’s feet. She grunted at Julia and smacked the book in her lap.
“Use your words, Alice,” Julia said calmly.
“Read. Girl.”
“Not now. I’m talking to Dr. Max.”
“Now.” Alice hit the book again.
“No. Later.”
