Read Online A Man's Promise by Brenda Jackson - Free Book Online Page A

year or two after Dalton was born—when he’d found out about her first affair. By the time she’d died there had been many others. But he had remained with her for the sake of his sons.
    “When Ambrose called, he sounded serious,” Carson said, breaking into his thoughts. “What is it, Sheppard?”
    Her comment once again reminded him of why he had summoned her. He took her hand in his and led her over to the table where the two of them could sit down. “This came in through my email account,” he said, pulling out the paper he’d printed and handing it to her.
    She scanned it quickly and then glanced up at him. “I can have it checked out, but I’m sure you know, chances are the IP address is probably from a public computer, one found in the library or someplace of that nature.”
    He nodded. “I know.”
    “And I assume you’re going to take this person’s threat seriously?”
    “What else can I do, Carson?”
    She didn’t say anything for a moment before reaching over and placing her hand over his. “You can let your sons know what’s going on, Shep. Let them know about this threat so they can be mindful and watchful. They are adults, and you can’t protect them forever.”
    Shep drew in a sharp breath. “I know, but right now, they are all I have. A part of me almost died inside when I heard what happened to Jace.”
    “And you still think Vidal Duncan might have had something to do with your wife’s murder?”
    “Hell, the thought crossed my mind when I first heard about it. He’d had an affair with my son’s wife, so why shouldn’t I believe he was having an affair with mine? But after talking to Jace about everything Vidal said while he held Jace at gunpoint, I’m not so sure. Jace is convinced the two incidents aren’t connected, and if that’s true, then the person who killed Sylvia is still out there.”
    “That’s why I want to push for a new investigation and—”
    “No, Carson. I can’t risk it if it means I could lose my sons.”
    Carson didn’t say anything. “So what do you want me to do, Shep?”
    “Hire someone to watch my sons.”
    “Without them knowing?”
    “Yes. That means the person has to be good. My sons are sharp, and I don’t want them to suspect anything.”
    “Are you sure that’s what you want?”
    “Yes, and I want you to arrange everything for me. Will you do that?”
    A smile touched her lips and she leaned over and placed a light kiss on his. “Like I always say, Sheppard Granger. For you, anything.”

Ten
    T he next morning, Caden came down for breakfast to find Dalton helping himself to a generous amount of bacon and eggs. He glanced to where Jace was sitting and, speaking loudly enough for Dalton to hear, said, “I thought he didn’t live here anymore?”
    Jace chuckled. “I thought so, too. However, he seems to find his way back whenever he feels entitled to a free meal.”
    “Why should you guys gain all the weight?” Dalton asked. “Besides, I know how to take it off easily.”
    Caden figured it had to be some way that was sexual. “So what time did everyone finally go to bed last night?” he asked, grabbing a glass of juice and a bowl of fruit. When he’d retired about ten, Jace, Shana, Dalton and Hannah were still up talking.
    “I left around midnight,” Dalton said, sitting down beside Jace and across the table from Caden. “I thought about spending the night when Hannah mentioned she would be preparing a huge meal for breakfast this morning, but then I heard you playing that damned saxophone and figured the best thing to do was haul ass if I wanted to get any sleep.”
    Caden took a sip of his orange juice and ignored Dalton’s comment. He hadn’t been able to sleep, and whenever that happened, he would take out his sax and play it for a while. Hannah and Jace never complained, and as far as he was concerned, Dalton didn’t count since he’d moved into his own place last month.
    “So, Jace, have you and Shana set a date