Read Online Betrayal by Fern Michaels - Free Book Online Page A

dried her hands on a kitchen towel and grabbed the pot of coffee. She refilled Don’s cup and her own with the last two cups. Don made things easy for her when he said, “Is there something you want to talk about?”
    She nodded. “It’s Sara.”
    â€œI figured as much. What mischief did the little monster get into this time?”
    Kate wished it were something as simple as childhood mischief. “I’m afraid it’s more than that, Don. She seems to have trouble telling the truth. I don’t know if she mentioned this to you or Deb. The day you left—”
    â€œDon, get the hell out here!” Debbie shouted from the living room.
    He stood. “Duty calls. And Kate, thanks for taking care of the girls. As for Sara, I know she’s a handful. I think being the youngest is hard on her. I’ll keep an eye out, though.”
    Before Kate could even begin her account of what had happened, Don left the kitchen. She followed him, but much to her dismay, Debbie and both girls were ready to leave. Their luggage was already in the car. Now all she needed to do was say her good-byes. She really needed to talk to Don about Sara. She would call him as soon as they returned to Florida. It might even be easier that way. Kate wouldn’t have to see the look on his face when she told him about the incident in her studio. Yes, it was better that way. After all, what could Sara do in the next twenty-four hours while they were all in the car together?
    â€œWe had a great time, Aunt Kate. I can’t wait till Christmas break. You’re letting us come up then, right, Dad?” Emily asked.
    â€œIf Kate and Alex still want to have you, it’s fine with me. Debbie?” he questioned.
    â€œWhatever, Don. You’d think you girls would want to be with your family at Christmas, but as usual, you both do whatever you want.” Debbie glanced at the gold Rolex watch on her wrist. “We need to go. I don’t want to get a late start.”
    Kate hugged both girls. “We’ll see you at Christmas this year. Make sure and send us a list so I’ll have plenty of time to send it to Santa.” She’d been saying that to the girls for as long as she could remember. And even though, obviously, neither of them still believed in Santa Claus, they still continued to send her long lists every year.
    â€œI don’t want to come here for Christmas. It’s too cold,” Sara said to her mother.
    â€œThat’s months away, Sara. We’ll discuss it later.” Debbie nudged Sara toward the front door. “Let’s get in the car.”
    Kate and Alex hugged the girls one last time. Don gave Alex a quick hug, while Debbie gave her usual air kisses.
    â€œCall us when you get home so we know you made it,” Alex said to Don.
    â€œRemember, I’ve got that cell phone in the car if you need to get in touch before we get home.”
    â€œI’ll do that. You be safe, old man.” Alex placed a hand on Don’s shoulder, gave a quick pat, then a nudge, pushing him toward the Explorer. “Now get out of here. Take care of those girls.”
    â€œWill do,” Don said.
    As they traveled down the winding drive, Kate watched them leave. She experienced an eerie feeling, so strange in fact that she was uncomfortable. She stood on the front porch until their vehicle was no longer in sight. A sinking feeling in the pit of her stomach caused her to run to the edge of the drive. She needed one last look at their car. She didn’t know why, but something about their departure nagged at her in a bad way. She shook her head, telling herself it was because she’d let Don leave without speaking about Sara. Never mind that she’d almost convinced herself it was better to do over the phone. No, this was more. Something she couldn’t quite put a finger on.
    Kate went back to the house, feeling bereft. She should’ve been happy to have