Read Online Body of Lies by Deirdre Savoy - Free Book Online Page B

sense of humor, especially not where their women were concerned. He’d always been the odd man out in that regard. Hell, in any regard. Adam and Jon got along together in a way that he did not with either of them.
    Both of them blamed him for the destruction of his own marriage. Nearly six years after the fact, Jon in particular still couldn’t let it go. He’d considered Sherry a sister, much like Zach felt toward Barbara. Neither of them had forgiven him for what they saw as his betrayal of her.
    He couldn’t blame either of his brothers for thinking poorly of him for cheating on her. That’s what they’d assumed and he hadn’t told them any different. What difference did it make if they castigated him for imagined sins when he went unpunished for the ones he had? It seemed like a fair exchange, though it hurt sometimes to think his brothers could so easily think the worst of him.
    Zach downed the remains in his glass, deposited it on the side table next to his chair and stood. “Well, it’s time for me to get what I came for and go. Any chance Stevie’s ready yet?”
    As if on cue, Stevie burst into the room and launched herself at him. She threw her arms around his neck. “Uncle Zach, I’m so glad you’re finally here.”
    Zach hugged her back, looking over her shoulder to where her mother stood framed in the doorway. He wasn’t sure what to make of the expression on her face—concern, sadness, disappointment, or a combination of the three. Again, he wished someone would confide in him what was going on between mother and daughter. But if no one found it necessary to divulge such simple things as his brother’s living arrangements, the chances of being informed of a more complex situation were nil.
    He released his niece. “Are you ready to go?”
    â€œMy bags are by the front door.”
    Bags? Adam had given him the impression her stay would last only a few days. Then again, he was dealing with a teenage girl. He had no clue what all she might find essential to bring on a stay away from home.
    â€œLet’s go, then.” He gestured toward the doorway. Just to be perverse, he added, “It’s getting late.”
    Stevie went around to give her father a hug, but no similar gesture was given to her mother. Still Barbara followed them to the front door.
    â€œBehave yourself for your uncle Zach,” Barbara said.
    Stevie just rolled her eyes and picked up the smallest of the three bags. “I’ll be out in the car.” She slung open the front door and marched out.
    Zach turned to Barbara and embraced her. “Don’t worry, I’ll take care of her.”
    She hit him on the shoulder. “I know you will.” She took a step back from him. “You better.”
    For a minute, Zach contemplated asking her to confide in him. Barbara was the only one who knew the truth about his marriage, having weaseled it out of him at a low moment. She’d kept his confidence all this time. He wished she trusted him enough to share hers.
    The sound of the horn blaring outside cost him the opportunity. Barbara gestured toward the door. “Her Highness awaits.”
    With a sigh Zach picked up the remaining two bags and headed outside. He put them in the trunk before sliding into the driver’s seat. Stevie had already switched from his radio station to one that blared rap noises at a high decibel. He switched it back and lowered the volume. She looked at him as if he’d just killed her pet hamster. “I have a few things to say before we get home.”
    â€œGo ahead. I figured as much,” she said in a voice that sounded both bored and impatient.
    He pulled out of the driveway onto the quiet suburban street. “I’m glad to have you stay with me if that’s what you want.” Even if Jon hadn’t moved in with Dana, Stevie would have picked his place as her spot of refuge instead of his