Read Online Deadly Offer by Vicki Doudera - Free Book Online

Contento’s vineyard. Much happier.
    She bit her lip and thought about the question she could never seem to answer. Her father and Selena Thompson … had they been more than co-workers? Had they been lovers?
    She squirmed at the thought.
    It doesn’t matter any more . Selena is gone.
    Sophie took another bite of the pungent pasta and watched as her father crossed the living room to the kitchen. His cheeks were hollow, his head tilted down toward the polished wood floor. She chewed, swallowed, and gulped her fizzy water.
    If Dad and Selena were lovers, it means he’s not just sad but devastated. And it means that once more he’s lost the woman he loved.
    She wiped her mouth with a napkin, picked up her plate, and followed her father into the kitchen. He turned to face her, still holding his dish of uneaten food. On his face she read her answer. He was a man in mourning, a man with nothing left to lose.
    ———
    “I’m glad there is a professional here to help Carlos and Enrique,” commented the petite brunette as she held out her hand to Darby. She was in her forties and wore slim jeans and a pumpkin-colored blouse. “I’m from the neighboring vineyard. Andrea Contento.”
    Darby shook her hand. “I don’t really know that I’m here to help them in any professional capacity. I drove ET—Enrique—up the coast because he’s my friend. This was a huge shock to him, and to Carlos.”
    “To all of us.” Andrea Contento gave a rueful look. “I’m absolutely stunned. I knew Selena didn’t seem herself, and I’d heard rumors that she wasn’t well, but I never suspected she was sick enough to die.” She took a sip of her wine and frowned. “I wish I could have helped her. I’m going to miss her tremendously.”
    “What was wrong with Selena?”
    “I don’t know exactly. It seemed as if whatever it was, it made her very weak, that much I do know.” She put down her wine glass. “A few years ago, she was the picture of health. We used to walk together just about every morning. Up the hills, down the hills, chatting all the while.” Andrea Contento lowered her voice and grinned mischievously. “Selena knew the dirt on everyone in this town, and if she didn’t she made something up. Believe me, we had some fascinating conversations.”
    “With Selena? Of course you did.” A tall man with strawberry- blonde hair and a neatly trimmed goatee appeared beside Andrea Contento. Darby watched as he placed a hand on her elbow. “I know you and Selena were good friends,” he said softly. “I’m sorry.”
    Andrea nodded and tilted her head toward the man. “Meet your competition,” she said to Darby. “This is Harrison Wainfield, one of our area’s top real estate agents.” She pursed her lips. “It’s Darcy, isn’t it?”
    “Darby. Darby Farr.”
    Wainfield gave a little bow, holding her gaze as he did so. “Always a pleasure to meet a fellow realtor,” he said. “Are you new in the area?”
    “No, I work for Pacific Coast Realty, down in San Diego.”
    Harrison Wainfield’s whole body melted into a more relaxed posture. “I see. What brings you to wine country?”
    Darby explained that she worked with ET and had driven him up that afternoon. “I’m just here for the night,” she said. “ET and his brother have a lot to work out.”
    Wainfield nodded. “I’ve already told Carlos that I’ll be happy to help them deal with the sale of the property. I’ll mention it to his brother, as well.” He nodded in Andrea’s direction. She’d moved to another group of people and had her arm entwined in an older man’s. “The Contentos have wanted more acreage for quite some time now.” His smile was wistful. “That’s rather convenient, don’t you think?”
    Darby felt the pace of her heart quicken. It wasn’t often that she disliked people on sight, but Harrison Wainfield was making the hairs on the back of her neck prickle. She watched as he fished in the pocket of his corduroy jacket,