Read Online Her Christmas Protector by Terri Reed - Free Book Online Page B

stilled for a moment. She turned to face him and arched a dark blonde eyebrow. “Are you talking about the man that was here earlier?” Her mouth twisted sarcastically. “I didn’t listen to your conversation.”
    He couldn’t tell if she was telling the truth or not. “Thank you,” he replied.
    A gleam entered her eyes. “Interesting though that a private investigator would come to the Circle C. What did he want?”
    “Nothing to do with you. And let’s keep it that way.”
    Her mouth smiled but her eyes turned hard like slate. “Whatever you say, Luke. I only want to make you happy.”
    He frowned, not liking that statement. “You don’t have to try to make me happy. That’s not your job.”
    Inclining her head, she said, “I misspoke. I only want to be of help.”
    “We appreciate your help and we pay you well for it,” he stated to clarify where their relationship stood.
    “I’d want to be here even if you didn’t pay me,” she stated, her gaze softening, beseeching.
    Uncomfortable, he headed to the door. “Good night.”
    He didn’t trust Reva not to go snooping now that he’d piqued her curiosity. Tomorrow, he decided, he’d go into town and make sure the P.I. wasn’t still hanging around.

     
    “Costello found her.”
    Bob Grady’s triumphant tone over the phone did little to appease Vince Palermo. “Where?”
    “On a ranch in Sisters, Oregon. The guy that owns the place says she went to Alaska, but she’s there.”
    “What’s the guy’s name,” Vince snarled.
    “Luke Campbell. Do you want us to grab her?”
    “Not from the ranch. That would draw too much attention. Whatever you do, don’t let her ditch you again.”
    “We won’t. I’ve got a plan.”
    “Good. We’ll talk again.” Vince hung up and stared out the window of his fortieth-floor office. The Manhattan skyline was shrouded in shades of gray that matched his mood. Time was running out. His fingers curled into tight fists.
    He had to get his wife back or he’d lose everything.

     
    Faith toyed with her red cloth napkin, feeling unsettled and insecure in the Turners’ home.
    Get a grip and enjoy the evening. She forced her hands still. The Turners were very gracious people and their small house was decorated with festive red bows and green sprigs of pine that grew in abundance in this area. Tea lights flicked from the center of the table and reflected in the gold-rimmed dishes full of savory foods that scented the air.
    The cozy setting and friendly atmosphere was foreign to her. In her grandparents’ home, dinners were formal or taken in her room. Christmas decorations were a form of art not something taken from outside.
    With Vinnie, Christmas had been a lonely time. His family gatherings had been loud and chaotic but for Faith, she’d always sat on the sideline, wishing for some type of connection.
    The type she’d found with the Campbells.
    Though a week passed without incident, no more P.I.’s, or anyone else showing up unannounced, Faith remained on edge.
    She longed to go into town to explore the quaint old-west town decorated for the holidays. But she couldn’t afford to be seen. She’d gotten good at coming up with excuses. Too good. And she hated always having to say no to Luke and his mother.
    Even when it came to attending Sunday service.
    But staying alone on the ranch with only Brandy as her protection had stretched her nerves taut and made her decide that this coming Sunday she’d risk being seen and go with them to church.
    However, tonight Luke and Dottie had insisted she join them at the Turners’ house for dinner and not wanting to be left alone, she’d agreed.
    “A Christmas toast.” Matt Turner raised his glass of sparkling cider high.
    Faith picked up her glass. The light amber liquid sloshed around the bowl but thankfully didn’t spill over the side.
    “To a Merry Christmas. May we each find the blessing God has waiting for us.” Matt’s craggy face beamed at his