Read Online Killer Cupid (The Redemption Series: Book 1) by Maeve Christopher - Free Book Online

Pearson, do you have children of your own?”
    “Why yes, Mr. Aldridge, I have two daughters.”
    “Well then, I’m sure you can understand my problem. My daughter was very ill with a life threatening eating disorder, and I thought she was getting the very best care at this hospital. But it turns out, your guy Henning was in there seducing her, without me knowing a thing about this!” Daddy’s voice was getting out of control again. He started over with a forceful whisper. “He was coming on to my daughter! I’m sure that was not in his job description!”
    “Well, you’re right, Mr. Aldridge, it was just a coincidence that they met. And it’s not my place to say whether their behavior was appropriate, or not.”
    “Their behavior?”
    “All right, Mr. Aldridge, his behavior.” The General’s face had lost that sympathetic smile. “But please allow me to continue.”
    Daddy nodded.
    “Mr. Aldridge, I understand your daughter is nineteen years old, and she should be capable of making some decisions for herself.” He put up his hand to stop Daddy’s attempted interruption. “Now, it seems to me, he was at least some comfort and help to her. She was well enough to go home from the hospital anyway. And she still is wearing his ring.” He pointed to the diamond I’d been fingering nervously.
    “And what about this ring, General? Where did that come from?”
    “Well, I don’t know, Mr. Aldridge, but I was told he gave her a very valuable ring. It looks like a family heirloom to me.” The General gently took my hand and examined it more closely. “Beautiful!”
    “Well, it may be beautiful, but I still don’t know if it was stolen. I still don’t know his intentions.”
    “Mr. Aldridge, I can assure you, the ring was not stolen.”
    “I’m listening.” Daddy sat back and folded his arms. Mama leaned forward in her seat, and I fixed my eyes on the General.
    “Mr. Aldridge, I know this man well. He is a man of integrity, and he has been working very hard for a very long time, dealing mostly with very unsavory people. Seeing your lovely daughter today, I can imagine he was quite smitten with her. Probably, because he was nearing the end of an assignment, he let himself get a little carried away in pursuing your daughter. Unfortunately, he was called to another assignment, and perhaps felt that by giving her this ring, he would show her he did care about her — rather than just disappearing.”
    I relived David’s kiss as he put the ring on my finger, and tears welled up. General Pearson offered me a tissue. Mama and Daddy were silent.
    “The second reason I invited you here today: I wanted to ascertain whether this is a relationship that could possibly go forward.”
    “And why would that matter to you? If you don’t mind my asking General? It seems like a very strange matter for you to be involved in.” Daddy was letting his aggravation show.
    I looked General Pearson straight in the eye. “I will love David forever.”
    My parents turned to me in shock.
    The General smiled that sympathetic smile. “Well, Debbie, I think the feeling is mutual.”
    His face became serious as he addressed my parents. “Please understand this is a confidential conversation. This information cannot be repeated – not to your friends and neighbors, not to anyone.”
    Mama and Daddy agreed.
    “I’m telling you this, Debbie, because I’ve had one of the most difficult days of my life, and it probably won’t get any better. But at least I hope to leave you with an appreciation of a man who I think cares for you a great deal.” He got out of his chair and stared out the window.
    “Anyway … ” He shook his head, turned to face me, and started over. “Sixteen men were sent to South America. Two came back alive, and frankly, we really don’t know if David will survive his wounds.”
    “David!” My hand went to my mouth and my eyes filled. Mama reached over to hug me, and General Pearson fumbled for the box