Read Online The Mysterious Stranger (Triple Trouble) by Susan Mallery - Free Book Online Page B

plump, with dark hair that had started graying at the temples. He’d known her for years and had, in fact, stolen her and her husband away from a business associate.
    “What is it?” Anna Jane asked, scampering inside and glancing around. Her gaze fell on the pile of boxes by the front door. She squealed. “Are they for me?”
    “Greedy piglet,” Leona said warmly. “They’re not presents, but something almost as good. Come open them with me.” When Ariel started to hang back, Leona motioned her forward with a nod of her head. “There are several for you, Ariel. Come on. This will be fun.”
    “Are you going to watch, Uncle Jarrett?” Anna Jane asked as she dived for the boxes.
    “Sure.”
    Ariel gave him a quick glance as she passed. No doubt she wondered what was going on. Since that morning when she’d agreed to stay at the house, she’d kept busy with Anna Jane, as if wanting to avoid him as much as possible. What she probably didn’t know was that the main patio by the pool was directly outside his office. With the windows open, he could hear everything said.
    At first he’d thought that was part of her plan. But as their conversation had washed over him, he’d had second thoughts. She hadn’t grilled his niece about him, nor had she steered the conversation into a direction that flattered her. Instead she’d talked to Anna Jane about the girl’s school and her friends. In that morning of eavesdropping Jarrett had learned more about his niece than he had in the few weeks she’d been living with him.
    Was Ariel trying to use Anna Jane to get to him, or was he being paranoid? It would take a few days to figure out the truth. For now, Anna Jane wanted company and Ariel was willing to provide it. With Leona supervising the two, Anna Jane would be safe with their visitor.
    Another squeal cut through his thoughts. He glanced up and saw Anna Jane opening a box of Christmas lights. “They’re beautiful. Are they for a tree or decorating the house?”
    “Either,” he said. “The tree will be delivered in a few days.”
    She wrapped the long strand around her like gauze around a mummy, then ran over to him. Instinctively, he lowered himself to his knees and caught her when she flung herself toward him.
    Her small body was warm and sturdy with a sweet little-girl scent that reminded him of growing up with his sister. Brown eyes glowed with happiness.
    “We’re getting a tree?” she asked, her voice laced with awe.
    “Of course.”
    “You didn’t forget Christmas.”
    He feigned a wounded expression. “Did you think I would?”
    “Never!” she announced, and hugged him again.
    Over her shoulder he saw Ariel watching them. He waited, but she never hinted that while he hadn’t forgotten the holiday, he’d had no intention of celebrating it until she’d reminded him that Anna Jane would expect all the trimmings.
    “These are for you,” Leona said to Ariel as she studied the contents of several bags. “Clothes and other things from the boutiques.” She winked at Jarrett. “Looks like they didn’t leave anything for the other customers.”
    Jarrett released his niece and stood. “I told them to send a wide selection. I guessed at the size.”
    Ariel pulled out a beaded cocktail dress. “The size looks right, but there’s too much here.”
    “Take what you want and send the rest back.”
    “That’s pretty,” Anna Jane said, hurrying to her side.
    “Let’s get these off you before someone forgets you’re a little girl and plugs you in,” Leona said as she unwound the lights.
    Anna Jane laughed.
    Ariel joined in as she pulled more cocktail dresses from the bag. There were shoes to match, along with tiny beaded handbags. She shook her head. “Okay, this can all go back. Unless you’re planning a formal event?”
    “Not him,” Leona answered for him. “Mr. Jarrett doesn’t entertain.” When he frowned, she waved away his annoyance. “It’s true,” she said. “You never have