BooksByDianaPalmer

ABOUTTHEAUTHOR
Long,TallTexansBooksbyDianaPalmer
AlsobyDianaPalmer
BossMan(11-2005)SD

One
Two
Three
Four
Five
Six
Seven
Eight
Nine
Ten
Eleven
Twelve

ABOUTTHEAUTHOR

GotherstartinwritingasanewspaperreporterandpublishedherfirstromancenovelforSilhouette
Booksin1982.In1993,shecelebratedthepublicationofherfiftiethnovelforSilhouetteBooks.
AffairedeCoeurlistsherasoneofthetoptenromanceauthorsinthecountry.Belovedbyfans
worldwide,DianaPalmeristhewinnerofnumerousnationalWaldenbooksRomanceBestseller
awardsandnationalB.DaltonBooksBestsellerawards.

Long,TallTexansBooksbyDianaPalmer

SilhouetteDesire
†ThatBurkeMan#913
†Beloved#1189
†AManofMeans#1429
†ManinControl#1537
†BossMan#1688

SilhouetteSpecialEdition
†MattCaldwell:TexasTycoon#1297
†Carrera’sBride#1645

SilhouetteRomance
†Calhoun#580
†Justin#592
†Tyler#604
†Sutton’sWay#670
†Ethan#694
†Connal#741
†Harden#783
†Evan#819
†Donavan#843
†Emmett#910
†Regan’sPride#1000
†Coltrain’sProposal#1103
†ThePrincessBride#1282
†Callaghan’sBride#1355
†Lionhearted#1631
†Cattleman’sPride#1718

SilhouetteBooks
†ALong,TallTexanSummer1997
LoneStarChristmas1997
†“ChristmasCowboy”
†LovewithaLong,TallTexan1999
†Long,TallTexans

AlsobyDianaPalmer

RENEGADE
LAWLESS
DIAMONDSPUR
DESPERADO
THETEXASRANGER
LORDOFTHEDESERT
THECOWBOYANDTHELADY
MOSTWANTED
FITFORAKING
PAPERROSE
RAGEOFPASSION
ONCEINPARIS
AFTERTHEMUSIC
ROOMFULOFROSES
CHAMPAGNEGIRL
PASSIONFLOWER
DIAMONDGIRL
FRIENDSANDLOVERS
CATTLEMAN’SCHOICE
LADYLOVE
THERAWHIDEMAN

BossMan(11-2005)SD

SilhouetteDesire#1688

DearReader,
It’sNovemberandperhapstheweatheristurningabitcoolerwhereyouare…sowhynotheatthings
upwithsixwonderfulSilhouetteDesirenovels?NewYorkTimesbestsellingauthorDianaPalmeris
backthismonthwithaLONG,TALLTEXANSstorynottobemissed.You’velovedBlakeKempand
hisever-faithfulassistant,Violet,inotherbooks….Nowyoufinallygettheirlovestory,inBossMan.
HeatcontinuestogenerateinDYNASTIES:THEASHTONSwithLauraWright’scontribution,Savor
theSeduction.GrantandAnnasharedanightofpassionsomemonthsago…nowhe’swonderingif
theyhaveashotatarepeatperformance.AndthetemperaturecontinuestoriseasSaraOrwig
delivershershareofsurprises,inHighlyCompromisedPosition,thelatestinstallmentintheTEXAS
CATTLEMAN’SCLUB:THESECRETDIARYseries.(Hint,someoneinRoyal,Texas,ispregnant!)
BrendaJacksongetsthingssimmeringinTheChaseIsOn,anotherfabulousWestmorelandstorywith
astrongemphasisonfood…tasty!AndBronwynJamesonisbackwiththeconclusionofher
PRINCESOFTHEOUTBACKseries.Whowouldn’twanttosharebodyheatwithTheRuthless
Groom?Lastbutnotleast,getallhotandbotheredintheboardroomwithMargaretAllison’s
business-becomes-pleasureholidaystory,MistletoeManeuvers.
Here’shopingyoufindplentyofwaystokeepyourselfwarm.EnjoyallwehavetoofferatSilhouette
Desire.
Best,
MelissaJeglinski
SeniorEditor
SilhouetteBooks
PublishedbySilhouetteBooks
America’sPublisherofContemporaryRomance

ISBN1-55254-372-2
BOSSMAN
Copyright©2005byDianaPalmer
Allrightsreserved.Exceptforuseinanyreview,thereproductionorutilizationofthisworkinwholeorinpartinanyformbyany
electronic,mechanicalorothermeans,nowknownorhereafterinvented,includingxerography,photocopyingandrecording,orinany
informationstorageorretrievalsystem,isforbiddenwithoutthewrittenpermissionoftheeditorialoffice,SilhouetteBooks,233
Broadway,NewYork,NY10279U.S.A.
Allcharactersinthisbookhavenoexistenceoutsidetheimaginationoftheauthorandhavenorelationwhatsoevertoanyonebearingthe
samenameornames.Theyarenotevendistantlyinspiredbyanyindividualknownorunknowntotheauthor,andallincidentsarepure
invention.
ThiseditionpublishedbyarrangementwithHarlequinBooksS.A.
®andTMaretrademarksofHarlequinBooksS.A.,usedunderlicense.Trademarksindicatedwith®areregisteredintheUnitedStates
PatentandTrademarkOffice,theCanadianTradeMarksOfficeandinothercountries.
VisitSilhouetteBooksat

www.eHarlequin.com

One

VioletHardysatatherdeskandwonderedwhyshe’devertakenthissecretarialjobinthefirstplace.
Herboss,Jacobsville,Texas,attorneyBlakeKemp,didn’tappreciateheratall.She’donlybeentrying
tokeephimfromdyingofaprematureheartattackbychanginghisregularcoffeetodecaf.Forher
pains,she’dbeenonthereceivingendoftheworstinsultshecouldeverimagine,andfromtheone
manintheworldthatshelovedaboveallothers.Sheknewherco-workerswereasupsetasshewas.
They’dbeenkindnessitself.ButnothingmadeupforthefactthatBlakeKempthoughtVioletwasfat.
Shelookeddownathervoluptuousbodyinapurpledresswithahighneckline,frillybodiceand
straightskirt,vaguelyawarethatthestyledidnothingforher.Shewouldbewearingittoday,ofall
days,whenKempgaveherthatdisapprovingscrutiny.Hermotherhadtriedtotellher,gently,that
frillsandbigbosomsdidn’tmatch.Worse,atight-fittingskirtonlyemphasizedthosewidehips.
She’dbeentryingsohardtoloseweight.She’dgivenupsweets,joinedagym,andworkedhardat
cookingregularandweight-consciousmealsforherselfandherelderlymother,whohadaheart
condition.Herfatherhaddiedtheyearbeforeofanapparentheartattack.Butjustlatelytherewere
rumorsthatherco-workerLibbyCollins’sstepmothermightberesponsibleforMr.Hardy’ssudden
death.JanetCollinshadbeensuspectedofpoisoninganelderlymaninanursinghome,andshe’d
takenMr.Hardyforquiteasumofmoneybeforehediedunexpectedly,justafterbeingseenwithher
inamotelroom.IthadbeentoolateforMrs.Hardytostoppaymentonthecheck,becauseshedidn’t
realizethemoneywasmissinguntilwellafterthefuneral.
Violetandhermotherhadbeendevastated,notonlybyhisloss,butbythedisastrousfinancial
conditionhe’dleftbehind.They’dlosttheirnestegg,theirhome,theircar,everything.Thewoman
who’dconvincedMr.Hardytogiveheraquarterofamilliondollarscouldn’tbepositively
identified.Andshe’drunupaccountsindepartmentstoresandevenjewelrystoresforwhichMr.
Hardy’sestatewassuddenlyresponsible.Hermotherhadhadthefirststrokejustafterthefuneral.
Violet’ssmall,separateinheritancehadbeenjustenoughtosupportthemforafewmonths.Butafter
itranout,Violethadbeenforcedtosupportthemboth.TherehadbeenavacancyatKemp’soffice,
workingwithLibbyCollinsandMabelHenry.Fortunately,Violethadtakenabusinesscourseinspite
ofherfather ’sdisapproval.She’dneverhavetogetajob,he’dsaidconfidently.
ItwasniceworkinginKemp’sofficeandshewasagoodsecretary.Butherbossdidn’tappreciateher.
Lesstodaythaneverbefore.Sheragedforfiveminutes,whileherhelplessco-workerslistenedand
sympathized.Shepouredoutherheart,includingherfeelingsforhertaciturnboss.
“Don’ttakeitsomuchtoheart,dear,”Mabelsaidfinally,sympathizingwithherdespair.“Weallhave
baddays.”
“HethinksI’mfat,”Violetsaidmiserably.
“Hedidn’tsayanything.”
“Well,youknowhowhelookedatmeandwhatheinsinuated,”Violetmuttered,glaringdownthe
hall.
Mabelgrimaced.“He’shadabadday.”
“SohaveI,”Violetsaidflatly.
LibbyCollinspattedherontheshoulder.“Buckup,Violet,”shesaidgently.“Justgiveitacoupleof
daysandhe’llapologize.I’msurehewill.”
Violetwasn’tsure.Infact,she’dhavebetmoneythatanapologywasthelastthingonherboss’smind.
“We’llsee,”sherepliedasshewentbacktoherdesk.Butshedidn’tbelieveit.

Shepushedbackherlongdarkhairandherblueeyesweretearful,althoughshewascarefulto
concealherhurtfeelings.Itwasfarworsethanjusthisinsinuationthatshewasoverweight.She’d
overheardMabelandLibbywhisperingthattheintercomhadbeenonwhenViolethadpouredouther
hearttoherco-workersafterKemp’sblisteringattackoverthedecaffeinatedcoffeehe’dbeengiven.
Shewascrazyabouthim.He’dheardthat.Howwassheevergoingtobeabletofacehimagain?
Itwasasbadasshefeared.Allday,hewalkedouttothefronttomeetclients,talkaboutappointments
andgetcoffee.Everysingletimehewalkedin,heglaredatVioletasifshewereresponsibleforthe
sevendeadlysins.Shebegantocringewhensheheardhisfootstepscomingdownthehall.
Bytheendoftheday,Tuesday,sheknewshecouldn’tstaywithhimanymore.Itwastoohumiliating
allthewayaround.Shewasgoingtohavetoleave.
LibbyandMabelnoticedherunusualsolemnity.Itgotworsewhenshepulledatypedsheetfromher
printer,gotup,tookadeepbreath,andwalkeddownthehalltoKemp’soffice.
Secondslater,theyheardhim.“Whatthehell…?”
Violetcamestalkingbackdownthehall,red-facedandunnerved,withanenragedKemp,minushis
glasses,twostepsbehind,wavingthesheetofpaperatherback.
“Youcan’tgivemeoneday’snotice!”heraged.“Ihavecasespending.You’reresponsibleforsorting
themoutandnotifyingthepetitioners…!”
Shewhirled,eyesflashing.“Allthatinformationisinthecomputer,alongwiththephonenumbers!
Libbyknowswhattodo,she’shadtohelpmekeeptrackofyourcaseswhenIhadtobehomewith
Motherduringherlaststroke!Pleasedon’tpretenditmatterswho’sdoingthetypingormakingthe
phonecalls,becauseIknowitdoesn’tmattertoyou!I’mgoingtoworkforDukeWright!”
Hewasseething,buthewentsuddenlyquiet.“Goingovertotheenemy,then,MissHardy?”
“Mr.Wrightislessexcitablethanyouare,sir,andhewon’trageaboutcoffee.Infact,”shesaid
audaciously,“hemakeshisown!”
Helookedforaretort,couldn’tthinkupone,mashedhissensuouslipstogether,letoutawordunder
hisbreaththatcouldhavehadhimupforchargesofharassment,andstompedbackdownthehallstill
clutchingthesinglesheetofpaper.Asanafterthought,heslammedhisdoor.
LibbyandMabeltriednottolaugh.Mr.Kemphadthrowntwopeopleoutoftheofficeontothe
sidewalkinlessthanamonth.Histemperhadgonefrombadtoworse,andpoorViolethadcaughtthe
worstofit.Nowshewasleavinganditwouldbelonelywithouther.Sadly,Libbythought,herown
workloadhadjustdoubled.

Violetapologizedtoherco-workers,butinsistedthatshecouldn’ttaketheworkingsituation
anymore.Attheendoftheday,shecloseddownhercomputer,notingthatMabelandLibbywereboth
outthedoorbeforeshecouldgetherthingstogether.Libbyhadalreadyagreedtocomebackassoon
asshehadabitetoeatandfinishuptwocasesthatKempwaspresentingthenextday.Violetwould
haveofferedtodoit;poorLibbyhadproblemsofherownwithherhorriblestepmothertryingtosell
theCollinshouseoutfromunderLibbyandherbrother,Curt.ButLibbyinsistedshedidn’tmind.
Violetshoulderedintoherlongsweater-jacketjustasKempcamestalkingdownthehall,stillina
temper,hispaleblueeyesflashingbehindhisglasses,hisleanfacetautwithanger,hisdarkwavyhair
slightlymussedinbackfromhisrestlessfingers.
Hestoppedandglaredather.“IhopeI’vemademypointaboutthecoffee,”hesaidbluntly.“Haveyou
reconsideredyourimpulsiveresignation,bytheway?”

Sheswallowed.He’dmadehispointaboutalotofthings.Shedrewherselfuptoherfullheightand
facedhimbravely.“Ihavenot.I’llbeleavingassoonasyoucangetareplacement,Mr.Kemp.”
Hiseyebrowsarched.“Runningaway,MissHardy?”heaskedsarcastically.
“Youcancallitthatifyoulike,”shereplied.
Hiseyesglittered,angeredalloutofproportionbythereply.“Inthatcase,youcanconsiderthisyour
lastdayandforgetthemeaslynotice.I’llgetLibbytofinishyourworkandI’llmailyourtwoweeks’
paytoyou.Ifthat’ssatisfactory.”
Herfacefelttightanduncomfortableatthetauntingquestion,butshestoodherground.“Thatwillbe
fine,Mr.Kemp.Thankyou.”
Heglaredather.Hewasfuriousthathecouldn’tgetariseoutofher.“Verywell.Yourofficekey,
please.”
Shefumbleditoffherkeychainandhandedittohim,carefulnottoletherfingerstouchhis.Her
heartwasgoingtobreakintwowhentheshockworeoff.Butshewastooproudtolethimseehow
devastatedshewas.
Hestareddownatherdarkheadofhairassheplacedthekeyinhisfingers.Hefeltanunfamiliar,
uncomfortablesurgeofloss.Hecouldn’tunderstandwhy.Hehadlittletodowithwomenthesedays,
althoughhewasonlythirty-six.He’dlostthewomanhelovedyearsagoandhadneverhadany
inclinationtoriskhisheartagain.
Violet,however,threatenedhisfreedom.Shehadasortofempathywithpeoplethatwasdisturbing.
Shewaseasilyhurt.Hecouldseethatthiswaskillingher,beingtippedoutofhisoffice,outofhis
life.Buthehadtolethergo.She’dalreadygottentooclose.Heneverwantedtofeelagainthepainof
havinghisheartrippedoutwiththelossofawoman.Hisfiancéehaddied.Hewasthroughwithlove.
SoViolethadtogo.
Itwasforthebest,hetoldhimselffirmly.Shewasonlyinfatuatedwithhim.She’dgetoverit.He
thoughtofhowmuchshe’dlostinthepastyear:herfather,herhome,herwholewayoflife.Nowshe
hadherinvalidmothertocarefor,aburdensheshoulderedwithoutawordofcomplaint.Nowshe
hadnojob.Hewincedashesensedthepainshemustbefeeling.
“It’sforthebest,”hemuttereduncomfortably.
Shelookedupathim,herblueeyestragicinherroundedface.“Itis?”
Hisjawtautened.“You’reconfusedaboutyourfeelings.You’reonlyinfatuated,Violet,”hesaidas
kindlyashecould,watchingherfaceflushviolently.“Itisn’tloveeternal,andthereareeligiblemen
elsewhere.You’llgetoverit.”
Herlipsactuallytrembledasshetriedtofindacomebacktothatdevastatingrevelation.She’dbeen
afraidhe’doverheardherconfessionoflove,nowsheknewhehad.Hiswordsmadeherfeellike
sinkingintothefloor.Itwastheworsthumiliationshecouldeverrememberfeelinginherlife.He
couldn’tpossiblyhavemadehisownfeelingsanyclearer.
“Yes,sir,”shebitoff,turningaway.“I’llgetoverit.”
Shepickedupherbitsandpiecesandmovedtowardthedoor.Predictably,hewenttoopenitforher,a
gentlemantothebitterend.
“Thankyou,”shechoked,hereyesaverted.
“AreyoucertainthatDukeWrightwillhireyou?”heaskedabruptly.
Shedidn’tevenlookathim.“Whatdoyoucare,Mr.Kemp?”sheaskedinadull,miserabletone.“I’m
outofyourhair.”
Shewalkedtowardhercarwithherheartaroundherankles.Behindher,atallmanstoodwatching,
brooding,asshewalkedoutofhislife.

She’dforgottenthecake.She’dpromisedtodropitbytheHartranchforTess,butitwasstillsitting
inKemp’soffice.Shenolongerhadakey,andshe’dratherhavediedthanphonedhimtoletherinto
getthecake.He’dthinkitwasaruse,sothatshecouldseehimagain.
Shestoppedbythebakeryinsteadandgotanothercake.Luckilyforher,Tessdidn’twantamessage
onit,justthecake.ShestoppedbytheHartranchpropertyatTessandCag’senormoushouseand
handeditofftotheirhousekeeper,withabeamingsmilethatneverreachedhereyes.Thenshewent
home.

Hermotherwaslyingonthesofa,watchingthelastofhersoapoperas.“Hello,sweetheart,”shesaid,
smiling.“Didyouhaveaniceday?”
“Verynice,”Violetlied,smilingback.“Howaboutyou?”
“I’vedoneverywell.Imadesupper!”
“Mama,youaren’tsupposedtoexertyourself,”Violetprotested,grittingherteeth.
“Cookingisn’texertion.Idoloveitso,”theolderwomanreplied,herblueeyesthatweresolike
Violet’ssparklingwithpleasure.Herhairwassilvernow,shortandwavy.Shelayonthesofainan
oldgownandhousecoat,herfeetinsocks.Nightswerestillchilly,eventhoughitwasApril.
“Wanttoeatinhereontrays?”Violetoffered.
“Thatwouldbelovely.Wecanwatchthenews.”
Violetgrimaced.“Notthenews,”shegroaned.“Somethingpleasant!”
“Thenwhatwouldyouliketowatch?We’vegotlotsofDVDs,”hermotheradded.
Violetnamedacomedyaboutacrocodilewhoatepeoplelivingaroundalake.
Hermothergaveheranoddlook.“My,my.Usuallywhenyouwanttowatchthatone,you’vehadan
argumentwithMr.Kemp.”Shewasfishing.
Violetclearedherthroat.“Wedidhavealittletiff,”sheconfessed,notdaringtotellhermotherthat
thefamilybreadwinnerwastemporarilyoutofwork.
“Itwillallblowover,”Mrs.Hardypromised.“He’sadifficultman,Iimagine,buthe’sbeenverykind
tous.Why,whenIhadtogotothehospitallasttime,hedroveyouthereandevensatwithyouuntil
theygotmeoverthecrisis.”
“Yes,Iknow,”Violetreplied,withoutaddingthatMr.Kempwoulddothatforanybody.Itdidn’tmean
anything,exceptthathehadakindheart.
“AndthentherewasthathugebasketoffruithesentusatChristmas.”Theolderwomanwasstill
talking.
Violetwasonherwaytoherbedroomtochangeintojeansandasweatshirt.Shewonderedhowshe
wasgoingtogetanotherjobwithoutnamingMr.Kempasareference.Hemightgiveherone.She
justhatedhavingtoaskhimto.She’dtoldherco-workers,andKemp,thatshewasgoingtoworkfor
DukeWright,butithadbeenalietosaveface.
“Goingtothegymtonight?”hermotheraskedwhenshereappearedandrifledthroughtheDVDstack
forthemovieshewanted.
“Nottonight,”Violetrepliedwithasmile.Maybeneveragain,shewasthinking.Whatusewasitto
revampherselfwhenshe’dneverseeMr.Kempagain,anyway?
Later,shecriedherselftosleep,hatingherownshowofweakness.Fortunately,nobodyelsewould

seeit.Bydawn,shewasupanddressed,hermakeupon,herresolvefirm.Shewasgoingtogetanew
job.Shehadskills.Shewasahardworker.Shewouldbeanassettoanyprospectiveemployer.She
toldherselfthesethingsfirmly,becauseheregowasbadlyhurt.She’dshowMr.Kemp.Shecouldget
ajobanywhere!

Actually,thatwasn’tquitethecase.Jacobsvillewasasmalltown.Thereweren’tthatmanyofficejobs
available,becausemostpeopleluckyenoughtogetthemworkedinthesameplaceuntiltheyretired.
Therewasonehope.DukeWright,alocalrancherwhohadarealverbalwargoingwithMr.Kemp,
couldn’tkeepasecretary.Hewashard,cold,anddemanding.Atleastonesecretaryhadlefthis
employmentintears.Hiswifehadlefthim,alongwiththeiryoungson,andfiledfordivorce.He
consistentlyrefusedtosignthefinalpapers,whichhadledtoafuriousconfrontationbetweenhimself
andBlakeKemp.ThefistfightescalateduntilChiefofPoliceCashGrierhadtostepinandbreakitup.
DukethrewapunchatCash,missedthechiefandlandedinjail.Therewascertainlynolovelost
betweenDukeWrightandBlakeKemp.
Withthatideainmind,andgatheringuphercourage,shephonedhimfromhomethenextmorning
whilehermotherwasstillasleep.
Hisdeepvoicewaseasilyrecognizabletheinstanthespoke.
“Mr….Mr.Wright?It’sVioletHardy,”shestammered.
Therewasasurprisedpause.“Yes,MissHardy?”hereplied.
“Iwaswonderingifyouneededanysecretarialhelprightnow,”sheblurtedout,embarrassedalmost
totearsjusttoaskthequestion.
Therewasanotherpauseandthenachuckle.“HaveyouandKemppartedways?”heaskedatonce.
Shefelthercheeksredden.“Infact,yes,wehave,”shesaidflatly.“Iquit.”
“Great!”
“Ex-excuseme?”shestammered,surprised.
“Ican’tgetasecretarywhodoesn’tseemeasamatrimonialprospect,”hetoldher.
“Icertainlywon’t,”sherepliedwithoutthinking.“Uh,sorry!”
“Don’tapologize.Howsooncanyougetouthere?”
“Fifteenminutes,”shesaidbrightly.
“You’rehired.Comeinrightaway.BesureandtellKempwhoyou’reworkingfor,willyou?”he
added.“Itwouldmakemyday!”
Shelaughed.“Yes,sir.Andthankyouverymuch!I’llworkhard,I’lldoovertime,anythingyouwant!
Well,withinreason.”
“Noneedtoworry,I’moffwomenforlife,”hesaidinaroughtone.“Seeyousoon,Violet.”
Hehungupbeforeshecouldreply.Shehadajob!Shedidn’thavetotellhermothershewasoutof
workandtheywouldn’tbeabletoaffordrentpaymentsandhercarpaymentandfood.Itwassucha
reliefthatshesatstaringatthephoneblanklyuntilsherememberedthatshehadtogotowork.
“I’llbehomejustafterfive,Mama,”shetoldhermothergently,bendingtokissherforehead.Itfelt
clammy.Shefrowned,standingerect.“Areyouokay?”
Hermotheropenedpaleblueeyesandmanagedasmile.“Justalittleheadache,darling,certainly
nothingtoworryabout.I’dtellyou.Honest.”
Violetrelaxed,butonlyalittle.Shelovedhermother.Mrs.Hardywastheonlypersoninthewhole
worldwholovedher.Shehadfrequentunspokenterrorsaboutlosingher.Itwasscary.

“I’mokay!”hermotheremphasized.
“Youstayinbedtodayanddon’tgetupandstarttryingtodocordonbleuinthekitchen.Okay?”
Mrs.HardyreachedoutandcaughtViolet’shand.“Idon’twanttobeaburdenonyou,darling,”she
saidsoftly.“ThatwasneverwhatIintended.”
“Youcan’thelphavingabadheart,”sheinsisted.
“IwishIcould.Yourfathermightstillbealive,ifhehadn’tbeenforcedto…togotoanother
woman…for—”Shebrokeoff,tearsbrighteninghereyes.
“Mama,youcan’tblameyourselfforsomethingyoucouldn’thelp,”Violettoldher,privately
thinkingthatifshe’dbeenmarriedtothesamemanfortwenty-fiveyearsandhehadastroke,she
certainlywouldn’tberunningaroundonhimwhilehewasfightingjusttostayalive.Herfather
hadn’treallylovedhermother,anditshowedtoeverybodyexceptMrs.Hardy.Theolderwomanwas
foreverdoingthingstohelpotherpeople.Untilherillness,she’dalwaysbeenactiveinthe
community,bakingforfund-raisingsales,workinginherchurchgroup,takingfoodtobereaved
families—anythingshecoulddo.Herfather,averysuccessfulCertifiedPublicAccountant,wentto
workandcamehomeandwatchedtelevision.Hehadnosenseofcompassion.Infact,hismindwas
foreveronhimself,andwhatheneeded.HeandViolethadneverbeenclose,althoughhehadn’tbeen
abadfather,inhisway.
Butshecouldn’tsayallthattohermother.Insteadshebentandkissedhermother ’stempleagain.“I
loveyou.It’snoburdentotakecareofyou.AndImeanthat,”sheadded,smiling.
“YoutellthatMr.KempthatI’mveryproudhegaveyouthejob.Idon’tknowwhatwe’dhave
done…”
Violetsatdownbesidehermother.“Listen,Ihavetotellyousomething.”
“You’regettingmarried?”theolderwomanaskedhopefully,withbrighteyesandasmile.“He’s
finallyrealizedyou’reinlovewithhim?!”
“He’srealizedit,”Violetsaid,tight-lipped.“AndhesaidI’dgetoveritquickerifIwasworkingfor
somebodyelse.”
Hermother ’sjawfell.“Andheseemedlikesuchaniceman!”sheexclaimed.
Sheheldtheotherwoman’shandhard.“I’vegotanewjob,”shesaidatonce,beforehermothercould
startworrying.“I’mgoingtostartthismorning.”Shesmiled.“It’sgoingtobegreat!”
“Startwhere?Workingforwhom?”
“DukeWright.”
Hermother ’sthineyebrowsarchedandatwinklecameintohereyes.“Hedoesn’tlikeMr.Kemp.”
“Andviceversa,”Violetstatedfirmly.“ItwillpayjustaswellasMr.Kempdid,”sheadded,mentally
crossingherfingers,“andhewon’tcomplainabouthowImakecoffee.”
“Excuseme?”Mrs.Hardyasked.
Violetclearedherthroat.“Nevermind,Mama.It’sgoingtobefine.IlikeMr.Wright.”
Mrs.Hardypressedherhandagain.“Ifyousayso.I’msorry,darling.IknowhowyoufeelaboutMr.
Kemp.”
“Sincehedoesn’tfeelthesameway,it’sforthebestifIdon’tgoonworkingthereandeatingmy
heartoutoverhim,”Violetsaidrealistically.“IdaresayI’llfindothercompany,someonewhodoesn’t
thinkI’mtoofat…”Shestoppedatonceandflushed.
Hermotherlookedfurious.“Youarenotfat!Ican’tbelieveMr.Kemphadtheaudacitytosay
somethinglikethattoyou!”
“Hedidn’t,”Violetrepliedatonce.“Hejust…insinuatedit.”Shesighed.“He’sright.Iamfat.ButI’m
tryingsohardtoloseweight!”

Hermotherheldherhandtighter.“Listentome,darling,”shesaidsoftly.“Amanwhoreallycares
aboutyouisn’tgoingtodwellonwhatheconsidersfaults.Yourfatherusedthatsameargumentto
me,”sheaddedunexpectedly.“Heactuallysaidthathewenttothatotherwomanbecauseshewas
slenderandwell-groomed.”
“He…did?”
Shegrimaced.“Ishouldhavetoldyou.Yourfatherneverlovedme,Violet.Hewasinlovewithmy
bestfriendandshemarriedsomebodyelse.Hemarriedmetogetevenwithher.Hewantedadivorce
twomonthslater,butIwaspregnantwithyou,andinthosedays,peoplereallygossipedaboutmen
whowalkedoutonapregnantwife.Sowestayedtogetherandtriedtomakeahomeforyou.Looking
back,”shesaidwearily,lyingbackdownonherpillows,“perhapsImadeamistake.Youdon’tknow
whatagoodmarriageis,doyou?YourfatherandIhardlyeverdidanythingtogether,evenwhenyou
werelittle.”
Violetpushedbackhermother ’sdisheveledhair.“Iloveyouverymuch,”shetoldherparent.“Ithink
you’rewonderful.Sodoalotofotherpeople.Itwasmyfather ’slossifhecouldn’tseehowspecial
youwere.”
“AtleastIhaveyou”camethesoftreply,withasmile.“Iloveyou,too,darling.”
Violetfoughttears.“NowIreallyhavetogo,”shesaid.“Ican’taffordtolosemynewjobbeforeI
startit!”
Hermotherlaughed.“Youbecareful!”
“I’lldriveunderthespeedlimit,”shepromised.
“Mr.Wrightisn’tmarriednow,ishe?”Mrs.Hardywondered.
“Yes,heis.Herefusedtosignthefinaldivorcepapers.”Shelaughed.“That’swhyhehadthefight
withMr.Kemp.”
“Isitspite,doyouthink,ordoeshestillloveher?”
“Everybodythinkshestilllovesher,butshe’smakingafortuneworkingasalawyerinNewYork
Cityandshedoesn’twanttocomebackhere.”
“Theyhavealittleboy.Doesn’tshethinkhisfatherhasanyrighttoseethechild?”
“They’restillarguingaboutcustody.”
“Whatapity.”
“Peopleshouldthinkhardabouthavingchildren,”Violetsaidwithconviction,“andtheyshouldn’t
everbeaccidents.”
“That’sjustwhatI’vealwayssaid,”Mrs.Hardyreplied.“Haveagoodday,darling.”
“You,too.Thephone’srighthereandI’mgoingtowritedownMr.Wright’snumberincaseyouneed
me.”Shepencileditonthepadnexttothephone,smiled,andwenttogetherpurse.

DukeWrightlivedinahugewhiteVictorianhouse.Localgossipsaidthathiswifehadwanteditsince
shewasachild,livinginapoorsectionofJacobsville.She’dmarriedDukerightoutofhighschool
andstartedtocollegeafterthehoneymoonwasover.Collegehadopenedanewworldtohereyes.
She’ddecidedtostudylaw,andDukestoodbyandletherhaveherway,surethatshe’dneverwantto
leaveJacobsville.ButshegotatasteofcitylifewhenshewentontolawschoolinSanAntonio,and
shedecidedtoworkinalawfirmthere.
Nobodyunderstoodexactlywhytheydecidedtohaveachildinherfirstyearasapracticingestate
lawyer.Shedidn’tseemhappyaboutit,althoughshehadthechild.Butalive-innursehadtobe

employedbecauseMrs.Wrightspentmoreandmoretimeattheoffice.Then,twoyearsago,she’d
beenofferedapositioninawell-knownlawfirminNewYorkCityandshe’djumpedatthechance.
Dukehadargued,cajoled,threatened,totrytogethertoturnitdown.Nothingworked.Inafitof
rage,shemovedout,withtheirson,andfiledfordivorce.Dukehadfoughtittoothandnail.Justthis
month,she’dpresentedhimwithdivorcepapers,demandinghissignature,whichalsorequiredhimto
remitfullcustodyofhisfive-year-oldsontoher.He’dgonewild.
Tolookathim,though,Violetthought,heseemedveryself-possessedandconfident.Hewastalland
bronzedwithastrongface,squarechin,deep-setdarkeyesandblondish-brownhairwhichhewore
conventionallycut.Hehadthephysiqueofarodeostar,whichhe’dbeenbeforehisfather ’suntimely
deathandhisswitchfromcowboytocattlebaron.Heranpurebredredanguscattle,well-knownin
cattlecirclesfortheirpedigree.Hehadallthescientificequipmentnecessaryforaprosperous
operation,includinghigh-techmethodsofgeneticbreeding,artificialinsemination,embryo
transplantation,cross-breedingforleanness,lowbirthweightanddailyweightgainratio,aswellas
expertfeedformulation.Hehadthemostmodernsortofoperation,rightdowntolagoon
managementandforageimprovement.Hehadthemostmoderncomputersmoneycouldbuy,and
customizedsoftwaretokeepupwithhiscattle.Buthisnewestoperationwasorganichamandbacon
thatheraisedonhisranchandmarketedovertheInternet.
Violetwasstaggeredatthehigh-techequipmentintheofficehemaintainedonhissprawlingranch
outsidetown.
“Intimidated?”hedrawled,smiling.“Don’tworry.It’seasiertousethanitlooks.”
“Canyouoperateitall?”sheasked,surprised.
Heshrugged.“Withtheaveragedurationofsecretarialassistancearoundhere,Ihavetobeabletodo
thingsmyself,”hesaidheavily.Hegaveheralonglookandstuckhisleanhandsinthepocketsofhis
jeans.“Violet,I’mnotaneasyboss,”heconfessed.“Ihavemoodsandrages,andsometimesIblow
upwhenthingsupsetme.You’llneednervesofsteeltolastlonghere.SoIwon’tblameyouifyou
havereservations.”
Hereyebrowsarched.“IworkedforBlakeKempforoverayear.”
Hechuckled,understandingherverywell.“Theysayhe’sworsethanme,”heagreed.“Okay.If
you’regame,we’llgiveittwoweeks.Afterthat,youcandecideifit’sworththemoney.That’s
anotherthing,”headded,smiling.“IpaybetterthanKemp.”HenamedafigurethatmadeVioletlook
shocked.Henodded.“That’stomakeitworththeaggravation.Comeon,andI’llshowyouaroundthe
equipment.”

Itwasfascinating.She’dneverseenanythinglikethetangleofspreadsheetsandsoftwarethatranhis
empire.Eventhefeedwasmixedbycomputer.
“Notthatyou’llhavetoconcernyourselfwiththeorganicporkoperation,”headdedquickly.“Ihave
threeemployeeswhodonothingexceptthat.Butthesefigures—”heindicatedthespreadsheet“—are
urgent.Theyhavetobemaintainedonadailybasis.”
“Allofthem?”sheexclaimed,seeinghoursandhoursofovertimeinstatisticsbeforeher.
“Notbyhand,”hereplied.“Allthecowboysarecomputerliterate,eventheold-timers.Theyfeedthe
informationintohandheldcomputersandsendittothemainframebyinternalmodem,rightfromthe
pastures,”hetoldher.
Shejustshookherhead.“It’sincredible,”shereplied.“IhopeI’msmartenoughtolearnallthis,Mr.

Wright.”
Hesmiledapprovingly.“There’snothingIappreciatemorethanmodesty,MissHardy,”hereplied.
“You’lldofine.Readytogetstarted?”
“Yes,sir!”shereplied.

Itwasashortday,mainlybecauseshewassobusytryingtolearnthebasicsofDukeWright’s
agriculturalprograms.Shelikedhim.Hemighthaveabadreputation,andsheknewhecouldbehard
togetalongwith,buthehadsavinggraces.
ShemanagednottothinkaboutMr.Kempallafternoon,untilshegothome.
Hermothersmiledatherfromthesofa,whereshewaswatchingherdailysoapoperas.“Well,how
diditgo?”sheasked.
“Ilikeit!”Violettoldherwithabigsmile.“Ireallydo.IthinkI’mgoingtoworkoutjustfine.And,
besidesthat,I’mgoingtobemakingalotmoremoney.Mama,wemightevenbeabletoafforda
dishwasher!”
Mrs.Hardysighed.“Thatwouldbelovely,wouldn’tit?”
Violetkickedoffhershoesandsatdowninthereclinernexttothesofa.“I’msotired!I’mjustgoing
torestforaminuteandthenI’llseeaboutsupper.”
“Wecouldhavechiliandhotdogs.”
Violetchuckled.“Wecouldhaveanicesaladandbreadsticks,”shesaid,thinkingofthecalories.
“Whateveryoulike,dear.Oh,bytheway,Mr.Kempcamebyafewminutesago.”
Violet’sworldcamecrashingdownaroundherears.She’dhopedtonotevenhearhisname,atleast
foranotherfewdays.
“Whatdidhewant?”sheaskedhermother.
Theolderwomanpickedupawhiteenvelope.“Togiveyouthis.”ShehandedittoViolet,whosat
staringatit.
“Well,”shemurmured.“Iguessit’smyfinalpay.”
Mrs.Hardymutedthetelevisionset.“Whynotopenitandsee?”
Violetdidn’twantto,buthermotherlookedexpectant.Shetoreopentheenvelopeandextracteda
checkandaletter.Withherbreathinherthroat,sheslowlyunfoldedit.
“Whatdoesitsay?”hermotherprompted.
Violetjuststaredatit,unbelieving.
“Violet,whatisit?”
Violetdrewinabreath.“It’saletterofrecommendation,”shesaidhuskily.

Two

“Ican’tbelieveheactuallygavemeone,”Violetsaidhuskily,herheartracingfromjustthethought
thathe’dbackeddownthatfar.“Ididn’taskforit.”
“Hetoldmethat,”hermotherreplied.“Hesaidthathefeltreallybadaboutthewayyouleft,Violet,
andthathehopedyou’dbehappyinyournewjob.”
Violetlookedupatherparent,hatingherselfforbeingsohappywiththesecrumbsofKemp’sregard.
“Hedid?”Shecaughtherself.“DidyoutellhimwhereIwasworking?”
Mrs.Hardyshiftedonthesofa.“Well,dear,helookedsopleasantandwehadsuchanice
conversation.Ithought,whyupsettheman?”
Violetlaughedhelplessly.“Whatdidyoutellhim,Mother?”sheaskedgently.
“Isaidyouwereworkinginalocalofficeforaveryniceman,doingstatistics,”shesaidwitha
chuckle.“Hedidn’tactuallyaskwhere.Hestartedto,andIchangedthesubject.HesaidLibbyand
Mabelweresplittingyourworkforthetimebeing.He’sgoingtoadvertiseforanewsecretary,”she
added.
Violetsighed.“Ihopehe’shappywithwhicheverpoorsoulgetsthejob,”shesaid.
“No,youdon’t.Iknowyouhatedtoleave.But,dear,ifhedoesn’tfeelthesameway,it’sablessingin
thelongrun,”hermothersaidwisely.“Nosenseeatingyourheartout.”
“That’swhatIthoughtwhenIquit,”Violetadmitted.Shegottoherfeet,puttingtheletterandcheck
backintheenvelope.“I’llgofixsomethingtoeat.”
“Youcouldmakeapotofcoffee,”hermothersuggested.
Violetgaveheraglare.“Youdon’tneedtobedrinkingcaffeine.”
“Don’twehaveanydecaf?”
ItremindedViolettoomuchofherex-boss,andshewasn’tenthusiastic.Buthermotherlovedcoffee,
andmissedbeingabletodrinkit.Shedidn’tknowaboutthecoffeewarsinKemp’soffice,either.
Violetforcedasmile.“I’llsee,”shesaid,andlefthermothertothesoapopera.

ThefirstfewdaysoutofKemp’sofficewerethehardest.Shecouldn’tforgethowshe’dlooked
forwardtoeverynewday,toeachmorning’sfirstglimpseofherhandsomeboss.Herhearthad
jumpedatthesoundofhisvoice.Shetingledalloverwhen,rarely,hesmiledatherwhenshefinished
adifficulttaskforhim.Eventhescentofacertainmasculinecolognecouldtriggermemories,
becausehealwayssmelledofit.Shefeltdeprivedbecauseherlifewouldnolongercontainevena
casualglimpseofhim.Shewasworkingforhisworstenemy.NotmuchlikelihoodthatKempwould
turnuponDukeWright’sranchinthenearordistantfuture.
Butastimepassed,VioletslowlyfellintoaroutineatDuke’sranch.Thespreadsheetprogramswere
easytouseonceshelearnedwhatthevarioustermsmeant,likeweightgainratioandbirthweight.
ShelearnedthatDukeusedartificialinseminationtoimprovethegeneticsofhiscattle,selectingfor
lowbirthweight,goodweightgainratiosforoffspringandleancutsofmeatinthebeefcattle
offspringthatwouldeventuallybegeneratedbyhispurebredherdsiresanddams.
Shewasfascinatedtofindthatsciencewasusedtopredictleannessandtendernessofbeefcuts,that
geneticscouldmanipulatethosefactorstoproduceamoremarketableproductforconsumers.
Shewasfascinatedbythevariouspedigreesandtheamountofhistorycontainedinhisbreeding
programs.ItwaslikeanorganichistoryofTexasjusttolookbackoverthefirstherdsthathad

contributedtoDuke’sformidablebeefconcern.Hekeptphotographicrecordsaswellasstatistical
ones,andshefoundtheearlybeefsiresshort,stockyandwoollycomparedtomodernones.It
graphicallyshowedtheprogressionofgeneticbreeding.
Herdutieswereroutineandhardlyexciting,butshemadegoodwagesandshelikedthepeopleshe
workedwith.Dukehadfull-timeandpart-timecowboys,aswellasaveterinarystudentwhoworked
onesemesterandwenttoschoolonesemester.Hehadthreepeoplewhodidnothingbutworkwithhis
InternetWebsitethatsoldhispremiumorganichamandbaconproducts.
ButViolet’sjobwasseparatefromthatoftheotherworkers.TherewasanewstorefrontthatDuke
hadjustopenedinJacobsvilletomarkethisorganicpork.Therewasalsoamodernofficecomplex
adjacenttotheenormousbarn,wheretheproductionandlabstaffwerelocated.Thebarn,inaddition
tocontainingtheprideofhispurebredcattleherd,hisexpensiveseedbulls,therewasalsoaclimate
controlledroomwherethefrozenspermandembryoswerekeptforartificialinsemination.The
procedureitselfwasconductedinthebarn.Purebredembryosfromsuperiorherdsires,aswellas
strawsofsemenfromchampionbullswhowerenowlongdead,werekeptinvatsofliquidnitrogen.
ThesewereplacedinsurrogatemotherswhomightbeHolsteinsorevenmixedbreedcattlerather
thanthepurebredheifershealsosoldalongwitheachnewcropofyearlingbullsfrompurebred
sires.
Violethadapassingacquaintancewiththeemployeeswhoranthelab,oneofwhomwasagraduate
biologistnamedDeleneCrane,ayoungwomanwithaquirkysenseofhumor.Theywerenodding
acquaintances,becauseshedidn’thavemuchfreetimetosocialize.Noneofthestaffdid,forthat
matter.Routineattheranchwaschaoticbecausespringwasthebusiesttimeforeveryone,withcalves
beingbornandrecordedandbrandinginfullswing.
SheknewthatDukeusednotonlyhotbranding,butalsohadcomputerchipsonplastictagsthat
dangledfromtheearsofhiscattle.Thesechipscontainedthecompletehistoryofeachcoworbull.
TheinformationwasscannedintoahandheldcomputerandsentbymodemtoViolet’scomputertobe
compiledintothespreadsheetprogram.
“It’sjustfascinating,”ViolettoldDukeasshewatchedtheinformationupdatingitselfonher
computerscreenfromminutetominute.
Hesmiledwearily.Hewasdusty.Hischapsandbootsweredirtyandblood-stainedbecausehe’dbeen
helpingwithcalvingallday.Hisredshirtwaswetallover.Hishair,underhiswide-brimmedStetson,
wasdrippingsweat.Hisleathergloves,tight-fittingandsuede-colored,weredanglingfromthewide
beltbuckleathisleanwaistoverhisjeans.
“It’stakenalotofworktogetthisoperationsofar,”heconfessed,hiseyesonthescreenashespoke,
hisvoicedeepandpleasantinthequietoffice.“Andalotofcash.I’vebeenintheholeforthepast
year.ButI’mjustbeginningtoshowaprofit.Ithinktheporkoperationmaybewhatfinallygetsmein
theblack.”
“Wherearethepigskept?”shewonderedaloud,becauseshe’donlyseencattleandhorsessofar.In
additiontothecattleherd,DukemaintainedasmallherdofpurebredAppaloosahorses.
“Farenoughawaythattheyaren’teasytosmell,”herepliedwithagrin.“Theyhavetheirown
complexaboutamiledowntheroad.It’sremarkablyclean,andpurelyorganic.Theyhavepasturesto
roamandastreamthatrunsthroughitalltheyear,andthey’refedacarefullyformulatedorganic
diet.Nopesticides,nohormones,noantibioticsunlessthey’reabsolutelynecessary.”
“YousoundliketheHartsandtheTremaynesand…”shebegan.
“…andCyParksandJ.D.Langley,”hefinishedforher,chuckling.“Theydidgivemetheidea.It’s
catchingon.ChristabelandJuddDunnjumpedonthewagonlastyear.”

“It’sbeenveryprofitableforthem,Ihear,”Violetreplied.“Mr.Kemphandlesallthepaperworkfor
theHartsandCyParks…”Shebithertongueashisfacehardenedandthesmilefaded.“Sorry,boss,”
shesaidatonce.
Hemovedjerkily.“Noharmdone.”
ButsheknewhowhefeltaboutKemp.Sheopenedasecondwindowonthecomputerscreenand
divertedhimwithaquestionaboutanotherprocedure.
Heexplainedtheprocesstoherandsmiled.“You’readiplomat,Violet.I’mgladyouneededajob.”
“Me,too,Mr.Wright,”shereplied,smiling.
Hepulledhishatdownoverhiseyes.“Well,I’veplayedhookyaslongasIcan,”hesaidwitha
grimace.“I’llgetbacktoworkbeforeLancecomesinhereandlassosmeanddragsmebackoutto
thepasture.Yougohomeatfiveregardlessofthephone,okay?”headded.“Iknowyouworryabout
yourmother.Youdon’tneedtodoovertime.”
“Thanks,”shesaid,andmeantit.“It’shardforhertobealoneintheevening.Shegetsscared.”
“Idon’tdoubtit.Oh,ifyougetaminute,”headdedfromthedoor,“callCalhounBallengerandtell
himI’msendinghimadonationforhiscampaign.”
Shegrinned.“I’llbehappytodothat!I’mvotingforhim,too.”
“Goodforyou.”Heclosedthedoorcarefullybehindhim.
Violetmadethecall,finishedupherwork,andleftontime.Shehadtorunbythepostofficeonthe
wayhometoputDuke’scorrespondenceintothemail.

Asluckwouldhaveit,Kempwasinthelobbywhenshewalkedinthedoor,havingjustputalast-
minuteletterintotheoutgoingpost.
Hestoppedshortwhenhesawher,hispaleblueeyesnarrowandaccusing.Shewaskeenlyawarethat
herlipstickwaslonggone,thatherhairwasstickingoutincomicanglesfromheronce-neatbraid,
thatonelegofherpantyhosewasladdered.Shecouldn’trunintohimwhenshelookedneatand
pretty,shethoughtmiserably.Totopitalloff,shewaswearingwhitejeansthatweretootightanda
redoverblousewithrufflesthatmadeherlookvaguelyclownish.Shegroundherteethassheglared
backathim.
“Mr.Kemp,”shesaidpolitely,andstartedtogoaroundhim.
Hesteppedrightintoherpath.“What’sWrightbeendoingtoyou?”heasked.“Youlookworntothe
bone.”
Herthineyebrowsarchedassheregisteredgenuineconcerninthatnarrowgaze.Sheclearedher
throat.“It’sroundup,”shereplied.
Henoddedunderstanding.“TheHartsarebreakingoutinhivesalready,”hemused,andalmost
smiled.“They’vehadsomeproblemswiththeirexportstoJapanaswell.Isupposethecattlebusiness
iswearingonthenerves.”
Shesmiledshyly.“Everybody’srushingtorecordallthepertinentinformationforeverynewcalf,
andtherearealotofthem.”
“He’sopenedameatshophereintown,”heremarked.“Itsellsorganichamsandsausageandbacon.”
“Yes.HisemployeesrunaWebsite,too,sothathecansellhisporkontheInternet.”Shehesitated.
Herheartwasracinglikemadandshefeltherkneesweakeningjustfromthelong,sharedlooks.She
missedhimsomuch.“How…howareLibbyandMabel?”
“Missingyou.”Hemadeitsoundasifshe’dlefthiminabind.

Sheshiftedtotheotherfoot.Ifthey’dbeenalone,she’dhavehadmoretosayabouttheaccusinglook
hewasgivingher.Butpeoplewerecomingandgoingallaroundthem.“Thankyou.Forthe
recommendation,Imean.”
Heshrugged.“Ididn’tthinkWrightwouldtakeyouon,”hesaidhonestly.“It’snosecretthathehates
havingwomenaroundtheranchsincethedivorce.”
“DeleneCraneworkswithhim,”shereplied,curious.“She’sawoman.”
“He’sknownDelenesincetheywereincollegetogether,”hetoldher.“Hedoesn’tthinkofherasa
woman.”
Interesting,shemused,becauseDelenewasn’tabad-lookingwoman.Shehadredhairandgreeneyes
andamilkycomplexionwithafewfreckles.Shefrozeoutthecowboyswhogaveherflirting
glances,though.ShewasalsostrictlybusinesswithDuke,somaybeitwastruethathedidn’tthinkof
herasaromanticprospect.ShewonderedwhyDelenedidn’tfeelcomfortablearoundmen…
“How’syourmother?”Kempaskedabruptly.
Shegrimaced.“Shedoesthingstheytoldhernottodo,”shelamented.“Especiallyliftingheavystuff.
Thedoctorssaidthatshestillhasatendencytowardclots,despitethebloodthinnerstheygiveher.
Theydidn’tsay,butIknowthatonceapersonhasoneortwostrokes,they’realmostpredisposedto
havemore.”
Henoddedslowly.“Buttherearedrugstotreatthat,now.I’msureyourdoctoristakinggoodcareof
her.”
“Heis,”shehadtoagree.
“Yourmotherisspecial.”
Shesmiled.“Yes.Ithinkso,too.”
Helookedpasther.“It’scloudingup.You’dbettergetyourlettersmailed,soyoudon’tgetsoaked
whenyouleave.”
“Yes.”Shelookedathimwithpaininhereyes.Shelovedhim.Itwassomuchworsethatheknew,and
pitiedherforit.Sheglancedaway,coloringfaintly.“Yes,I’dbetter…go.”
Unexpectedly,hereachedoutandpushedbackalongstrandofblackhairthathadescapedherbraid.
Hetuggeditbehindherear,hisgazeintentandsolemnashewatchedherheartbeatraceatherbodice.
Heheardherbreathcatchatthefaintcontact.Hefeltguilty.HecouldhavebeenkindertoViolet.She
hadenoughonherplatejustwithhermothertocarefor.Shecaredabouthim.She’dshownit,inso
manyways,whensheworkedwithhim.Hehadn’twantedtoencourageher,orgiveherfalsehope.
Butshelookedsomiserable.
“Takecareofyourself,”hesaidquietly.
Sheswallowed,hard.“Yes,sir.You,too.”
Hemovedasidetoletherpass.Asshewentby,afaintscentofrosesdriftedupintohisnostrils.
Amazinghowmuchhemissedthatscentaroundhisoffice.Violethadbecomealmostlikeastickof
furnitureinthepastyear,shewassofamiliar.Butatthesametime,hewasawareofanodd,tender
nurturingofhimselfthathe’dneverhadinhisadultlife.Violetmadehimthinkofopenfireplacesin
winter,ofwarmlamplightinthedarkness.Herabsencehadonlyservedtomakehimrealizehow
alonehewas.
Shewalkedontothemailslots,unawareofhislong,achingstareatherback.Bythetimeshefinished
herchore,hewasalreadyoutthedoorandclimbingintohisMercedes.
Violetwatchedhimdriveawaybeforesheopenedthedoorofthepostofficeandwentoutside.Itwas
startingtorain.She’dgetwet,butshedidn’tcare.Theodd,tenderencountermadeherheadspinwith
pleasure.Itwouldbeakindthoughttobrightenherlonelylife.

TherewasalotoftalkaroundtownaboutJanetCollins.She’dgonemissingandLibbyandCurtwere
thesubjectofalotofgossip.JordanPowellhadbeenseenwithLibby,butnobodytookthatseriously.
HewasalsoseenwitholdSenatorMerrill’sdaughter,Julie,doingthesocialrounds.Violetwondered
ifLibbyfelttherejectionasmuchasVioletfeltitoverKemp.Herco-workerhadaflamingcrushon
Jordaninrecentweeks,butitseemedthefeelingwasn’treciprocated.
Violet’smotherseemedtobeweakeningasthedayspassed.ItwashardforViolettoworkandnot
worryabouther.She’dstartedgoingbacktothegymonherwayhomefromworkthreedaysaweek,
butitwasonlyforahalfhouratatime.She’dsplurgedonacellphoneandshekeptitwithherallthe
timenow,justincasetherewaseveranemergencywhenshewasn’thome.Hermotherhadahot
buttononthenewphoneathome,too,sothatshecouldpushitandspeed-dialViolet.
Shehadherlonghairtrimmedandfrosted,andsheactuallyaskedalocalboutiqueownerfortipson
howtomakethemostofherfullfigure.Shelearnedthatlowercutblouseshelpedtodiminishafull
bosom.Shealsolearnedthatalongerjacketflatteredwidehips,andthatstraightlinesmadeherlook
taller.Sheexperimentedwithhairstylesuntilshefoundonethatflatteredherfullface,andwith
makeupuntilshelearnedhowtouseitsothatitlookednatural.Shewaschanging,growing,
maturing,slimming.Butallofitwasameanstoanend,asmuchasshehatedtoadmitit.Shewanted
BlakeKemptomissher,wanther,acheforherwhenhelookedather.Itwasahopelessdream,but
shecouldn’tletgoofit.
Kemp,meanwhile,spentfartoomuchtimeathishomethinkingaboutwaysandmeanstogetViolet
tocomeback.
HestretchedoutonhisburgundyleathercouchtowatchtheWeatherChannelwithhistwofemale
Siamesecats,MeeandYow,curledagainsthischest.Mee,abigseal-point,rarelycuddledwithhim.
Yow,ablue-point,wasinhislaptheminutehesatdown.Hefeltakinshipwiththecats,whohad
becomehisfamily.Theysatwithhimwhilehewatchedtelevisionatnight.Theycurleduponthebig
oakdeskwhenheworkedthereathiscomputer.Lateatnight,theyclimbedunderthecoversoneither
sideofhimandpurredhimtosleep.
TheHartsthoughthiscatmaniawasalittleoverdone.But,then,theyweren’treallycatpeople,except
forCagandTess.Theircatsweremostlystrays.MeeandYow,ontheotherhand,werepurebred.
Blakehadbroughtbothofthemhomewithhimtogetherfromapetstore,wherethey’dbeenincages
behindglassforweeks,thelastproductsofacatterythathadgonebankrupt.He’dfeltsorryforthem.
Morethanlikely,hetoldhimself,they’dsethimup.Catsweremastersofthesubtlesuggestion.Itwas
amazinghowafat,healthycatcouldpresentitselfasanemaciated,starvingorphan.Theywerestill
playingmindtricksonhimafterfouryearsofco-existence.Itstillworked,too.
HethoughtaboutVioletandhermother,andrememberedthattheelderlyMrs.Hardywasallergicto
fur.Violetlovedanimals.Shekeptlittlefigurinesofcatsonherdesk.He’dneveraskedhertohis
home,buthewascertainthatshe’dlovehiscats.Heimaginedshe’dhaveDukeWrightbringing
calvesrightuptotheporchforhertopet.
HiseyesflashedatthethoughtofVioletgettinginvolvedwiththeotherman.Wrightwasbitterover
thedivorceandthecustodysuithiswifehadbroughtagainsthim.HeblamedKempforit,butKemp
wasonlydoingwhatanyotherattorneywouldhavedoneinhisplace.Ifthesoon-to-beex-Mrs.
Wrightwasashappyassheseemedinthathigh-poweredpropertylawjobsheheldinNewYorkCity,
shewasn’tlikelytoevercomehome.ShelovedthelittleboyasmuchasDukedid,andshefeltitwas
betternottohavehimdanglingbetweentwoparents.Kempdidn’tagree.Achildhadtwoparents.It

wouldonlyleadtogrieftodenyaccesstoeitherofthem.
Heshookhishead.Whatapitythatpeoplehadchildrenbeforetheythoughtabouttheconsequences.
Theyneverimprovedabadmarriage.Kemp’sclienteleshotthattruthhomeeverytimehehandleda
divorcecase.Thechildrenwerealwaystheoneswhosufferedmost.
BekaWrighthadneveradmittedit,andKempneverpried,butlocalgossiphaditthatDukehad
deliberatelyhiddenherbirthcontrolpillsatacriticaltime,hopingthatababywouldcureherof
ambition.Ithadn’t.Hewasanoverbearingsortofman,whoexpectedawomantodoexactlywhathe
toldhertodo.Hisfatherhadbeenthesame,adomineeringautocratwhosepoorwifehadwalkedina
coldrainwithpneumoniawhilehewasoutoftownoneJanuaryweekendinalast,fatalattemptto
escapehim.Deathhadsparedherfurtherabuse.Dukehadgrownupwiththatsameautocraticattitude
andassumedthatitwasthewayanormalmandealtwithhiswife.Hewaslearningtohiscostthat
marriagemeantcompromise.
BlakelookedaroundathishousewithitsWesternmotifs,burgundyleatherminglingwithdarkoak
andcherrywoodfurniture.Thecarpetandthecurtainswereearthtones.Heenjoyedaquiet
atmosphereaftertheturmoilofhisworkinglife.Buthewonderedwhatawomanwoulddowiththe
décor.
Meecurledherclawsintohisarm.Hewinced,andmovedthem.Shewassoundasleep,butwhenshe
felthishandonher,shesnuggledcloserandstartedpurring.
Helaughedsoftly.No,hewasn’tthemarryingsort.Hewasagourmetcook.Hedidhisownlaundry
andhousework.Hecouldsewonabuttonormakeabed.Likemostotherex-specialforcesofficers,
hewasindependentandself-sufficient.AveteranofthefirstwarwithIraq,hemusteredoutwiththe
rankofcaptain.He’dbeenintheArmyreservesafterhegraduatedfromlawschoolandstarted
practicinginJacobsville,andhisunithadbeencalledup.HeandCagHarthadservedinthesame
mechanizeddivision.Fewpeopleknewthat,becauseheandCagdidn’ttalkmuchaboutthemissions
they’dshared.Itforgedbondsthatnoncombatantscouldnotunderstand.
Hereachedfortheremotecontrolandchangedthechannel.HepausedontheWeatherChanneltosee
whentherainwasgoingtostop,andthenwentontotheHistorychannel,wherehespentmostofhis
freetimeintheevenings.Heoftenthoughtthatifheevercameacrossawomanwhoenjoyedmilitary
history,hemightbecoaxedintorejoiningthesocialscene.
Butthenherememberedthewomanhe’dlost,andtheachestartedalloveragain.Heturnedupthe
volumeandleanedback,hismindshiftingtotherecountingofAlexandertheGreat’sfinalsuccessful
campaignagainstthePersiankingDariusin331B.C.atGaugemela.

VioletwaslategettinghomethefollowingFriday.She’dstoppedbythegymandthenremembered
thattherewasnomilkinthehouse.She’dgonebythegrocerystoreaswell.Whenshepulledupinto
thedrivewayofthesmall,ricketyrentalhouse,shefoundhermothersittingonthegroundbesidethe
smallflowergardenattheporchsteps.Mrs.Hardywasn’tmoving.
Panicking,Violetjumpedoutofhercarwithoutbotheringtoclosethedoor,andrantowardher
parent.
“Mama!”shescreamed.
Hermotherjerked,justfaintly.Herblueeyeswerestartledassheturnedherheadandlookedather
daughter.Shewasbreathingheavily.Butshelaughed.“Darling,it’sallright!”shesaidatonce.“Ijust
gotwinded,that’sall!I’mallright!”

Violetkneltbesideher.Tearswererollingdownhercheeks.Herfacewaswhite.Shewasshaking.
“Oh,baby.”Mrs.HardywincedasshereachedoutandcuddledVioletclose,whisperingsoft
endearments.“I’msorry.I’msosorry.Iwantedtoweedmyflowerbedandputoutthoselittle
seedlingsI’dgrowninthekitchenwindow.Ijustworkedalittletoohard,that’sall.See?I’mfine.”
Violetpulledback,terrified.Hermotherwasallshehadintheworld.Shelovedhersomuch.How
wouldshegoonlivingifshelosthermother?Thatfearwaswrittenalloverher.
Mrs.Hardywincedwhenshesawit.ShehuggedVioletclose.“Violet,”shesaidsadly,“onedayyou’ll
havetoletmego.Youknowthat.”
“I’mnotreadyyet,”Violetsobbed.
Mrs.Hardysighed.ShekissedViolet’sdarkhair.“Iknow,”shemurmured,hereyesfarawayasthey
lookedtowardthehorizon.“NeitheramI.”

Later,astheysatoverbowlsofhotsoupandfreshcornbread,Mrs.Hardystudiedherdaughterwith
concern.
“Violet,areyousureyou’rehappyworkingatDukeWright’splace?”sheasked.
“OfcourseIam,”Violetsaidstolidly.
“IthinkMr.Kempwouldlikeitifyouwentbacktoworkwithhim.”
Violetstaredatherwithherspoonfulofsoupinmidair.“Whywouldyousaythat,Mama?”
“Mabel,whoworksatyouroffice,stoppedbytoseemeatlunch.ShesaysMr.Kempissomoody
theycanhardlyworkwithhimanymore.Shesaidshethinkshemissesyou.”
Violet’sheartjumped.“Thatwasn’thowhesoundedwhenIranintohiminthepostofficetheother
day,”shesaid.“Buthewasacting…oddly.”
Theolderwomansmiledoverhersoupspoon.“Oftenmendon’tknowwhattheywantuntiltheylose
it.”
“Bringontheday.”Violetlaughedsoftly.
“So,dear,backtomyfirstquestion.Doyoulikeyournewjob?”
Shenodded.“It’schallenging.Idon’thavetodealwithsad,angry,miserablepeoplewhoselivesare
inpieces.Youknow,Ididn’trealizeuntilIchangedjobshowdepressingitistoworkinalawoffice.
Youseesuchtragedies.”
“Isupposecattlearealotdifferent.”
“There’sjustsomuchtolearn,”Violetagreed.“It’ssocomplex.Therearesomanyfactorsthat
producegoodbeef.Ithoughtitwasonlyamatterofputtingbullsandheifersinthesamepastureand
lettingnaturedoitswork.”
“Itisn’t?”hermotherasked,curious.
Violetgrinned.“Wanttoknowhowitworks?”
“Yes,indeed.”
SoVioletspentthenexthalfhourwalkinghermother,hypotheticallyspeaking,throughthesteps
involvedincreatingdesignerbeef.
“Well!”theelderlywomanexclaimed.“Itisn’tsimpleatall.”
“No,itisn’t.Therecordsaresocomplicated…”
ThesuddenringingofthetelephoneinterruptedViolet.Shefrowned.“It’sprobablyanother
telemarketer,”shemuttered.“Iwishwecouldaffordoneofthosenewansweringmachinesandcaller
ID.”

“Onedayamillionairewillwalkinthefrontdoorcarryingaglassslipperandanengagementring,”
Mrs.Hardyventuredwithamischievousglance.
Violetlaughedasshegotupandwenttoanswerthephone.“Hardyresidence,”shesaidinherlight,
friendlytone.
“Violet?”
ItwasKemp!Shehadtocatchherbreathbeforeshecouldevenanswerhim.“Yes,sir?”she
stammered.
Hehesitated.“Ihavetotalktoyouandyourmother.It’simportant.MayIcomeover?”
Violet’smindraced.Thehousewasamess.Shewasamess.Shewaswearingjeansandashirtthat
didn’tfit.Herhairneededwashing.Thelivingroomneededvacuuming…!
“Whoisit,dear?”Mrs.Hardycalled.
“It’sMr.Kemp,Mama.Hesaysheneedstospeaktous.”
“Isn’titnicethatwehavesomeofthatpoundcakeleft?”Mrs.Hardywonderedaloud.“Tellhimto
comerighton,dear.”
Violetgroundherteethtogether.“It’sallright,”shetoldKemp.
“Fine.I’llbethereinfifteenminutes.”HehungupbeforeVioletcouldaskhimwhathewanted.
Sheturnedworriedlytohermother.“Doyouthinkitmightbesomethingaboutmecomingbackto
workforhim?”
“Whocansay?Youshouldwashyourhair,dear.You’llhavejustenoughtime.”
“Nottodothatandvacuumandpickuparoundthelivingroom,”shewailed.
“Violet,thechorescanwait,”hermotherrepliedamusedly.“Youcan’t.Go,girl!”
Violetturnedlikeazombieandwentrighttothebathroomtowashherhair.Bythetimesheheard
Kemppullingupinthedriveway,shehadonanicelow-cutshort-sleevedbluesweaterandclean
whitejeans.Herhairwascleanandsheleftitdown,becauseshedidn’thavetimetobraidit.Shewas
wearingbedroomshoes,butthatwasn’tgoingtomatter,shedecided.
Sheopenedthedoor.
Kempgaveheraquietgoing-overwithhispaleblueeyes.Buthedidn’tremarkaboutherappearance.
Hewasscowling.“Ihavesomethingtosaythatyourmotherneedstohear,butIdon’twanttoupset
her.”
Therewentherdreamsofbeingrehired.“Whatisitabout?”sheasked.
Hedrewinasharpbreath.“Violet,Iwanttohaveyourfatherexhumed.IthinkJanetCollinskilled
him.”

Three

Violetwasn’tsureshewashearingright.SheknewtherewassomethinggoingonwithJanetCollins.
CurthadcomebyherofficewhenhecarriedanotetoDukefromJordanPowell,hisboss.He’dtold
herthatheandLibbyweregoingtohavetohavetheirfatherexhumedbecausethereweresuspicions
thatJanet,theirstepmother,mighthavekilledhim.Shewassuspectedofkillingatleastoneother
elderlymanbypoison.VioletandhermotherknewaboutthewaitressMr.Hardyhadhadhisfling
with.Butthey’dneverquestionedthecauseofdeath.Andthey’dneverfoundoutwhothewaitress
was.Now,alotofquestionsshehadn’twantedeventoaskweresuddenlybeinganswered.
Herlipspartedonahuskysigh.“Oh,dear.”
KempclosedthedoorbehindhimandtiltedViolet’schinuptohiseyes.“Idon’twanttodothis,”he
saidsoftly.“Butthere’saverygoodchancethatyourfatherwasmurdered,Violet.Youdon’twant
JanetCollinstogetawaywithit,ifshe’sguilty.NeitherdoI.”
“You’reright,”sheagreed.“ButwhataboutMama?”
Hedrewinalongbreath.“Ihavetohavehersignature.Ican’tdoitonyoursalone.”
Theyexchangedworriedlooks.
Hiseyessuddenlynarrowedonherovalfaceinitsframeofdarkhair.Herskinwascleanandbright.
Shewasn’twearingmakeup,exceptatouchofpinklipstick.Andthatsweater…Hiseyessliddownto
herbreastswithquietsensuality.Theynarrowed,asheappreciatedhowdeliciouslyfull-breastedshe
was.Shehadasmallwaist,too.Thejeansemphasizedthenicelyroundedcontoursofherhips.
“I’velostweight!”sheblurtedout.
“Don’tloseanymore,”hemurmuredabsently.“You’reperfect.”
Hereyebrowsarched.“Sir?”shestammered.
“IfIweren’taconfirmedbachelor,you’dmakemymouthwater,”herepliedquietly,andtheeyesthat
methersweresteady,intent.
Herheartbeganracing.Herkneeswereweak.Hewasn’tblind.Anyminute,hewasgoingtonotice
herhelpless,headlongreaction.
“ButIamaconfirmedbachelor,”headdedfirmly,asmuchforhisownbenefitasforhers.“Andthis
isn’tthetime,anyway.MayIcomein?”
“Ofcourse.”Sheclosedthedoorbehindhim,unsettledbywhathe’dsaid.
“Iplannedtocomebyyourofficeandtellyou,”hesaid,hisvoicelow,“butIgotcaughtatthelast
minuteandbythetimeIfinishedwithanupsetclient,you’dalreadyleftWright’splace.I’dhopedto
havealittletimetoprepareyouforwhatwehavetodo.”Heglancedtowardthelivingroomdoor.
“Howisshe?”heasked.
Shebitherlowerlip.“She’shadaslightspellthisweek,”shetoldhimworriedly.“Shethinksshe’s
strongerthanshereallyis.LosingDaddyandfindingoutabouthisaffairruinedherlife.”
Hebitbackaharshreply.“ShouldwehavethedoctorherewhileItellher?”
Shesighedwearily.“Idon’tthinkitwillmatter.”Shelookedupathim.“Shehastoknow.Idon’twant
JanetCollinstogetawaywithmurder.Neitherwillshe.WebothlovedDaddy,inourway.”
“Allrightthen.”Henoddedforhertogoaheadofhimandhefollowedherintotheroom.
Hermotherlookedupandsmiled.“Mr.Kemp!Hownicetoseeyouagain!”
Hesmiled,pausinginfrontofhertoshakeherhandgently.“It’sgoodtoseeyou,too,Mrs.Hardy.
ButI’mafraidImayhavesomeupsettingnews.”
Sheputdownherknittingandsatupstraight.“MydaughterthinksI’mamarshmallow,”shesaidwith

animpishlookatViolet.“ButI’mtougherthanIlook,despitemyricketybloodvessels.”Shesether
lipsfirmly.“YoujusttellmewhatIneedtoknow,andI’lldowhatIhaveto.”
Hisblueeyestwinkled.“Youareatoughnut,aren’tyou?”heteased.
Shegrinnedathim,lookingfaryoungerthanshewas.“Youbet.Goon.Spillit.”
Hissmilefaded.Violetsatonthearmofhermother ’schair.
“Itmustbebad,ifyou’rebothexpectingmetokeelover,”shesaid.“It’ssomethingaboutJanet
Collins,isn’tit?”
Violetgasped.Kemp’seyebrowsarchedovertheframesofhisglasses.
“I’mnotapetunia.Idon’tjusthangontheporchallthetime,”Mrs.Hardyinformedthem.“Igetmy
hairdone,Igotothedoctor ’soffice,Iseealotofpeople.IknowthatLibbyandCurtCollinsareup
totheirearsintroubleabouttheirstepmother,andthere’salotoftalkthatshe’sbeenlinkedtothe
deathofanoldmaninanursinghome.Theysaidshetookeverypennyhehad.Andthenshewenton
tocheatArthurandmeoutofoursavings,aquarterofamilliondollars.Itwasn’teverproventhatit
washer.”
“I’vefoundaneyewitnesswhothinksshecanplaceJanetCollinsatthemotelwithArthurthelastday
ofhislife,”Kemptoldher,“justbeforetheambulancecametotakehimtothehospital.Sheranout
thedoorandwasseen.Atthehospitalthedoctor,notawareofanyfoulplay,diagnosedaheartattack
fromthesymptoms.Therewasnoautopsy.”
“That’sright,”Mrs.Hardysaid.Shegaveheraudienceaknowinglook.“Andyouthinkshekilled
him,don’tyou?”sheaskedKemp.
Hewasimpressed.“Yes,Ido,”hetoldherhonestly.
“Ididn’twanttothinkaboutthat,butI’vehadmydoubts,”shesaid.“Heneverhadhearttrouble.There
hadbeensomemixupataclinicinSanAntonioandheendedupgettingaheartcatherizationthathe
didn’treallyneed.Whatitshowedwasthathisheartandarterieswereinfineshape,noblockagesat
all.Soitcameassomethingofasurprisewhenhediedonlyamonthlaterofasupposedheartattack.
ButIwasfartooupsetathisaffairandhissuddendeathtothinkclearly.”
“Ifit’sanyconsolation,JanetCollinshadawaywithmen,”Kempreplied.“Shewasknownfor
playinguptooldermen,andsheisn’tabad-lookingwoman.Mostmenreactpredictablytoahead-on
assault.”
VioletwaswonderingirrelevantlyifitwouldworkwithKemp,butshepushedthatthoughttotheback
ofhermind.
“Arthurhadstrayedbefore,”Mrs.Hardysaidsurprisingly,andwithanapologeticglanceatViolet.
“Hewasahandsome,vitalman,andIwasalwaysquietandshyandratherordinary.”
“Youweren’tordinary,”Violetprotested.
“Mypeoplewereverywealthy,dear,”shetoldherdaughtersadly.“AndArthurwasambitious.He
wantedhisownaccountingfirm,andIhelpedhimgetit.Notthathedidn’tworkhard,buthe’dnever
havemadeitwithoutmybacking.Ithinkthathurthispride.Maybehis…affairs…wereawayof
provingtohimselfthathecouldstillappealtobeautifulwomenevenashegotolder.I’msorry,
Violet,”sheadded,pattingherdaughter ’sthigh.“Butparentsarehuman,too.Arthurdidloveyou,and
hetriedtobeagoodfather,evenifhewasn’tagoodhusband.”
Violetclenchedherteeth.Shecouldonlyimaginehowitwouldhavefelttoher,ifshe’dbeenmarried
andherhusbandthoughtnothingofhavingaffairswithotherwomen.
“BythetimeArthurstartedstraying,”Mrs.Hardycontinued,“Iwastoofragiletoleavehimandstrike
outonmyown.TherewasViolet,whoneededbothherparentsandastableenvironment.AndIcould
nolongertakecareofmyself.Arthurpaidapricetostaywithme,underthecircumstances.Idon’t

reallyblamehimforwhathedid.”
Shedid,though,anditshowed.Violethuggedherclose.“Iblamehim,”shemurmured.
“SodoI,”Kempsaid,surprisinglyfirm.“Anyhonorablemanwouldhaveaskedforadivorcebefore
gettinginvolvedwithanotherwoman.”
“Why,youPuritan,”Mrs.Hardyaccusedwithasmile.
“I’vegotcompany,”hejerkedhisthumbatViolet.
Mrs.Hardylaughed.Shefoldedherhandsinherlap.“Okay,sowe’vesettledthatArthurprobablyhad
anaffairwithJanetCollinsandshemayhavebeenresponsibleforhisdeath.Butunlesshe’sexhumed,
andanautopsydone,wecan’tproveit.That’swhyyou’rehere,isn’tit,Mr.Kemp?”
“You’reamazing,Mrs.Hardy,”Kemprepliedwithadmirationinhispaleblueeyes.
“I’mperceptive.AskViolet.”Thesmilefaded.“Whendoyouwanttodoit?”
“Assoonaspossible.I’llmakethearrangements,ifyou’rewilling.Therewillbepaperstosign.It
maymakenewsaswell.”
“Icanmanage.SocanViolet,”Mrs.Hardyassuredhim,smilingupatherdaughter.
“Ican,”Violetassuredhim.“We’llbothdowhatever ’snecessary.WhateverDaddydid,shehadno
righttokillhim.”
“Verywell.”KempgotupfromthesofaandshookhandswithMrs.Hardyonelasttime.“I’llbein
touchassoonasI’vegotthingsunderway.You’retakingthisverywell.”
“Surprisedyou,didI?”Theelderlywomanchuckled.
Henodded.“Pleasantly,atthat,”hesaid,addingasmile.“I’llseeyou.”HeglancedatViolet.“Walkme
tothedoor.”
Shegotupandfollowedhimoutintothehall,hereyeswideandcuriousonhisface.
Hepausedwithhishandonthedoorknobandlookeddownatherforalongmomentwithnarrow,
intenteyes.
“I’llletyouknowthedetailsassoonasIworkthemoutwiththeproperauthorities,”hetoldher.“You
thinkshe’llhandleitallright?”headded,alludingtohermother.
“Shewill,”Violetrepliedwithcertainty.Shelookedupathimwithsoft,hungryeyes.“Howis
everythingatwork?”
Hegrimaced.“Ihavetomakethecoffeemyself,”hemuttered.“MabelandLibbydon’tmakeitstrong
enough.AndMabelisreadytotearherhairoutovertheextrawork.SoIguesswe’llbeadvertising
foranewsecretary.”
Violetdidn’tnoticethathehadahopeful,anticipatorylookonhisface,becausehereyeswere
downcast.Shethoughthewascriticizingherforleavinghiminthelurch,andafterhe’dallbutforced
heroutofhisoffice.
Shesquaredhershoulders.“I’msureyou’llfindsomeonetosuityou,Mr.Kemp,”shesaidina
subduedtone.
Theformalityandherlackofinterestirritatedhim.Heopenedthedoorwithajerk.“I’llbeintouch,”
hesaid,andleftwithoutevenlookingback.
Violetclosedthedoorbehindhim,forcingherselfnottolookhungrilyathisdepartingbackashe
left.She’dhopedjustforafewsecondsthathemightbeofferingherbackheroldjob.Thatwas
obviouslynotthecase.

Kempclimbedintohiscar,irritableandunsettledbyViolet’slackofresponsewhenhe’dpractically

laidheroldjobatherfeet.DukeWrightwasn’tbad-looking,andhehadaneyeforaprettywoman.
Hewasallbutdivorcednow,too.Violetwasattractive.HehopedWrightwasn’ttryingtoturnher
head.Hewasgoingtocheckintothat.ForViolet’sowngood,ofcourse.Hewasn’tinterestedinher
himself.
Involuntarily,hismindwentbackeightyears,totheonlywomanhe’dreallyeverloved.Shannon
Culbertsonhadbeeneighteentheyeartheystarteddating.Ithadbeenloveatfirstsightforbothof
them.Kemp,whowasalreadyajuniorpartnerinalocallawfirm,havinggraduatedfromcollegelate
attheageoftwenty-eight,wasinpracticewithShannon’suncle.Theymetattheofficeandstarted
dating.Withinamonth,theyknewtheyweregoingtobemarriedoneday.Shannonhadgonetoa
partywithagirlfriend,atJulieMerrill’shouse.NobodyunderstoodwhyJuliewantedherworst
enemyatthebash,leastofallShannon—butshethoughtmaybeJuliewaswillingtoburythehatchet
overtherivalryofthetwogirlsforseniorpresident.Someone,probablyJulieherself,hadputa
forerunnerofthedaterapedrugintoShannon’ssoftdrink.Shehadanundiagnosedheartcondition,
andthedrughadkilledher.
ItstillhurtKemptoremembertheaftermath.He’dmournedherformonths,blamedJulie,triedto
haveherarrestedforthecrime.Butherfatherwasastatesenatorandwealthy.Thecasenevergotto
trial,despiteKemp’sbestefforts.
HestillresentedtheMerrills.HemissedShannon.ButsinceViolethadcometoworkforhim,he’d
thoughtlessandlessabouthisoldlove.Inthemornings,he’dlookedforwardtoViolet’ssmiling,
happyfaceinhisoffice.Hewasafraidofthefeelinghegotwhenshenurturedhim.Hedidn’tever
wanttorisklovingsomeoneagain.Tragedyhadhallmarkedhislife.He’dhadasister,Dolores,
who’ddiedinaswimmingaccidenthissenioryearofhighschool.Hismotherhaddiedofcancer
soonafterward.Therehadonlybeenthetwoofthem,becausehisfatherhadgoneoverseastowork
foranoilcompanyintheMiddleEastwhenhewasonlyachild,falleninlovewithaFrenchwoman,
anddivorcedhismother.Hehadnocontactwithhisfather.Hehadnointerestinhim.
Theexperiencesofhislifehadtaughthimthatlovewasdangerous,andsowasgettingtoousedto
people.Violetwasstillinfatuatedwithhim,butshe’dgetoverit,hetoldhimselffirmly.Bettertolet
hergo.Shewasyoungandimpressionable.She’dfindsomeoneelse.PerhapsDukeWright…
Histeethclenchedhardonthethought.ItwasstrangelyuncomfortabletothinkofVioletinsome
otherman’sarms.Veryuncomfortable.

Violetlookedupfromhertypingonemorningatthesoundofapproachingvoices,andwassurprised
tofindCurtCollins,LibbyCollins’sbrother,standingatherdesk.
“Curt’sjustjoinedtheoperation,Violet,”DukeWrighttoldherwithagrin.“We’vestolenhimfrom
JordanPowell.”
“Itwasn’tmuchofasteal,”Curtdrawledwithagrimsmile.“Iquitmyjob.Jordan’schangedlately.”
“Curt’sgoingtohelpwiththecattleoperation,”DuketoldViolet.“Ifheneedsanyinformation,you
cangiveitdirectlytohimwithouthavingtoaskmefirst,”headdedwithasmile.
“Okay,”sheagreed.
“Comeon,Curt,I’llshowyouaroundtherestoftheoperation,”theoldercattlemanbeckoned.
“Seeyoulater,Violet,”Curtmurmured.
Shenodded,smiling.Shewatchedthemleave,frowning.LibbywascrazyaboutJordanPowell,and
Curthadworkedforhimforyears.Whatintheworldwasgoingon?

Curtcamebyjustasshewasgettingherthingstogether.“Isupposeyou’rewonderinghowIlanded
here,”hesaid.
Shenodded.“It’sabitofasurprise,”shereplied.
“HaveyoutalkedtoKemplately?”
Herheartjumpedjustatthesoundofhisname,butsherecoveredquickly.“No.Ihaven’tspokento
himforaweekortwo,Iguess.”
“There’sbeensomeunpleasantness,shallwesay,betweenLibbyandJulieMerrill.”
Violetlookedblank.“Iwasn’tawarethattheyevenkneweachother,”shereplied.
“They’renotevenacquaintances,”Curtagreed.“ButJuliewantsJordan,andLibbywasgettinginthe
way.”
“Isee.”
“Anyway,JulieattackedLibbyandJordandidn’tstandupforher.Jordanmadesomenastyremarksto
Libby.”Heshrugged.“I’mnotworkingforanymanwhobad-mouthsmysister.”
“Idon’tblameyouonebit.PoorLibby!”
“Shecantakecareofherselfongooddays,”hesaid.“ButJuliehassomeunsavoryfriends.Sadlyfor
her,shewalkedintoKemp’sofficewhileLibbywasthere.”
“Excuseme?”
Hesmiled.“Youdon’tknow,doyou?There’sbadbloodbetweenKempandJulie.Shehadapartyat
herhouseeightyearsagoandinvitedShannonCulbertson,whowasallbutengagedtoKempatthe
time.TherewasarivalrybetweenShannonandJulieforaclassofficeatschool.Somebodyput
somethinginShannon’sdrink.Shedied.Juliegottheoffice.”
“Shewaspoisoned?”Violetexclaimed,fascinatedbythisprivatelookathertaciturnboss’slife.Sohe
hadawomaninhispastafterall.Wasthatwhyhedidn’thavemuchtodowithwomennow?Itmade
hersadtothinktherewasanotherwomaninhislife,evenaghost.Howcouldalivingwoman
competewithaperfectmemory?
“Shewasn’tpoisoned.Shehadahiddenheartcondition,”hecorrected.“Anyway,shedied.Kemp
nevergotoverit.HedidhisbesttohaveJulietriedforit,butherfatherhadplentyofmoneyand
plentyofinfluence.Itwaslistedasatragicaccidentwithnoexplanation,andthecasewasclosed.
KempwouldhangJulieifhecouldeverfindanexcusetogetherincourt.”Heleanedforward.“Just
betweenyouandme,thatmighthappen.SenatorMerrillgotbustedfordrunkdriving.Nowheandhis
nephewthemayoraretryingtogetthearrestingofficersfired—andChiefCashGrier,too.”
Violet’smindhadtojump-shiftbacktothesubjectathand.ShewasstilltakinginKemp’ssecretpast,
onethatshehadn’tevenexpected.“That’llbetheday,whenChiefGrierwilllethisofficersgodown
thedrainwithoutafight.”
“Exactlywhatmostofusthink,”Curtsaid.“Grierishellondrugtraffickers.Whichbringstomind
oneotherrumorthat’sgoingaround—thatJuliehasherfingerinanastywhitepowderdistribution
network.”
Violetwhistled.“Somenews!”
“Keepittoyourself,too,”headmonished.“Butthepointofthethingis,IwaswithoutajobandDuke
saidIcouldworkforhim.”
“Welcomeaboard,asonerefugeetoanother.”
“That’sright,youandKemphadamixer,too,didn’tyou?”Hesmiledwryly.“Libbytoldme,”he
addedwhenshelookedsurprised.“ButIhearditfromthreeotherpeopleaswell.Youdon’tkeep

secretsinatownlikeJacobsville.We’reallonebigfamily.Weknowallabouteachother.”
Shesmiled.“Isupposewedo.”
“How’syourmothertakingtheexhumation?”
Thesmilefaded.“Shesaysit’snotbotheringher,butIknowitis.She’sveryold-fashionedabout
thingslikethat.”
Helookedangry.“Wefeelthesameway.ButwehadtoletthemexhumeDad,too.NobodywantsJanet
towalkawayfromanothermurder.”
“That’showMamaandIfeel,”Violetagreed.“Butitreallyishard.Haveyouheardanythingyet?”
Heshookhishead.“Theysaytheresultswilltaketime.Thestatecrimelabisbackedup,soitwon’t
beaquickprocess.Thatwillmakeitworse,Iguess.”
Shenodded.“Butwe’llgetthroughit,won’twe?”sheadded.
Hesmiledatherdetermination.“Youbetwewill.”

BlakeKempwasfuming.He’dbeensobusywithworkthathe’dforgottentheexhumationsuntil
Libbyhadactuallyaskedhimaboutthem.He’dpromisedherthathe’dgetrightonit.Butthe
disturbingnewshadnothingtodowithpossiblemurders.IthadtodowiththefactthatCurtCollins,
Libby’sbrother,wastakingViolettoCalhounBallenger ’svolunteerstaffmeetingathisranchonthe
followingSaturday.
He’dbeenworriedaboutVioletlettingDukeWrightturnherhead,andhereshewasgoingonadate
withaveryeligible,upstandingmemberofafoundingfamilyofJacobsville,Texas.EvenKemp
couldn’tclaimdescentfromoldJohnJacobshimself.Dukemighthavealotofwarts,butCurtwasa
fineyoungmanwithapromisingfuture.AndVioletwasgoingtodatehim.
Hedidn’tunderstandhisownviolentoppositiontothatpairing.Violetwasnothingtohim,afterall.
Shewasjusthisex-secretary.Hehadnorighttocareifshehadaprivatelife.
Buthedidcare.ThethoughtofherwithCurtmadehimuneasy.HeknewCalhounBallengerfrom
yearspast.Hefrequentlyhandledcasesforhim.Headmiredandrespectedthelocalfeedlotowner.
Therewasnoreasonhecouldn’tgethimselfinvitedtothatmeeting.Hejustwantedtomakesure
Violetdidn’tdosomethingstupid,likefallingintoCurt’sarmsatthefirstopportunity.Itwashisduty
toprotecther.Sortof.HepickedupthephoneanddialedCalhoun’snumber,refusingtoconsiderhis
motivesinanypersonalway.

Themeetingwasriotous.TherewerepeoplegatheredaroundthebigrecreationroomthatKemp
hadn’tseenface-to-faceinyears.Somewerefranklyasurprise,becauseatleasttwoofthecounty’s
biggestRepublicancontributorswereinthefrontrow.
“Interesting,isn’tit?”PoliceChiefCashGrieraskedhimwithagrin,notingthedirectionKempwas
staring.“Ballenger ’scrossingpartylinesallovertheplace.He’swell-knownincattlemen’scircles,
andlocallyhe’stheoriginalhometownboywhocameoutofpovertytobecomeamillionaire.Hedid
itwithoutanyunder-the-tabledealingsaswell,Ihear.”
“That’sright,”Kemptoldhim.“Calhounandhisbrother,Justin,werethepoorestkidsaround.They
madetheirfortuneshonestly.Theybothmarriedwell,too.”
“Calhoun’swifewashisward,theysay,”Griermused.
“Yes,andJustinmarriedadirectdescendantofBigJohnJacobs,thefounderofJacobsville.Between

them,they’vegotsixboys.Notagirlineitherfamily.”
Atthementionofchildren,Grierbecamequiet.Heandhishouseguest,TippyMoore,arisingmovie
star,hadlosttheirbabyjustbeforeTippy’slittlebrotherwaskidnappedandheldforransom.Tippy
hadtradedherselfforhim,anactofcouragethatstillmadeGrierproud.Theirrelationshipwas
rockyevennow,andTippywasapotentialvictimofoneofthekidnapperswho’deludedpolicein
Manhattan.
Kempglancedathim,awareoftheolderman’sdiscomfort.“Sorry,”hemurmured.Heknewabout
thebabybecausethestory,afalseandveryunflatteringone,hadplayedoutinthetabloidswhen
Tippyhadmiscarried.
Grierletoutalongbreath.“IneverknewIwantedkids,”hesaidquietly,notmeetingKemp’sgaze.
“HellofawaytofindoutIdid.”
“Lifeevensout,”Kempsaidphilosophically.“Youhavebaddays,thenyouhavegoodonestomake
upforthem.”
Grier ’sdarkeyestwinkled.“I’mdueabouttwoyearsofgooddays.”
Kemplaughedwithouthumor.“Aren’tweall?”
Grier ’sattentionwascapturedbysomeonebehindKemp.Hepursedhislips.“Yourex-secretarysure
haschanged.”
Kempwasawareofhisheartjumpingatthestatement.HeturnedhisheadandtherewasViolet.But
shelookedverydifferent.Shewaswearinganeatlittleblackskirtwithadropped-waistbluetopthat
wascutmodestlylowinfront.Herhairwasaroundhershoulders,butithadfrostedtips.Shelooked
tenpoundslighter,andverypretty.
ShenoticedKempandherheartraced.BesideherCurtwaswatchingthebyplaywithamusement,
becauseKempcouldn’tseemtohelpstaringanymorethanVioletcould.
“Ineedtotalktosomeone,”hetoldViolet.“Canyoumanagewithoutmeforafewminutes?”
“Yes!”Shecurbedherenthusiasm.“Imean,yes,thatwouldbeallright,Curt.Thanks.”
Hechuckled,winkedather,andstrolledoff.
Kempwalkeduptoher.Hewasdressedinanopen-neckedshirtwithasportscoatandnavyslacks.He
lookedexpensive,sophisticated,andgoodenoughtoeat.Violetcouldhardlykeephereyesoffhim.
Hewashavingasimilarproblem.ItwasoddhowmuchViolethadbeenonhismindlately.Hesaw
herintheofficeevenwhenshewasn’tthere.He’dbeenuneasysincehe’dseenherathermother ’s
house,andthey’dpartedonaharshnote.
“StilllikeworkingforDuke?”hequeriedstiffly.
Sheshrugged.“It’sajob.”
Hiseyebrowjerked.“Yourhairlooksnice,”hemurmured,reachingouttotakeastrandofitinhis
strongfingers.“Idon’tlikefrostingasarule,butitsuitsyou.You’velostmoreweight,too,haven’t
you?”
“Itmaylooklikeit,butIhaven’treally,”shereplied,lostinahazebecauseofcontactwithhim.“I’ve
justbeenlearninghowtodresstomakethemostofwhatIhave.”
Hiseyessliduptomeethers.“That’swhatlifeisallabout,Violet,”hesaidgently.“Learninghowto
makedowithwhatwe’regiven.Youdon’tneedtoloseanymoreweight.Youlookgreat.”
Sheflushedandsmiledradiantly.“Doyou…reallythinkso?”
Hemovedastepcloser,awareofpleasurecentersopeningalloverhismindashelookeddownat
her.“Doyouliketrout?”
Itwasanoddquestion.Sheblinked.“Trout?Well,yes.”
“Whydon’tyoucomeoverforlunchtomorrow?I’llfrytroutandmakeapastasaladtogowiththem.

Youcantakesomehometoyourmother.”
Violet’sjawdropped.Shestoodgapingathimwhileshetriedtodecide,quickly,ifshe’dlosther
mindandwashavinghallucinations.

Four

HerlackofresponsemadeKempuneasyandprovokedasarcasticresponse.He’dthoughtshe’djump
atthechance.“What’sthematter?”Kemptaunted.“Afraidtobealonewithmeoutsidetheoffice?”
Violetgapedathim.“Iamnot…no…Idon’tthink…Ididn’tsay…”Sheclearedherthroat.“Ilove
trout.SodoesMama.”
Hiseyestwinkled.Sohehadn’tbeenwrong.Shedidstillcareabouthim.“SodoI,”hereplied.“I
panfryitinbutterandspices.Ihavemyownherbgarden,eveninthewinter.”
“Itsoundsdelicious,”shesaidbreathlessly.
Hestillhadthestrandofherhairinhisfingers.Theybecamecaressing,andhisdeepvoicedropped
evenlower.“Doyoulikecats?”
Shenodded.
“YoumayhavealittletroublewithMeeandYowatfirst,butthey’llgetusedtoyou.”
Violetfeltasifshe’dsteppedoffaprecipiceandsolvedthemysteryoffreeflight.Shewasecstatic.“I
thinkcatsarebeautiful.”
“MineareSiamese.They’reunique.”
Shesmiledslowly.“I’llenjoymeetingthem.”
Heletgoofherhairandtouchedhersoftcheekwithhisfingertips.Theyseemedtotingleatthe
contact.“Aboutoneintheafternoontomorrowsuityou?”
Shenodded,speechless.
“Knowhowtogettomyhouse?”
“Oh,yes,”shesaid,andcouldhavebittenhertongueforsoundingsoenthusiastic.
Kempwaseatingitup.Heknewitwasabadidea,encouragingher.Atsomepointhewasgoingto
havetobackawayfromher.Hedidn’twantcommitment.Notyet.ButVioletwassofttothetouchand
lovelytolookat.He’dbeenwithoutawomaninhislifeforalongtime.Hewaslonely.Surelyit
wouldn’thurttohavetheoccasionalmealwithher.Ofcourseitwouldn’t.Hewasenjoyingherrapt
expression.Shemadehimfeelasifhecouldconquertheworld.Foronceinhislifehewasgoingto
jumpinwithbothfeetwithoutcountingthecost.
“ThenI’llexpectyou,”headded.
Shesmiledupathim,herblueeyeswideandsoftandhungry.“I’lllookforwardtoit,”shesaid
huskily.
“SowillI,”hereplied,andthesmilefadedforaninstantashesearchedhereyesforsolongthatshe
flushedandherbreathrustledwildlyinherthroat.
“Kemp!Gladyoucouldmakeit!”Tall,handsomeCalhounBallengermovedforwardtoshake
Kemp’shandandgreetViolet.“Kemp,there’ssomeoneI’dliketointroduceyouto.Violet,youdon’t
mind?”
“No,notatall,”shelied.
“Tomorrow,atone,”KempaddedbeforehewalkedawaywithCalhoun.
“Tomorrow,”shereplied.

Curthadtoaskhertwiceifshewasreadytoleave.Shehadn’thadtheopportunitytotalktoKempany
further,andhe’dbeencalledawaysuddenlytomeetwithamanwho’djustbeenarrested.Beforehe
left,he’dlookedbackatVioletwithpaleblueeyesthatabsolutelysmoldered.Shewasstilltinglingan

hourafterhe’dgone.
“What?”sheaskedabruptly,facingCurt.Sheflushedwhenhegrinned.“Sorry,”shebegan.
“Oh,I’mnotupset,”hereplied,chuckling.“I’mgladtoseethatyourex-bossfinallyrealizedwhathe
wasmissing.”
Sheflushedevenmore.“It’snotlikethat.”
“I’maman,Violet,”heremindedherastheywalkedouttohiscaraftermakingtheirgoodbyesto
theirhost.“IknowasmittenmanwhenIseeone.Kemp’sgotitbad.”
“Doyoureallythinkso?”sheaskedhopefully.
“Ithinkso.Justgoslowly,”headvised.“He’sprettymuchalonerandhedoesn’tplayaround.”
“Iknewthatalready.”
Heturnedtowardher,seriousforonce.“WhatImeant,”hesaidsoftly,“isthathe’smorevulnerable
thanamanwhoplaysthefield.Andeverybodyknowshe’snotamarryingman,atleastnotvisibly.
Youjuststepcarefully,okay?”
“Iwill.Thanksfortheadvice,Curt.”
Heshrugged.“Storyofmylife.I’malwayssomeone’sbigbrother.”
Shegrinned.“Onedaysomeluckygirlwillcarryyouoff,”shepromised.
Hesmiledback.“Ihopeit’safewyearscoming.I’mnomorereadytosettledownthanyourfriend
Kempis.Atleasthe’sgotaprofession.I’mstilldrifting.”
“Libbysaidyouwantedtoopenafeedstore.”
Henodded.“It’sthedreamofmylife.”
“Ihopeyougettodoit,Curt.Imeanthat.”
Heopenedthedoorforher.“SodoI.You’reanicegirl,Violet.”
“You’reaniceman.”
Hechuckled.“Well,I’maccommodating,atleast.Calhounhadquiteacrowdtoday,”headdedwhen
he’dclimbedinunderthewheelofhisandLibby’soldpickuptruck.
“Abigone.Andsomebigmoney,too.IthinkhejustmaybeatSenatorMerrillfortheDemocratic
nomination.”
“Iwouldn’tbeabitsurprisedmyself.”

ViolettoldhermotheraboutKemp’sinvitation,andMrs.Hardygrinnedfromeartoear.“Andhow
longhaveIbeentellingyouthatMr.Kemphadmoreinterestinyouthanabossinhissecretary?”she
asked.
“It’sonlytoeatatrout,”Violetreplied.
“Hecaneattroutbyhimself,”hermothersaidsagely.“It’salsointerestingthatMr.Kemp,whonever
advertiseshispoliticalaffiliations,suddenlyturnedupatacampaignmeeting.”
“HelikesMr.Ballenger.”
Mrs.Hardypursedherlips.“IthinksomebodytoldhimyouweregoingtothemeetingwithCurt
Collins.”
Shegasped.“Really?”
“Sometimesamandoesn’tappreciatewhathe’sgotuntilsomeothermanwantsit.Orhethinks
anothermanwantsit.”Mrs.Hardy’seyestwinkled.“We’llsee,won’twe,dear?”
Violetcoloredprettilyandsuggestedatelevisionprogram.

Shedidn’tsleep.Allnightlong,shesawBlakeKemp’seyesdrillingintoherown,sheheardhis
voice,feltthetouchofhisfingersonherface.Shetriedoneverythinginherclosetthenextmorning
beforeshefinallydecidedonaniceankle-lengthsky-blueknitjumperwithawhiteblouseunderit
andherembroidereddenimjacketoverit.Sheleftherhairlong.
“Youlookfine,”Mrs.HardysaidfromherbedwhenVioletwentintosaygoodbye.
“Areyousureyoufeelallright?”Violetworried.
“I’mjustgoingtohavealazySunday,”theolderwomanreplied,smiling.“Iwouldn’tlietoyou.”
“Allright.Butifyouneedme…”
“Thephone’srighthere,darling.”Mrs.Hardyindicateditonthebedsidetable.“Nowgoandhavea
goodtime.Iwon’texpectmytroutanytimesoon,bytheway,andI’vealreadyhadmybreakfast.”
“I’llbringyoubacksomethingnice,”Violetpromised.
“Drivecarefully.”
Violetkissedher.“Always!”
Shestoppedonthefrontporchandlookeddownatherblackloafers,wornwithknee-highhose.She
grimaced,becauseoneofthemwasscuffed.But,shereasoned,Kempwasgoingtobemoreinterested
intherestofherthaninhershoes.Shestraightenedherpurse’sshoulderstrapoverhershoulderand
walkedresolutelytoheroldbutreliablecar.

Kempwasonthefrontporchofhishousewhenshedroveup.ItwasaVictorian,withgingerbread
patternedwoodworkandarealturretroom.Thewholethingwaspaintedwhite,brilliantandnew-
looking,andtherewasaporchswingandrockingchairsonthelong,widefrontporch.Therewere
birdfeederseverywhere.Intheflowergardensflankingtheporch,seedsweresproutingand
rosebusheswereputtingoutbuds.
Violettookherpurseandlockedthecarinvoluntarilybeforeshepocketedhercarkeyandwalkedup
thesteps.
“Youlikebirds!”sheexclaimed.
Helaughed.Hewasdressedcasually,asshewas,inkhakislacksandablueknitdesignershirtdarker
thantheshadeofhiseyesbehindthemetalrimsofhisglasses.
“Yes,Ilikebirds.ButsodoMeeandYow,soIhavetomakesurethey’rebothinsidebeforeIfillthe
feeders,”hesaidonachuckle.
“Ihavebirdfeedersatourplace,too,”Violetrepliedshyly.“Iespeciallylikethelittlebirds,likethe
wrensandtitmice.”
“Iprefercardinalsandbluejays.”
“They’restillbirds,”Violetsaidonalaugh.
Hefeltasifhisfeetwereoffthefloorashelookedather.Smilestransformedherovalface,madeit
brightandradiant—almostbeautiful.
“Doyouhireagardener,ordoyouworkintheyardyourself?”sheasked,enthusiasticaboutthemass
offloweringshrubsaroundthefrontyard.
“Idoit,”hereplied.“Ineedtounwindfromtimetotime.”
“Yes,gardeningisgoodforstress,”sheadmitted.“Igothroughalotofitmyself.ButIplant
vegetablesinourlittlegarden,andIcanorfreezethemforthewinter.”Shestoppedsuddenly,
embarrassed,becausethegardenwasanecessityforVioletandhermother,whohadtobudget
furiouslyjusttomakeendsmeet.ShedoubtedseriouslyifKemphadeverbudgetedinhislife.

“Idon’tgrowvegetables,”heconfessed.“Unlessyoucountcatnip,forthecats,andsomeherbs.I
enjoycooking.”
“Me,too,”shesaid.“Mamacandoit,butIdon’tliketolether.Shefavorscastironcookware,andit’s
heavy.”
“Sheshouldn’tbeliftingit,”heagreed.“Ihopeyou’rehungry.”
Shesmiled.“Ididn’teveneatbreakfast.”
Hesmiledback.“Comein,then.It’sallready.”
Heopenedthefrontdoorandletherwalkin.Therewasalonghallwithanelephantumbrellastand
andacoatrack,withroomsopeningoffitoneitherside.
“Downthehall,totheleft,”hedirectedasheclosedthefrontdoor.
Thehallwaspaintedapaleblue,withachairrailinadarkershade,andwallpaperuptothecrown.
Therewasapalebluecarpetaswell.
“You’reprobablythinkingthatit’shardtokeepclean,”Kempremarkedashefollowedbehindher.
“Andyou’reright.Ihaveacleaningcrewcomeintosteamitfrequently.”
“Ilovethecolor,”sheremarked.“Itremindsmeoftheocean.”
Helaughedoutloud.“It’sthecolorofYow’seyes,”headded.“Andsheknowsit.Shelovestosprawl
onthecarpet.Meeprefersthecouchormybed.”
Violetcaughtherbreathasshewalkedintotheformaldiningroom.Therewasacherrywoodtable,
alreadysetwithlinenandcrystalandchina,andbeyonditwasakitchenthatwouldhavebeenany
cook’sdream.Therewasatilefloor,modernappliances,ahugecombinationsink,andacounterbig
enoughtousefordressinghalfasteer.Overthesinkwasalargewindowoverlookingthepastureand
forestbehindthehouse.
“I’llbetyouenjoyworkinginhere,”sheremarked.
“Ido.Ilikeenoughspacetomovein.Crampedkitchensaretheverydevil.”
“Indeedtheyare,andIcouldwriteyouabookonthem,”Violetconfessed.“Ibumpintothe
refrigeratororthestoveeverytimeIturnaroundathome.”
“Whatwouldyouliketodrink?”heasked,openingtherefrigerator.“I’vegotsoftdrinks,icedtea,or
coffee.”
“Ilovecoffee,ifitisn’ttoomuchtrouble.”
Hegrinnedather.“Ialwayshaveapotwarming,”hesaid.
Hegotdowntwochinacupsandsaucersandpouredcoffeeintothem.“Creamandsugaronthe
table.”
Hecarriedthemtotheplaces,whichwerealreadyset,amidplattersoffish,vegetables,freshrollsand
evenacake.
“Thislookswonderful!”sheexclaimed.
“Icountedonyourbeingpunctual,”hesaidwithaglance.“Youalwaysare.”
Heseatedher,andthenhimself.
“Iliketomakeagoodimpression,”shetoldhim.
Hechuckled.“Helpyourself.”
Shelookedaroundcuriouslyasshehelpedherselftotroutandrollsandapotatocasserolethat
smelleddelicious.“Wherearethecats?”
“They’reshyaroundpeopletheydon’tknow,”hesaidnonchalantly.“They’llshowupwhenIcutthe
cake.Theybegforcake.”
“You’rekidding!”sheexclaimed.
Helaughed.“I’mnot.You’llsee.”

Theyspokeabouttheupcomingelectionandthelocalpoliticalgossipduringthemeal.Violetwas
impressedwithhisculinaryskills.Hewasanaccomplishedcook.
“Haveyoualwaysbeenabletoknockoutameal?”shewonderedaloud.
“IwasintheArmy—specialforces,”herepliedsimply.“Ihadtolearnhowtocook.”
“YouwereinCagHart’sdivision,weren’tyou?”
Henodded.“SowasMattCaldwell.Alotoflocalguysturnedupthere.”
Shedidn’tknowhowfartopushherluck.Someonehadtoldherthathedidn’tliketotalkabouthis
unit’sparticipationintheearlierIraqconflict.ButhegotuptoslicecakeandtwoSiamesevoices
grewlouder.
“See?”heasked,whenthecatsappearedoneithersideofhim,theirfacesliftedastheymeowed,
soundingforalltheworldlikelittlechildren.
“Theyhaveuniquevoices,don’tthey?”sheasked,fascinated.
“Theydo.AndSiamesehaveoneotherpeculiarity—theycanreachcompletelybehindtheirheads.
Theyhaveclawsandtheyaren’tshyaboutusingthem,”headdedwithawarningglance.“Goslowly,
andeverythingwillbeallright.”
“Doyougivethemcake?”sheasked.
Helaughed.“Tinylittlebites,”hesaid,confessing.“Idon’twanttomakethemfat…”
Violetflushedred.
Hegroundhisteethandlookedathersoulfully.“Ididn’tmeanthatthewayyou’retakingit,Violet,”
hesaidgently.“Idon’tthinkyou’refat.Youlookexactlyasawomanshouldlook,ineveryway.”
“Yousaid…”shebegan.
“Itookabaddayoutonyou,”hereplied,“andI’msorrierthanyouknow.Itwasaviciousthingtodo.
Imadeyouquit,andInevermeantto.”
Foranapology,itwaswholesaleandflattering.Shelookedathimwithoutblinking.“Really?”
Herelaxedwhenhesawthecombinedpleasureandfascinationinherface.Shemadehimtinglejust
bylookingathim.Hewantedtodragheroutofherchairandkissthebreathfromherbody.The
thoughtshockedhim.Hestoodwiththeknifepoisedoverthecake,juststaringather.
Theflushgrew.Shefeltherheartracinglikemadinherchest.Herlipspartedasshetriedtobreathe
normally.
“Alotofitwasthewayyoudressed,”hesaidtautlywhenhemanagedtodraghiseyesbacktothe
cake.“Ilikethenewwardrobe.Itfitsproperly.Baggydressesandblousesaren’tflatteringforafull-
figuredwoman.”
Shedidn’ttakeoffense.Hewaslookingatherasifhewanted,verybadly,tokissher.Asheslida
pieceofcakeontoasaucerandputitinfrontofher,shelookedupintohispaleeyeswithpurelust.
Ithadbeenalongtimebetweenwomen,butKemphadn’tforgottenthewayawomanlookedwhen
shewantedtobekissed.Absently,hisleanhandwenttothebackofViolet’schairandhebenttoward
herconfidently.
Herintakeofbreathmadehimhesitate,butonlyforasecond.Hisotherhandcameuptohersoftly
roundedchinandhetilteditup,justafraction.“Don’tmakesuchheavyweatherofit,”hewhispered
ashismouthhoveredoverhers.“Iwanttokissyouasyoumuchasyouwantmeto.”
“Re…really?”shechoked.
Hesmiledgently.“Really.”
Hislipsteasedoverherfullmouth,nibblingherupperlipwhilehetasteditwithalazystrokeofhis
tongue.Violetjumpedandshivered.Thecontactwascompletelyoutofherexperience.She’ddateda
fewboys,butshedidn’tseemtoappealtoanyofthemphysically.Thiswasdifferent.Shewishedshe

knewwhattodo,sothathewouldn’tstop.
Heliftedhisheadandlookedintoherrapt,expectanteyes.Shewasbreathinglikeadistancerunner.
Herbreastswereshakingunderthewhipofherpulse.He’dthoughtshewasatleastalittle
experienced,butitseemedhewaswrong.
Histhumbmovedtoherlowerlipandtuggeditdowngentlyashisheadbentagain.
“Wehavetostartsomewhere,”hebreathedashismouthopenedagainstherfull,softlips.
Violetshivered.Herhandswenttohisarms,herfingersdiggingin.Hewasmuscular.Hedidn’tlook
muscularinhissuits,butshecouldfeelthestrengthatthisrange.Shemoaned,awhisperofsoundthat
drewhisheadup.
Hiseyesmethers,andtherewasnoteasinginthemnow.Theywereintent,darker,hungry.
Herfingersliftedtohischeek,hesitantly.“Don’t…stop,”shepleadedinasoft,shakywhisper.
Amuscleinhisjawtensed.Hebentagain,hisownheartracing.“Violet,”hewhispered.
Thistimethekisswasn’tteasing,tender,orbrief.Hegroundhismouthintohersoftlips.Shemoaned
again,andthistimeherhandsmetbehindhisneckanddugin.Hismouthgrewdemanding.
Therewasanothermoan,butthisonewasn’tpassionate.
Hisheadjerkedback.VioletreacheddownandgrabbedheranklejustasYowdrewback,hissing.
“Yow!”Kempexclaimed,movingaroundthechairtoshoothecatawaywhilehekneltandexamined
Violet’sankle.Itwasbleeding.“I’msorry!Iwouldn’thavehadthishappenfortheworld!”
“Imusthavesteppedonhertail,poorthing,”Violetfaltered.ItwasexcitingtokissBlakeKemp.It
wasequallyexcitingtohavehimatherfeet,concernedforher.
“Youwerekissingme,”hecorrected.“They’rejealousofanyattentionIpaytootherpeople.”
“Thishas…happenedbefore?”sheaskedmiserably.
“Yes.Well,no,notlikethis,”hesaid.“MeesankherteethintoCyParksonedaywhenhewashaving
coffeewithmeinthekitchen.”
“Isee,”shebegan.
Hegaveherawickedgrin.“Iwasn’tkissinghim.”
Sheburstoutlaughing.
Hestoodup,pullingbackherchair.Hetuggedhertoherfeetandsuddenlyswungherupintohis
arms.Shegaspedandclutchedathisshoulders.
Heraisedaneyebrowrakishly.“Nowit’smyanklesthatwillbeindanger.Ihavetocleanthatandput
antisepticointmentonit,”hemusedasheturnedandcarriedherdownthehalltowardthebedrooms.
“I’mtooheavy!”sheprotested.
“You’renot,”heassuredher.Helookeddownatherinhisarms.Hefeltseveralinchestaller.Shewas
delightfulcloseup.Heenjoyedkissingher.He’dlikedtohavedoneitagain,butthiswasn’tthetime.
Heputherdownonthevanityinthehuge,blue-patternedtilebathroom.Therewasawhirlpoolbath
andanenormousspacethatheldcommode,vanity,chair,andalinencloset,aswellasalarge
medicinechest.
Hefumbledinthechestforwhatheneeded,tuggedawashclothoutofadrawerandproceededto
cleanandbandagethewound.
Yowpeeredintothebathroom,herblueeyeshugeinhertriangle-shapedface.
“Notunaforyoutonight,younglady,”Blaketoldherfirmly.
SheflattenedherearsandhissedatViolet.
“Andnonetomorrow,either,”headdedcurtly.
Yowturnedherbackandflouncedout.Mee,inaconciliatorytone,meowedatthedoorandwalkedin,
watchingthebyplaycuriouslybutwithoutmuchantagonism.

“Beautifulgirl,”Violetmused,loweringherfingersforthecattosniff.
Meesniffedthem,rubbedherfaceagainstthem,andthenwrappedherleanbodyaroundViolet’slegs.
“Youcanhavetuna,”Blaketoldthecat.
Thepurringgrewlouder.
Violetstrokedthecat,buthereyesandherheartwereonBlake’sbentheadasheputastickybandage
overthescratch.
“Itshouldbefine,”hesaid.
“Ofcourseitwillbe,”sheassuredhim,smilingdownashefinished.“Thanks.”
“I’mreallysorry,”hesaidagainashegatheredupthefirstaidsuppliesandputthemaway.“Yow’s
spoiled.”
“Ilovecats,”Violetsaid,stillstrokingMee.“I’dhavelovedtohavesome,ifMamawasn’tallergic.”
“Idon’tknowwhatI’ddowithoutmine.AlthoughtherearetimeswhenI’mtemptedtotry,”headded,
withagloweringlooktowardthedoorwhereYowhadreappearedandwashissingagain.
“Youlivealone,”shesaid.“It’snaturalthatthey’dresentstrangers.”
Hebentdownanddrewhergentlytoherfeet.“You’renostranger,”hesaidhuskilyashiseyes
searchedhers.“Idon’tthinkyoueverwere.”
Shefeltsuchelationthatshecouldhardlygetherbreath.Justweeksagothey’dbeenmortalenemies.
Then,suddenly,theywerealmostintimate.Itwasashock.Itwas…wonderful.
“Youreyescan’thideanything,”hemurmured,bendingtowardher.
Sheglancedworriedlyatherankles,andhelaughed.
Hepickedherupagain,shiftingherinhisarms.“Feelsafer?”hemurmured,staringathermouth.
“Much,”sheagreed,andherarmstightenedboldlyaroundhisneck.
Withalongsigh,hebenthisheadandkissedher,verytenderly.Histeethnibbledatherlowerlipuntil
hermouthopened.Hetookimmediateadvantageoftheopportunity,andshefeltherwholebodygo
hotashedraggedhercloser,sothatherfullbreastsrubbedagainsthismuscularchest.
Hegroaned,andthekissgrewhotter,longer,morepassionate.Hisarmscontractedhungrily.
Shegavehimbackthekisswithmoreenthusiasmthanexpertise,buthedidn’tseemtomind.She
sighedunderthehardcrushofhismouthandsankintodreams.Itwassweeterthanshe’deverdared
hopeitmightbe.
Shefeltasifherwholebodywasshatteringwithpleasure.
Blake’sheadlifted.Heturnedit,listening.Thathadn’tbeenherimagination.Somethingreallyhad
shattered.“Yow!”hegrowled.
HeputVioletdownandrushedbackdownthehallaheadofher.Hemadeitintothediningroomjust
intimetoseeYowfeastingonViolet’spieceofcake,onthefloor,intheruinsofthesaucerithad
beenplacedin.
“Yow!”hebitoff.
ThecatjumpedbackandhissedatViolet.ForgoodmeasureshehissedatBlake,too,andranquickly
outoftheroom.
Mee,seeinganopening,rubbedagainstBlake’slegswhilesheeyedthecakeonthefloor.
Blakepickedupthesaucerpieces.Whilehewasputtingthemintothetrash,Meegrabbedupapiece
ofcakeandtrottedintothekitchenwithit.
“Thatcat,”hewasmuttering.
Violetwaschuckling,happierthanshe’dbeeninyears,despitethecat’santagonism.Itwasararelook
atBlake’sprivatelife,atthemanhewaswhenhewasn’tworking.Shelikedwhatshesaw.His
affectionforthecatswasobvious,eventhroughhisfrustrationwithYow.

“They’reverydifferent,aren’tthey?”sheaskedwhilehetookthelion’sshareofthecakeawayfrom
afrustratedMeeandputitinthetrash,too.
“They’remaddeningfromtimetotime,”headmitted.“ButIsupposethey’dtasteterrible,evenifIdo
haveinfrequentvisionsofservingthemupinacasserole.”
“Youwouldn’tdare!”sheexclaimed,laughing.
Heshrugged.“Well,notsober,”heconfessed.
Shegrinnedathim,herwholefaceradiantwiththesudden,newrelationshipthatwasbuilding
betweenthem.
ShelookedsoprettythatBlakestoppedwhathewasdoingandjuststaredather.Whyhadn’the
realizedhowprettyshewas?hewondered.
Violetsawthelookandwasmesmerizedbyit.Shestoodstaringbackathim,whiletimestoodstill
aroundthem.

Five

Violetfoldedherhandsinfrontofher,self-consciously.“Ireallylikeyourhouse,”shesaid,for
somethingtobreakthesilence.
Hesmiled.“I’mglad.”
“Ilikethecats,too.Inspiteofeverything,”sheadded.“It’sonlyascratch.”
Hegloweredtowardthedoorway,whereYowwaslookinginagain.Meewasstilltwirlingaround
Violet’sankles.“We’llhavetoworkonYow’ssocialskills.Maybeshelackspropercompany.Imight
buyheradog.”
“Youwouldn’t!”Violetexclaimed,laughing.
Hegaveherawickedlook.“Abig,uglydogwithabadattitude,”headded.
“You’dturnupincourtasadefendant.”
“NotunlessYowcanaffordlegalrepresentation,”heassuredher.
Shelaughed.Itwasamazinghowcarefreeshefeltwithhim,amanwho’dintimidatedherfromtheir
veryfirstmeetingwhenshe’dworkedforhim.Hewasanothermanentirelyawayfromtheoffice.
“Well,there’sstillcake,”hepointedout.“We’dbettergetitwhilewecan,beforeYowtriesagain.”
“Whatkindisit?”sheaskedassheseatedherselfatthetableagain.
“Poundcake.It’stheonlycakeIcandomyself.”
“Myfavoritekind,too.Icanmakealayercake,butIlikethesebetter.”
Heputasliceonaplate,andafork,infrontofher.“Morecoffee?”
“Please,”shereplied.
Hepouredmorecoffeeandtheysettleddownwiththeircake,butshenoticedthatBlakekeptacareful
eyeonthedoorwayincaseYowmadeanotherappearance.

Hewouldn’tletherhelpwiththedishes,insistingthathecoulddothemlater.Instead,hewalkedher
outontotheporchandsettledherbesidehimintheporchswing.
“Ilovethis,”shesaid.“Weusedtohaveaporchswing,beforewelosteverything,”shemused.“I
lovedsittinginit,especiallyinthespringandsummer.Wehadabigyardwithpecantreesanda
mesquitetree,andMamahadaflowergarden,verymuchlikeyours.”
Heslidhisarmbehindherheadandcurledhislongfingerscomfortablyintoherhair.“Itmustbe
hardforbothofyou.”
“We’regettingby,”shesaidsoftly.“Idon’treallymind.I’mjustsorryaboutDaddy,andhowhe
died.”Shelookedupathim.“Youhaven’theardanythingabouttheautopsyyet?”
“Maybenextweek,”hereplied.“I’lltellyoutheminuteIknowforsure.Thenwe’llbothbreakitto
yourmother.”
“That’sverykindofyou,”shesaid.
Hebentandtouchedhislipstoherforehead.“I’makindman,”hemurmured,laughingsoftly.“I
don’tevenkickcatswhentheydeserveit.”
Shesmiledback,leaningcloser.Shelovedbeingnearhim,feelinghisbreathonherface,hisfingers
inherhair.
Blakewasamazedathowreceptiveshewastohisadvances,howhungrilyshemetthem.Hehadn’t
analyzedhisfeelingsforViolet.Hewasn’tgoingto.Notyet.Butshekindledfiresinhisbloodthathe
hadn’tfeltsinceShannonCulbertson’sdeath.

Shannon.HiseyesgrewdarkandquietashestaredoverViolet’sheadandmemoriesfloodedinon
him.He’dlovedher.He’dgivenhisheartcompletely,recklessly,withoutanythoughtforthefuture.
Shannonhaddied,andhislifehadshatteredovernight.Herememberedthatheadlongpassionwith
faintapprehension.Itwasdangeroustolove.Verydangerous.
Violetdidn’tknowwhathewasthinking,butshefeltasuddenremotenessfromhim.Shenoticedthat
hewasstaringintospace,thinking.Perhapshewashavingsecondthoughtsaboutthedirectiontheir
relationshipwastaking.Washesorrythathe’dkissedher?
Hefeltherintentstare.Heturnedhisheadandlookeddownintohereyes,searchingthemslowly.The
lookwasmoreintimatethanakiss.Hisbodybegantoswellfromtheintensityofit.
“Issomethingwrong?”sheaskedafteraminute.
Hisfingerstouchedherchin,drawingitup.“Ihavecoldfeet.”
“Idon’tunderstand.”
Hedrewinalongbreath.“It’stooquick,Violet,”hemurmured,lookingather.“I’mnotsureI’m
readyforthis.”
“Forfeedingmetrout?”sheasked,wide-eyed.
Heshookhishead.“No.For…this.”
Hebentandkissedher,verygently.Heliftedhishead.“Ilikekissingyou.”
Shesmiledslowly.“Ilikekissingyou,too.”
“Towhatend?”
Sheblinked.“Excuseme?”
“Idon’twanttogetmarried,”hesaidbluntly.
Shefeltallatsea,confusedanduncertain.
Hestareddownintoherwideeyes.Shelookedmiserableandhefeltconfused.“Forgetit,”he
murmured,droppinghisstaretohersofteyes.“I’mjusttalking.Idon’tevenknowwhatI’mtalking
about.”
“Iknowabouther,”sheblurtedout.
Hescowled.“Her?”
“ShannonCulbertson,”shesaid,avertinghergazetothebuddingrosebushes.“I’msorryithappened
likethat.Itmusthavebeendevastatingforyou.”
Hecouldn’tthinkofanothersinglepersonhewouldn’thavecursedformentioninghername.Butit
didn’tfeelatalluncomfortabletodiscussShannonwithViolet.Shehadatenderheart.Heachedfor
comfort.He’dneverhadit.
“Shewasbeautiful,”hereplied.“Youngandfulloffunandpromise.Ilovedheruntilshewasan
obsession.Ididn’tthinkIcouldgoonlivingwhenshedied.”
“Butyoudid,”shereplied.“You’restrongerthanyourealize.”
“Youhaveanoddeffectonme,”hemurmured.
“Whatsort?”sheasked,studyinghim.
Oneshoulderliftedandfell.Hiseyeswentbacktothelandscapeasherockedtheswinglazilyinto
motion.“Idon’ttalkabouther.Ihaven’tinyears.”
Shesighedandrestedherheadonhisshoulder,staringacrosshisbroadchesttowardthedistant
highway.“Youcan’tburythepast,”shesaidabsently.“Itaffectseverythingwedo,everythingweare.”
Hefrowned.“Didyoulosesomeone?”
Shelaughed.“Me?WhenIwasinhighschool,IweighedevenmorethanIdonow.Myparentssent
metoaprivateschoolbecausetheythoughtImightnotgetpickedonasmuch.ButIdid.Thereare
alwaysthebeautifulpeoplewhofeelprivilegedtocommentonthelessfortunate.Ihatedschool.”

“Ithoughtschoolswerecrackingdownonbullies.”
“Iftheycrackdownveryhard,theytendtogetsued,”shepointedout,withaspeakinglookinhis
direction.
Hechuckled.“Idon’ttakefrivolouslawsuits,”heremindedher.
“Plentyofotherlawyersdo.Thentheygethugeawards,whichtheykeepthelion’sshareof.Then
insurance,andeverythingelsegoesskyhigh.”
Hescowled.“Well,youhavegotapoint.”
“ImakeupinintelligenceforwhatIlackinlooks,”shemurmured.
Hetiltedherfaceuptohisandsearchedherblue,blueeyes.“Violet,”hesaidsoftly,“there’snothing
wrongwiththewayyoulook.IhadabadmorningandItookitoutonyouthatday.I’vebeentrying
tofindawaytoapologizeeverysince.Youlooklikeawomanshould.”
Shestudiedhimwithbig,curiouseyes.Hewasveryhandsome.Shewasfascinatedbythewayhewas
lookingather,asifhereallydidfindherenchanting.Shesmiledslowly.
“Ahh,”hecautionedinahuskytone.“Lookingatmelikethatwillgetyouintotrouble.”
“Itwill?”sheaskedhopefully.
Thehumorwentrightbyhim.Hiseyeshaddroppedtoherfull,softmouthandhewasfeelingasurge
ofhunger.Sometinyvoicewasurgingcaution.HeignoreditandpulledVioletcloser.Hishard
mouthcurveddownagainsthersoftone,teasinglightlyuntilsherelaxedandleanedagainsthischest.
Hislongfingersslidintoherthick,softhair,andtuggedherheadfartherbackonhisbroadshoulder.
Hisfingerswereathernape,teasing,tracing,whilehismouthslowlypenetratedthetightlineofher
lips.
Shestiffened,buthepersisted.Whenshestillwouldn’tgivehimwhathewanted,hisleanhandslid
rightoverherfullbreastandcontractedgentlywiththenippletrappedbetweenhisthumbandhis
hand.Shegaspedandshivered,givinghimaccesstothedarkinnersoftnessofhermouth.Shefelthis
tongueslidesensuouslyinsideandacuriousswellingsensationovertookherbody.
Hishandbecameinsistentonherbreast,searchingforbuttons.Hemadeanopeningandhisfingers
slidinsideit,rightontothewarmsilkinessofherbareskin.Shemoanedhuskily.Herarmsreached
upandenclosedhisneckwhileshegaveintotheunrealityofbeinginhisarms,beingdesiredbyhim.
Thekissbecamepassionate,demanding.Shemoanedagain.Vaguely,shefelthimpullingherup.He
bentandliftedher,hismouthstillenclosingheryielded,hungrylips.Hecarriedherintothehouse,
kickingthedoorshutbehindhim.
Hestartedtowardthebedroom,buthisbodywasinagony.Toomanyyearsofabstinencehadlefthim
powerlesswithViolet’smouthpromisingheaven.Hemadeittothelivingroomandslidherontothe
sofa,buttherewasn’treallyroomforbothofthemonit.Shewasashungryashewas,andtheir
restlessmovementslandedthemonthecarpetbetweenthesofaandthecoffeetable.
Hestartedtolifthishead,butshepulledhismouthbackoverhers.Thesensationswerelikewavesof
pleasurethatrockedherinhishardarms,andshedidn’twantthemtostop.Shedidn’twanthimto
stop.She’dneverfeltsuchphysicaldelightinallherlife,andshewasn’twillingtogiveitupjustyet.
Blakewasfeelingsomethingsimilar.Ithadbeenalongtimesincehe’dhadsuchawilling,hungry
partner.EvenShannon,althoughshelovedhim,hadbeenreceptivebutnoteagerwhenhemadelove
toher.Violetwasdifferent.Shetastedofhoney.Helovedthefeelofhermouthunderhis.Heloved
thefeverishresponseofherbodytohislightesttouch.Helovedthesoftlittlenoisesshemade,the
tinygaspsthatpulsedrhythmicallyoutofherthroatashiscaressesbecamequicklymoreintimate.
Shefeltcoolaironherbreastsandopenedhereyesjustabreath.Herclotheswereopenalltheway
downthefront,andherbrawasunhooked.Hiseyeswereadarkened,passionateblueastheycaressed

herbarebreasts,feedingontheiramplecurvesandthetautmauveriseofhernipples.Hebent,his
mouthopeningasheeaseddownbesideheragainandtookherintohismouth.
Shearchedcompletelyoffthefloor,sobbing.“Yes,”shechoked.“Yes!”
Whatlittlecontrolhe’dhadleftwasgoneatonce.Shewasashungryashewas.Hedidn’tthinkabout
afterward.Hewastoofargonetocareabouttomorrow.Therewasonlythepainfulneedthatstretched
hispowerfulbodylikeropeoverherrippling,softbody.Yearsofabstinencetookcontrolofhiswill.
Hishandsweredeftandefficient.Withinseconds,thebarrierswereallgone,andhismouthwas
movinghungrilyoverViolet’ssoftbelly,downtotheinsideofherthighs.
Whilehekissedher,hetouchedher,inwaysandplacesshe’donlyreadabout.Shehadn’tdreamed
thatthesensationswouldbesooverwhelming.Whenthefirstripplesofecstasyworkedtheirway
downherachingbody,shewasfarbeyondanysortofprotest.Shelovedhim.Hewantedher.Shewas
becomingawoman,trulyawoman,forthefirsttime.Shewantednothingmorethantogoonbeing
kissedandtouchedandcaressedtomadnessinhisarms.
Somehow,itneveroccurredtoherthatthefirsttimemightbeuncomfortable;orthathemightnot
knowitwasherfirsttime.MostwomenwereexperiencedbythetimetheyreachedViolet’sage.But
Violetwasalatebloomer.
Shefeltthesuddenpenetrationwithahungrydelightthatturnedquitesuddenlytodiscomfort,and
thenpain.Shestiffenedandgasped,hernailsdiggingintohisback.
Shiveringwithdesire,hemanagedtolifthisheadandlookintoherwide,shockedeyes.
Hefeltthebarrier.Whyhadn’therealizedhowdifficultthismightbe?Becausehewasoutofhis
mindwithdesire,thatwaswhy.Andhecouldn’tstop.Hecouldn’t…!
Hiskneepressedherlegswideapart,despitehersilentprotests,andhishandwentquicklybetween
them.Hewatchedherfacethewholetime,watchedfearandpainslowlygivewaytosharppleasure.
Hernailsbitintohisbackagain,butnotinpainthistime.Shewasshudderingrhythmicallywithevery
sharp,deepdownwardmovementofhiships.Herlegswidenedwithoutanymorecoaxing.Herhips
archeduptomeethis.Andstillheheldhereyes,watchingherashetookher.
Itwasthemosteroticexperienceofhisentirelife.Despitehisexperience,andhehadsome,itwas
newterritoryforhim.HehadinhibitionsassurelyasViolethad.Mostofhisencountershadbeenin
darkrooms,atnight.Itwasthefirsttimehe’dgonethisfarinbroaddaylight,andthatwasaseroticas
thesightofViolet’spinknudityunderhimonthecarpet.Hebegantoshiverwitheachrough
movementashefoundhiswayeverdeeperintohersoftbody.
“I’veneverdonethis…inbroaddaylight.AndI’veneverwatched,Violet,”hebitoff,hisdeepvoice
strainedashelookedintoherblueeyes.
Sheswallowed,hard.Herlipswerepartedongaspingbreathsasthepleasurebuiltandbeganto
funnelupinher.Shestaredintohiseyes,shivering,climbingsomeinvisibleladderofpleasure
towardwhatfeltlikeanunbearablegoal.
“I’ve…never,”shechoked.
Hisjawclenchedasthepleasurebegantobiteintohim.“Iknow,”hegroanedharshly.Hiseyesclosed
onawaveofecstasythatarchedhimaboveher,hishipspinninghersviolentlyashedrovefor
fulfillment.“God…Ican’t…stop!”hemoaned.
Violet’skneesdrewuponeithersideofhim,enhancingthemadnessofdelight.Shearchedagainand
again,hereyeswide,hermouthwide,asshelookedintohiseyes.Theywerealmostblackwith
desire.
“Ifeelyou,”shewhisperedbrokenly.“Ifeelyou…inme!”
Theanguishtripledattheeroticlittlewhisper.Hisbodygroundhersintothecarpetwithviolent,

urgentmotionsthatweremoredesperatethanexperienced.Herbackwasgoingtoberaw,hethought
inonelastburstofsanity.Thenhefeltherconvulseunderhimandcryout,andcontractaroundhim.
Heexploded,hiseyesclosed,hisbodyhelplesslyimpalingherinonelastfuriousdownward
movementthatliftedhimtoalevelofclimaxhe’dneverknown.
Violetfelthim,tastedhim,bondedwithhiminthatspaceofseconds.Thepleasureslowlyfellto
bearablelevelsandshewantedtoweep,becauseitwassoexquisite,andsoverybrief.Shelookedat
himwhilehegaveintohisownneed,hereyeshungryonthelengthofhisbody,ripplingmuscleand
thickhaironhischest,downtotheflatstomachthatwaspressedsoclosetohers,tothelong,
powerfullegslyingbetweenherwhitethighs.
Itshouldhavebeenembarrassing,toseethemlikethat.Butshewasonlyfascinatedbythenewnessof
intimacy.
Shelookedbackuptoseehisfaceclenched,dampwithsweat,asheslowlycamebacktohimself.His
eyesopened,dark,somber,sated.
Shereachedupandtouchedhismouth.Shefelthisbodyshiveringintheaftermath,asherswas.He
looked…shattered.
Hecollapsedonher,hisforearmscatchingmostofhisformidableweight.Hisfacepulsedather
throat,dampandsuckingatbreath.Heshuddered.Herarmsslidaroundhim,cradlinghim.Shefelt
himagainsteveryinchofher.Shefelthim,stillinsideher,stillpulsingsoftly.
“Gosh,”shewhispered,awed.Herlegscurvedaroundthebackofhisandherbodyliftedinsoft
entreaty.
“Optimist,”hemurmured.
Shelaughedsoftly.Sheknewwhathemeant.Menspentthemselves,andthenittookalongtime
beforetheywerecapableagain.She’dneverindulged,butshe’dheardotherwomentalk.
“WhenIfeltyoustiffen,Icouldhaveshotmyself,”hesaidatherear.“Ilostit.Iknewyouwerea
virgin,andIstillcouldn’tstop.”
Herhandssmoothedhisdark,wavyhair.Shelookedupattheceiling,vaguelyawareofthecats
movingaroundtheroom,ofabreezeflutteringthecurtains,ofadistantcarpassingonthehighway
onthehorizon.She’dneverbeensoclosetoanotherhumanbeing.Sheknew,finally,whatitwastobe
awoman.She’dneverdreamedthatitwouldbeBlakewhotaughtherhowtomakelove.
Hedrewinalongbreathandrolledoverontohisback,bringingheroverhimsothathecouldlook
upintoherwideblueeyes.
Hishandwentbetweenthemandcameupwithafainttraceofblood.
Sheblushed.
Hesearchedhereyesforalongtime.“Ididn’thavethepresenceofmindtothinkaboutprotection,
either.”
Shedidn’tknowwhattosay.Shewasstillhalfwayinandhalfwayoutofanewreality.
Hishandssliddownherbodytoherwide,softhips.“Liftup,”hemurmuredsensuously.
Shedid,curious,untilshesawhiseyesgohungrilytoherbreasts.Hishandssliduptothem,cupping
themsoftly.Heeasedherontoherbackandhismouthmadeamealofthem,kissingandtastinguntil
sherippledalloverwithreneweddesire.
Hegroanedashisbodyrespondedwithrenewedarousalandsuddenurgency.“Areyousore?”he
askedroughly.
“I…well,Idon’t…ouch!”shegaspedwhenhetouchedherwherethetissuesweretornfromtheirfirst
intimacy.
Hegroundhisteethtogether.“Sorry,”hewhispered.

Shecouldfeelhowhungryhewas.“Youcan,”shewhisperedback.“It’sokay.”
Hefeltthosewordstothesolesofhisfeet.Shewouldhavelethim,despitethepain.Ithumbledhimto
knowthat.
Hebenttohermouthandkissedhersoftly,withexquisitetenderness.Shetuggedathiships,buthe
didn’trespond.
“No,”hesaidsoftly,andhesmiledather.“Notunlessyoucantakeasmuchpleasurefrommybody
asItakefromyours.”
Shewasfascinatedbythereply.
Hekissedheragain,verysoftly,andthenrolledawayfromher.Hetuggedhisclothesbackonand
stooduptofinishthefastenings.Helookeddownatherasshepulledherdiscardeddressagainsther
breastsandstaredathimconfusedly.
“I’llmakesomecoffee,”hesaidquietly,awareofhersuddenembarrassment.“Thenwe’lltalk.”
Hewalkedaway.Shestruggledquicklybackintoherthings,notingthecuriousstaresofthetwin
Siamesecats,whoprobablyhadneverseensuchconfusingbehaviorfromtheirresidenthumanpet.It
madeherself-conscious.
Bythetimehecamebackwithatray,shewassittingonthecouchfeelingwavesofembarrassment
andshame.
Hesatdownbesideher,fixedacupofcoffeethewayheknewshelikedit,andhandedittoher.He
sawthetearsshewastryingnottoshed.
Hereachedoverforatissuefromtheboxhekeptbythelampandwipedhereyeswithatenderness
thatsaidmorethanwords.
“Ihaven’thadawomanforovertwoyears,”hesaidbluntly.“I’msorry.IlostcontroltheminuteI
startedkissingyou.”
“It’sallright,”shechoked,sippingcoffee.“Ididn’texactlyfightformyhonor.”Tearsstartedrolling
again,staininghercheekswhileshetriednottolethimseehowupsetshewas.
Hetookthecoffeeawayfromher,tuggedherintohisarms,anddraggedheroverintohislap.He
heldherwhileshecried,rockingherinthesilenceoftheroom.Hefeltsatiated.Hisbodywasmore
relaxedthanithadbeeninyears.Hefeltyoung,vital,fulloffire.Hesmiledatthedifferenceafew
torridminuteshadmadeintheirtumultuousrelationship.
“I’msorry,”shechoked.“I’mactinglikeachild.”
Hekissedherweteyelids.“Firsttimesaretraumatic,”hemurmured,dryinghereyesagainwiththe
tissue.
“Wasyours?”sheasked,curious.
Helaughed.“ThefirsttimeItriedtohavesex,Iwasseventeen.Iwasdatinganoldergirlandwewere
inthebackseatofmyparents’caratacountrydrive-in,oneofthelastfewinTexas,”herecalled.
“Weweregoingatithotandheavywhenmyzipperstuck.”
Shestaredathim,fascinated.
Helaughedagain.“Icouldn’tgetittobudge.Icouldn’tgetmyjeansoffwithitzipped.AndifIbroke
thezipper,I’dneverhavegottenpastmymothertomyroom.”Heshookhishead.“Shewas
experienced,andfurious.Shecalledmeaclumsyfoolandsaidshecouldn’timaginewhygirlswent
outwithme.Itookherhomeandneverphonedheragain.Shedidn’tknowitwasmyfirsttime,which
wasallthatsavedmypride.”
“Ican’timagineyoubeingclumsy,”shesaid,fascinatedbyhim.
Hekissedthetipofhernose.“Weallstartsomewhere,”hemusedlazily.Hetracedaroundhersoft
mouth.“Butyouweremyfirstvirgin,”hewhispered,holdinghereyes.

Herlipsparted.“Iwas?”
Henodded.Hepushedbackherdisheveledhair.“Iwasn’tsureIknewenoughtospareyouthepain.”
“Youdid,though,”shewhispered,andavertedhereyes,flushing.
He’dnoticed.Hefelttenfeettall.Heknewthatshe’dclimaxed,andnotjusttheonetime.He’dgiven
herfulfillment,despitetheroughbeginning.Itmadehimproud.
Hecradledherclose,wrappingherupinhisarmswithherfaceinhiswarmthroat.Herockedher
hungrily,hisbodystilltinglingwithrememberedpleasure.“I’dforgottenhowitfelt,”hewhispered.
“IsupposeI’vebeenhalf-alive,withoutknowingit.”
“SohaveI,”shereplieddrowsily.Shecurledcloserintohispowerfulbody.
Hekissedherhair.“I’msorryImadeyousore,”hewhispered.“Itwasunavoidable.”
“Iknow.”
Hesatholdingherforalongtime,socontentedthathedidn’trealizehowlateitwasgettinguntilthe
automaticlightsoutsidebegantocomeon.
“Goodness,”sheexclaimedwhenshenoticed,sittinguponhislap.“Ihavetogethome.Mamawillbe
worried.”Shestopped,aghastwhensherememberedhermotherandherresponsibilities.She
rememberedwhatshe’ddonewithKempandshefeltself-consciousanduncomfortable.
Heknewthat.Hecouldseeitinherexpression.Hedidn’tknowwhattosaytomakethingsright.
“Ifanythinghappens,we’llhandleit,”hesaidsoftly.“Don’tbeatyourselftodeathworrying.Okay?”
We’llhandleit.Didhemeanhe’dpayforatermination?Shefeltsickatherstomach.Whatinthe
worldhadshebeenthinking?She’djusthadsexwithherformerbossandhewasn’tamarryingman.
Hewasn’tgoingtostarthearingviolinsifsheturneduppregnant.Hewasgoingtosuggestapractical
solution.Butshewasn’tgoingtobeabletoagreewiththat.Itjustwasn’tpossible.
“Icanseethethoughtsinyourmind,Violet,”hesaidabruptly.“Let’snotfaceproblemsbeforethey
appear.”
Sheswallowed.“You’reright,ofcourse.”Shegottoherfeetunsteadily,andlookedaroundasifshe
didn’tquiteknowwhereshewas.
Kempgotup,too.“Doyouwantmetofollowyouhome,justincase?”heasked.
Shelookedup.“Incaseofwhat?”
“Youdon’tdriveatnightmuch,”hesaid.Hescowled.“Therearedrunksontheroadsatnightaround
here.”
“Iwon’thaveanytrouble,”sheassuredhim.
“Exceptwhenitcomestolivingwithwhatjusthappened,”heremarked.
Shepickedupherpurseandsweaterandturnedtolookathim.“What?”
Heshovedhishandsintohispockets.“You’reaPuritan,Violet,”hesaidsomberly.“Youweren’ta
virginbyaccident.”
Shecolored.“Idon’tdatemuch…”
Hewavedawaytherestofthereply.“You’reinlovewithme.I’vealwaysknownit.Thereisn’tany
otherreasonthatwouldmakeyougiveyourselftoamanwithoutmarriage.”
Sheglaredathim.Shehatedbeingsotransparent.
Hemovedcloser,takinghergentlybytheshoulders.“You’llworkformeuntilwefindout,oneway
oranother,iftherearegoingtobeanyconsequences.”
“Ishouldneverhave…!”
Hekissedhermouthclosed.“We’rebothhuman.”Hesearchedhereyes.“Ilovethewayyouwere
withme,”headdedhuskily.“Itwasthemostexcitingencounterofmylife,Violet.IthinkIcouldlive
onit,ifIhadto.Youwere…extraordinary.”

“Ididn’tknowanything,”sheblurtedout.
“Instinctmustgoalongway,then.”Hebentandkissedheragain.“Trynottobeashamedof
somethingsobeautiful,”headdedquietly.“Wehavealotincommon.Ithinkwe’llfindevenmore,as
wegoalong.”
Hewassayingsomethingincredible.Shestaredupathim,fascinated.
“Iwashappybeingaloneuntilyoucamealongandshookupmylife,”hemurmuredabsently,
watchingherclosely.“Ican’tgoback.”
“Youcan’t?”
Hebroughthersoftpalmtohismouthandkissedithungrily.“Inafewdays,Ithinkwemightgoand
lookatrings,”hesaidhesitantly,andhishighcheekbonestookonaruddycolor.
“Rings?”
Histhumbrubbedoverherringfinger.“Rings.”
Shecouldn’tmanageasingleword.
Hisblueeyesweresomber.“Todaywasabeginning.Nottheend.”
Herlipspartedasshestudiedhim,withloveradiatingfromherface.Hesawit,andfelthumbledbyit.
He’dneverbeenwithawomanwhowassoviolentlyinlovewithhim.Hefeltcosseted,valued,
possessed.
Hedrewheragainsthim,awarethathebecamearousedtheinstanthefelthersoftbreastsagainsthis
chest.Thathadn’thappenedevenwithShannon,whenhewasmuchyounger.Violetlitfiresinhis
body.
“Feelthat?”hewhisperedashebenttohermouth.“Youarousemesomuchthatithurts.”
Sheopenedhermouthwhenshefelthislipsonit.Hebuiltthekiss,liftingherfreeofthefloorinhis
embrace.“Iwouldstillletyou,”shewhispered.
“Iknow,”hewhisperedback.“You’repartofmenow.I’mpartofyou.Kissme…”
Thekisswaslong,hard,passionate.Whenhefinallyputherdown,shewastrembling.
“Gohome,”hesaidfirmly,leadinghertothedoorwithherpurseinhishand.
“Throwingmeout?”sheteased.
Hechuckled.“Savingyou,”hemurmuredwickedly.“Ineedacoldshower.”
Shetouchedhischestwithherhand,dizzyandachingwithnewsensations,newjoy.“Iknowyou
alreadyknowit,”shesaidsoftly.“ButIloveyou.”
Hetracedhermouthwithhisfingertip.Thewordsbitintohim,madehimfeelguilty.Hewantedher,
buthedidn’tfeelthatemotionforher.Notyet.Hejustsmiled.“Drivecarefully.Callmewhenyouget
home.”
Hedidn’tsayit,buthehadtofeelsomethingpowerfulforher,shewascertainofit.Shebeamed.
“Okay.Goodnight.”
“Goodnight,angel,”hesaidsoftly.
Hewatchedherwalkawaywithfeelingsofutterself-contempt.He’dtakenadvantageofwhatshefelt
forhim,lostcontrolandputheratrisk.Nowhehadtostandbyandwaittofindoutifshebecame
pregnant,knowingthatifshedid,he’dbeforcedtomarryhertosaveherreputation.Itwasn’tthebest
nightofhislife,despitethelingeringpleasurethatremindedhimoftheafternoon.

Six

Violetmanagedtoslipintoherhousewithoutbeingseenbyhermother.Shewasdisheveledandher
hairwasamess.Hermotherwasn’tblindorstupid,she’dknowthatsomethingtorridhadbeengoing
on.Topreventanyuncomfortablequestions,Violethadcalledtoherandthenwentstraighttoher
roomwithoutlettingherselfbeseen.
Fromthere,shewenttothekitchen,tryingnottolethermindwandertotheafternoon.Thenshe
rememberedthatshe’dpromisedtobringhermothersometrout.Shegroanedinwardly.Sheheated
hermotherabowlofsoupandcrackersforsupper.
“I’msorryaboutthetrout,”shebegan.Butshewasbeamingandshecouldn’thelpit.
Mrs.Hardygrinned.“Nevermindthat.Soupisfine.You’vegotfeathersonyourlips,mydarlingcat,”
shechided.“Sowhat’sgoingonwithyouandthatdishyman?”
Somuchfordeterringhermother ’ssuspicions.Violetblushed,grinningback.“Thebossmanis
talkingaboutrings.”
Hermothergasped.“Darling!”
Violetlaughed.“Canyoubelieveit?Andwewerefightingandgivingeachotherfitsjustlastweek!”
“Hedidn’treallyknowyoubefore,though,”theolderwomanpointedoutasshesippedsoupfroma
spoon.“Youweretooshytobeyourselfwithhim.”
“Iwas,”Violetagreed,vaguelyashamedofwhathadhappened,justthesame.
“Didhementionadate?”
Violetshookherhead.“We’regoingtotakeitonedayatatime,”shereplied.
Mrs.Hardyonlysmiled.Sheknewthatwhencouplesgottotheringstage,weddingsveryoftencame
quickly.“I’veonlyeverwantedtolivelongenoughtoseeyoumarriedandsecure,”shesaidabsently.
“You’dbetterbearoundlongerthanthat,”Violetchided.“Ican’tdowithoutyou!”
“Bosh,”theotherwomanmurmured.“You’vegotyourownlifetolive.I’mjustaboutdonewith
mine.”
“Don’tyoutalklikethat,”herdaughterchided.“You’renotnearlydone.Youhavesomuchtolook
forwardto!”
“Suchas?”Mrs.Hardyasked,hereyeslackluster.
“Grandchildren!”shereplied,andblushedagain,becauseshecouldalreadybepregnant.
Theolderwomansatverystill.“Grandchildren.Why…Ihadn’tthought…”SheglancedatViolet.
“Doeshewantchildren,then?”
“Ofcourse,”Violetsaid,smiling.
“Hemusthavechangedhismind,”Mrs.Hardymusedtoherself.
Violetfeltasinkingsensation.“Whatdoyoumean?”
“Oh,it’sjustsomethinghementionedthatdayhecameovertotalktome,dear,”shesaid,sipping
moresoup.“Hesaidthathe’dneverhaveachild.”
Violetfeltsick.“Didhe?”
Hermotherhadn’tnoticedViolet’ssuddenlackofcolorandenthusiasm.Shewasthinking.“Men
oftenthinklikethat,untiltheyhaveachild.Buthewasratheremphaticaboutit,justthesame.”
“Iwonderwhy,”Violetmurmuredaloud,uncomfortable.
Hermotherglancedatherworriedly.“Youmustn’tletonthatItoldyou,”shesaid.
“Toldmewhat,Mother?”
Mrs.Hardygrimaced.“Mr.Kempisaveryuprightmanthesedays,buthewasyoungand

irresponsibleonce.I’dheardsomethingabouttheCulbertsongirl,fromanurseIknow.Iaskedhim
aboutit.Hewasshockedenoughtotellmethetruthabouther.Shewaspregnantwhenshedied.Itwas
hischild.Hehadn’tknownaboutit,althoughhewouldhavemarriedhersoonerifhehad.The
coronercoveredupherpregnancy,tospareherparentstheembarrassment.Butitaffectedhim
terribly.Helostnotonlyhisfiancée,buthischildaswell.Hesaidthatjustthethoughtofachildgave
himnightmaresnow,broughtitallbacktohaunthim.”
Violetsatdown,hard.Itwasworsethanshe’dimagined.Blakedidn’twantchildren.She’dpushedhim
offbalanceandthey’dhadunprotectedsex.Hewasmakingthebestofthings,buthe’dneversaidthat
helovedherandhe’dintimatedthatifsheturneduppregnant,they’dhavetomakearrangements.
Couldthatmeanthathedidn’twantachild,ever,afterwhathadhappenedwithhisfiancée?
Shefeltsicktohersoul.Whatwasshegoingtodo?
“Dear,what’swrong?”Mrs.Hardyaskedwithafrown.
Violetforcedasmile.“Nothing.Ishouldn’tbejealousofadeadwoman,shouldI?”sheadded,
leadinghermotherrightintothefalseconclusionthatshewasthinkingaboutShannon.
Mrs.Hardyrelaxed.“Yes,dear.Youshouldn’t.”
Violetchangedthesubject.Butshedidn’tsleepverymuchthatnight.Shewassickwithworry.How
couldshehavebeensoblindandstupid?Shewasgoingtopayahighpriceforheronehourof
passion.She’dthoughtitwasworthanythingatthetime.Now,shewasn’tsosure.

ShewenttoworkMondaymorningwithuncertainfeelings.ShedreadedandanticipatedseeingBlake
again,bothatonce.DukeWrightsmiledatherasheputhertoworkonnewherdrecords,andhe
lookedasifhemighthaveknownsomethingaboutherdayatBlakeKemp’shouse.Buthedidn’tsay
anything.
Curtdid.Hegrinnedatherashepausedbesideherdesk.“IhearyouwereoutatKemp’splaceover
theweekend,”hemurmured.
Shegasped.“How…?”
“Jacobsvilleisasmalltown,”hesaidpleasantly.“Kemp’sdrivewayfacesamajorhighway.Yourcar
wouldstickoutinaparkinglot.”
Shegrimaced.“Ididn’tthinkaboutthat.”
“Stoplookingsotragic,”hesaidgently.“You’rebothfreeandsingle.Nobody’sgoingtomakesnide
remarkstoeitherofyouaboutspendinganafternoontogether.Isittrueaboutthecats?”headded
quickly.
“What…aboutthecats?”
“Thatthey’resojealousofKempthatvisitorscan’tgetnearhim,”hereplied.
“Theyweren’tsobad,”sheconfided.“Well,Ididsortofgetscratchedbyoneofthem.Butitwasjust
alittlescratch.”
“TherumoristhatthemoreKemplikessomeone,theworsethecatsare,”hetoldher.“Inwhichcase,
you’dbetterwearbodyarmorifyougooverthereverymuch.”
“Siamesedotendtobetemperamental,Iguess,”shesaid,wonderinghowmanypeoplehadseenher
caratKemp’shouse.
“WehadadogoncethathatedLibby’sboyfriend,whenshewasaboutfourteen,”herecalled.“The
dogsatandgrowledathimthewholetimehewasinthehouse.Thenonedaytheboybroughthima
beefbone.Thenexttimehecameover,thedogmethimatthedoorandlickedhimhalftodeath.”

Shepursedherlipsandsmiledmischievously.“IwonderifSiameselikebeefbones?”
Hechuckledandwentonouttowork.

ViolethadhalfwayhopedthatshemighthearfromBlakeduringtheday.Afterall,they’dbeenlovers.
Buthedidn’tcall.Itwasadisappointment,andherself-confidencetookanosedive.Allherhopes
begantodrownindoubt.Shewentthroughhernormalroutine,answeringthephoneandtaking
messages,andtypinglettersforDukeWrightafterhedictatedthem.Itwasanormalday.Nothingout
oftheordinary.Shecouldhavecried.
Once,shealmostpickedupthephoneandcalledhisoffice.Butthatwouldneverdo.Shecouldn’t
lookasifshewerechasinghim.Perhapshejustneededbreathingspace,inordertogetusedtothe
changedrelationshipbetweenthem.Surely,itwasjustthat.
Bytheendoftheday,shewasfeelingdismal.ShewonderedifperhapsBlakehadphonedwhileshe
wasbrieflyoutoftheoffice,becauseshehadtoruntotownforDukeWrightandpickupaspecial
deliveryletterhewasexpecting,atthepostoffice.
Shehadtheopportunitytoaskhimasshegatheredherpurseandsweatertogohome.Hewalkedin
withasealedletterthatneededastamp.
“Couldyoudropthatbythepostofficeformeonyourwayhome,Violet?”heasked.
“Certainly.”Sheputonthestampandgavehimashyglance.“Uh,thereweren’tany,uh,messagesfor
mewhileIwasgoneearlier…?”shefaltered.
Hecockedaneyebrowandgrinned.“Fromyourex-boss,youmean?”
Sheflushed.“Well…”
“There’sahardcase,ifevertherewasone,”hesaid.“You’retakingachance,Violet.Abigone.”
“Sir?”
“Weallknowyouwereoutathishouse,”herepliedeasily.“Newstravelslikewildfirearoundhere.
We’veheardthatthosecatsdon’tlikecompanyatall.”
“They’resortofantagonistic,”sheconfessed,withoutmentioningherscratches.
“Kemptookanotherlawyerhomeforsupperonedayandthemanhadtogototheemergencyroom.
Hewasallergictocatscratches.”
Sheclearedherthroat.“Theyaresortofpossessive,”shereplied.“ButI’mnothreat.We’rejust
friends,”Violetsaidfirmly.“Hewantedtointroducemetohiscats.”
“Thatexplainseverything,”Dukemused,grinning.“It’sthecatswhoareinterestedinyou,then?”
CurtCollinspokedhisheadinthedoor,shamelesslyeavesdropping.“Andofcourse,Kemploveshis
cats,sohebringshomestrangersthathethinksthey’lllike,”headded.
“Youtwo!”Violetexclaimed,laughingattheabsurdityofitall.“I’mleaving.Seeyoutomorrow.”
Theysaidtheirgoodbyesandwatchedhergooutthedoor.
Sheknewwhattheymeantaboutthecats.
Mr.Kempwasanotoriousloner.Henevertookwomentohishouse.IfhewasentertainingVioleton
theweekend,somethingwasgoingon.SheknewitwasallovertownifevenDukeWrightknewabout
hervisit.ShewonderedifthegossiphadgottenbacktoBlakeandthat’swhyhehadn’tphonedher.Of
course,hecouldbefeelingregretathislossofcontrolaswell.Shewasfeelingsomethingsimilar.
Heronlyexcusewasthatshelovedhim.Sadly,sheknewitwasn’tthesamewithhim.Desirewasn’t
love.

VioletspentasleeplessnightworryingaboutherlapseofjudgmentatKemp’shouse,andhis
avoidanceofher.Shecouldn’tforgetwhathermotherhadsaid,abouthisattitudetowardchildren.
Shehopedwithallherheartthattherewouldn’tbeconsequences.Surely,shecouldn’tgetpregnant
fromonebriefinterlude!
ShewenttoworkthenextmorningandfoundDukeWrightmakingcoffee.Heglancedupwhenshe
cameinthedoor,andsmiledather.
“I’vegottobeoutoftowntoday.ThinkyoucanholdtheofficetogetheruntilIgetback?”
“I’lldomybest,sir,”shepromised.
“IfKempshowsup,youcanhavealonglunchhour,”headdedwithagrin.“Butdon’tlethimknowI
saidthat.”
“He’snotabadman.”
“Youdon’thavemyperspectiveonhim,”Dukerepliedquietly.
Shewasawareofthat.Duke’sdivorcehadbeenamessyone,andheblamedKempforhiswife’s
unreasonabledemands.Shedidn’tsayaword.
Heshrugged.“Sorry.Ihavebadmemories.I’llseeyoutomorrow,Violet.”
“Yes,sir,”shesaid.“Haveasafetrip.”
“Ihopeto.”
Shewatchedhimwalkoutwithasenseofforeboding.Shecouldn’tshakethefeelingthatsomething
wasgoingon.

Anditwas.KempwalkedintohisofficeandmotionedLibbyCollinsbackdownthehallwithhim.
Hetoldhertheresultsofthestatecrimelab’sautopsyonherfather,whichwasnegative.
Shewasrelieved,andshowedit.
“ButtheoppositewastrueofViolet’sfather,”hesaidquietly.“Don’ttellher,anddon’ttellCurtuntil
I’vehadtimetogetouttoWright’sranch.I’mgoingtotellVioletinpersonandthentakeherhome
andhelpherbreakthenewstohermother.It’sgoingtobeanordealforthem.IfwecancatchJanet
Collins,we’llchargeherwithfirstdegreemurder.Violetandhermotherwillbothhavetotestify,and
itwillresurrectsometerriblememoriesforoldMrs.Hardy.I’mnotsureherheartwilltakeit.”
“Whatcanbedone?”
Heshrugged.“TheonlythingIknowistotryandreachapleaagreement,ifIcantalktheD.A.intoit.
IfJanetcanexpectsomethinglessthanlifeinprison,shemightconfess.I’llhavetosee.Rightnow,
mypriorityistomakesureVioletdoesn’thearitonthesixo’clocknews.Therewerereporters
sniffingaroundthisafternoon.”
“PoorViolet,”Libbysaidsadly.“Please,tellherifsheneedsme,I’llbethere.”
“Iwill.ButI’msuresheknowsitalready.Holddownthefortforme.”
“Youbet.”

AllthewaytoDukeWright’splace,KempworriedaboutViolet’sreaction.Hewasstillachingfrom
theirbriefinterlude,andhewasuneasyaboutfacingVioletagain.Shewasashy,introvertedwoman
who’dhadnorealexperiencewithmen.He’dtakenadvantageofthat.Shemighthatehimforit.Just
thesame,hehadtodowhathecouldforherandhermother.Itwasn’tgoingtobeeasyforeitherof
themtofacethefactthatMr.Hardyhadbeenmurdered.

Violetwasjustfinishingthelastofthenewcattleherdfileswhensheheardfootstepscomingintoher
office.
Shelookedup,andherheartjumpedwildlyasshesawBlakeKempforthefirsttimesincetheir
passionateafternoon.Shecoloredfuriouslyashecameintotheroomandpausedjustinfrontofher
desk.Helookedveryelegantinapalegrayvestedsuit,notahairoutofplace.Hisblueeyeswere
quietandsympatheticastheymethers.
“Issomethingwrong?”sheaskedatonce,uneasybecauseofthewayhelooked.
“Yes,Violet,”hereplied.“Wehavetospeaktoyourmother.WillWrightletyouleaveearly?”
“He’snotheretoday,”shefaltered.Shestoodup.“What’shappened?”
“Wejustgottheresultsbackonyourfather ’sautopsy.Hewaspoisoned,Violet.Itwasn’tanatural
death.Itwasmurder.”
Murder.Murder.Shefelttheblooddrainingoutofherface.JanetCollinshadkilledherfather.
“Thatwoman,”shebitoff.“Thatdamned,greedywomankilledmyfather!”
Hemovedaroundthedeskquicklyandpulledherintohisarms,wrappingheruptight.“It’sallright,”
hemurmuredsoftlyatherear,contractinghisarmswhenshebegantoshiver.“We’llmakeherpay
forit.Iswearwewill.”
She’dfeltshockandthenanger.Nowshefeltgriefwellupinherlikewaterbehindadam.She’d
lovedherfather,despitehisfaults.Howintheworldwashermothergoingtoreacttothenews?
“ItwillkillMama,”shechoked,slidingherarmsaroundBlake’swaist.
“No,itwon’t,”heassuredher.“She’sstrongerthanshelooks.ButIthinkyouandIshouldbothbreak
thenewstoher.”
“Yes.Thankyou,”sheaddedbelatedly.
Hedrewinalongbreath.Odd,howrightshefeltinhisarms.He’dachedforherforthepastfew
days.Thiswaslikecominghome.
Shelovedthecomfortofhisembrace.Exceptforhermother,she’dhadlittlerealaffectioninherlife.
Itwaswonderfultomeltintohismuscularbodyandlethimabsorballherworries,allherfears.He
madeherfeelsecure,protected.
Hishandsmoothedoverherhair,enjoyingitssoftness.
Footstepsinterruptedthem.Curtcameintotheroom,stoppeddead,andstartedtogobackoutagain,
faintlyembarrassed.
BlakesawhimandreleasedViolet.“She’shadsomebadnews,”hetoldtheotherman.“Itwillbeall
overtownsoonenough,soyoumightaswellknownow.Herfatherwaspoisoned.”
“Bymystepmother?”Curtaskedmiserably.
Blakenodded.“Veryprobably.”
Curtgrimaced.“Violet,I’msosorry.”
Shewipedhereyeswiththebackofherhand.Theyfeltswollenandhot.“It’snotyourfault,Curt,”
shesaidsadly.“YouandLibbyhavesufferedbecauseofher,too.We’reallvictims.”
“Andwecan’tfindher,”Curtmutteredangrily.
“Wewill,”Blakesaidfirmly.“Iswearwewill.”
“IsthereanythingIcando?”Curtasked.
Violetshookherhead.“Butthanksanyway.We’regoingtotellMama.Ihopeitisn’tgoingtobetoo
muchforher.”
BlakesmiledfaintlyasVioletwenttogatherupherthings.“Ithinkyou’llfindthatyourmotheris

goingtowantvengeancemorethansympathywhensheknowsthetruth.”
Violetsmiled.“Ihopeso,”shereplied.“Ireallyhopethat’showshe’sgoingtofeel.”
BlaketurnedtoCurt.“I’mgoingtofollowViolethome.IfWrightcalls,canyoutellhimwhat’sgoing
on?”
“Helefthisforemanincharge,”Curtreplied.“I’llmakesureheknows.There’snothingthatcan’t
waituntiltomorrow.Violet,ifyouneedanything,allyouhavetodoistellus.IknowLibbywouldtell
youthesamething.”
“Thanks,Curt,”shereplied,managingasmileasshejoinedBlake.“I’mreadywhenyouare,”she
toldhim.
“Let’sgo.”Blakestoodasidetolethergooutthedoorfirst.

Mrs.Hardylookedupexpectantly,andwithfaintsurprise,whenshesawBlakecomeinthedoorwith
herdaughter.Bothofthemworesomberexpressions.
Shewasproppeduponthesofawithpillows.Shegavethemawiselook.“Youhavetheresultsofthe
autopsy,”sheguessed.“Thatflooziepoisonedmyhusband,didn’tshe?”sheadded,eyesflashing.“I
wantherdrawnandquartered!”
BlakesmiledatViolet.“Didn’tItellyou?”hemused.
Violetnodded.“Yes,youdid.”Sheputdownherthingsandwenttositbesidehermotheronthesofa
andpullherclose.“We’regoingtofindherandsendherawayforyearsandyears,”shepromised
hermother.“It’sjustamatteroftimeandevidence.”
“Evidencebeingthekeyword,”Blakeagreed.“Fortunately,thecriminalistswhoprocessedthescene
didathoroughjob.Theycouldn’truleouthomicide,sotheydidagoodjobofcollectingtrace
evidence.There’smorethanenoughforaDNAprofile.IfJanetwasinthatroom,we’llbeableto
proveit.There’salsoaneyewitnesswhosawhercomeoutoftheroomshortlybeforeyourhusband
wasdiscovered,”headded.
“Yes,butwedon’tknowwheresheis,”Violetmurmured.
“Oh,that’sjustaminordetail,”Blakesaidcarelessly.“Ihaveaprivatedetectivetrackingher.It’sjust
amatteroftime.”
“Youdidn’tsayanythingaboutthat,”Violetremarked.
“FindingJanetisessentialtoLibbyandCurt.They’refightingtokeeptheirranch,andit’snotgoing
well,”hesaidgrimly.“Janethasdoneeverythinginherpowertotakeitawayfromthem.She’s
abscondedwithallthemoneyandtieduptheirfinancessothattheycanhardlypaybills.Theyneed
herfound,andquickly.Sodobothofyou,”headded.“Thelongerthisdragson,theworseit’sgoing
toget.”
“Howcanahumanbeingbesocold?”Mrs.Hardywonderedoutloud,herdelicatefeaturesdrawnas
shespoke.“Moneyisn’tthatimportant.”
“Tosomepeopleitis,”Blakereplied.“I’veseenmengotoprisonforlifebecausetheystolelessthan
twentydollars.Athiefdoesn’tknowhowmuchmoneyhisvictimiscarrying,asarule.Sometimesthe
victimresists,anddies,andthethiefendsupwithpocketchangeandalifesentence.Greedisitsown
punishment.”
“IhopeJanetCollinsgetshers,”Violetsaidquietly,hugginghermother.SheglancedatBlake.“I
supposeitwillbeinallthepapers?”
“Undoubtedly,”heagreed.Hemovedintothelivingroomanddroppeddownintoacomfortable

armchair.“Personaltragedieshavebecomepopularentertainment.We’vereachedanall-timelowin
journalisticethics.”
“WheredoyouthinkJanetCollinswent?”Mrs.Hardyaskedabruptly.
Blakecrossedhislonglegsandleanedbackinthechair.“Ataguess,somewherecloseby.Shewon’t
wanttoletgooftheranch.LibbyandCurthavehadsomethreatsalready,probablyatherinstigation.”
“I’msorrythey’rehavingsuchtrouble,”Violetsaid.“Libby’sthebestfriendIhave.”
“Iwon’tgiveupuntilJanetisfound,”Blakeassuredher.“I’vegotoneofthebestprivateinvestigators
inTexasonthejob.”
Mrs.Hardywasdabbingathereyes.Angerhadgivenwaytogrief.“Iwonderedaboutthecoroner ’s
report,sayingthathehadaheartattack,”shemurmuredaloud.“He’dhadallsortsoftests,andthere
wasnotraceofhearttrouble.”
“Fromwhatthemedicalexaminertoldme,thepoisonparalyzestheheart.Essentially,itstopsitdead.
Sincenoonesuspectedfoulplay,theydidn’tbotherwithanautopsy.ButIcreditthoseinvestigatorsin
SanAntoniowithdoingagreatjobofevidencegathering.WhenwefinallycatchJanet,we’llhave
enoughtohangher.”
Violethuggedhermother.“Itwillbeallright,”shesaid,althoughshedidn’treallyfeelit.
“Thenewspaperswillhaveafieldday,won’tthey?”Mrs.Hardyaskedsuddenly,herfacecontorted.
“We’llgetthroughit,”Violetassuredher.“We’retough,aren’twe?”
Mrs.Hardyhesitated,thenshesmiled.“Yes,dear.We’retough.”
“We’llfindawayaroundthepublicity,”Blaketoldthem.“Firstthingsfirst.WehavetofindJanet.”
“ThankyouforcomingwithViolettogivemethenews,Blake,”Mrs.Hardytoldhimgently.“Itmade
iteasier.”
“Ithoughtitmight,”hesaidgently.“I’msorryitturnedoutthisway,”headded.
“Soarewe,”Violetreplied.“Butwedon’tgettochooseourobstacles,dowe?”
“Howtrue,”Mrs.Hardymurmured.ShelookedtowardBlake.“Wouldyouliketocometodinner?”
Violetflushed.Sheknewhermotherwastryingtoplaymatchmaker,butshewishedshehadn’t.She
wasuneasyaroundBlake.Shedidn’tknowwhatheexpectedofher.Shedidn’tknowhowsheshould
behave.
BlakesawherindecisionandavertedhisgazetoMrs.Hardy.“Thanks,”hesaid,“butI’vegotalotof
worktogetthroughtonightforaclient.”TheclientwasLibbyCollins,buthewasn’tgoingtodiscuss
thatwiththewomen.
“Anothertime,”Mrs.Hardysuggested.
“Anothertime,”heagreedpleasantly.“I’dbettergetontheroad.Ifyouneedme,call,”hetoldViolet
firmly.
“Ofcourse,wewill,”shesaidwithoutlookingdirectlyathim,andwithaforcedsmile.
“Myinterimsecretaryisgettingmarried,”heremarked.“Youmightconsidercomingbacktowork.
LibbyandMabelmissyou.”
Violetwassurprised,becausehehadn’tbeenintouchwithhersincetheirdinner.Shedidn’teven
knowthathe’dhiredaninterimsecretary.HesoundedasifhewantedViolettocomeback.Buthe
didn’tlookdesperate.
Ontheotherhand,shemissedseeinghimeveryday.ItwasawrenchtoworkforDukeWright.It
guaranteedthatshewouldn’tseeBlakeonaregularbasisatall.Todayhadbeenarareevent.
“Thinkaboutit,atleast,”Blakeaddedquietly.
“Yes,”shereplied.“Icertainlywill.”
Hestudiedherforafewsecondstoolong,hiseyesnarrowandintent.Shemightmistakehis

invitationforsomethingromantic,butthatwasn’tthecaseatall.Hefeltguiltyforwhathe’dlet
happenathishouse.Violetcouldbepregnant.Hedidn’tdarekeephisdistanceuntilheknewforsure.
Thewomanhadn’taclueaboutrelationships,andshe’dbeinahellofafixifshereallyhadbecome
pregnant.
Hehadtokeepherclosesothathe’dknow,whateverherconditionturnedouttobe.Iftherewas
goingtobeachild…
Hestoppedthethoughtdead.Hewouldn’tthinkaboutthatconsequence.Hehadtolookonthebright
side.Hewasn’treadyformarriageandafamily.Hemightneverbe.Certainly,Violetwashardlythe
sortofwomanheenvisionedmarrying.Shewassweetandkind,butshewasn’tassertive.Therewere
divisionsbetweenthemthatshedidn’tunderstand.Hecouldn’thurtherbypointingthemout.
Hehadtobidehistimeuntilheknewforsureiftherewasgoingtobeachild.Thatwasn’therfault,
either.He’dseducedher,outoflonelinessandachinghunger.Hestillfelttheneedforher.Itwaswhy
he’davoidedherforthepastcoupleofdays.He’dhopedtogetitundercontrol.
Butitwasn’t.Helookedatherandhewantedher.Hisbodywasalreadyastautasdrawnrope,just
fromlookingather.Heknewinstinctivelythatifhetouchedher,hewasn’tgoingtobeabletopull
away.Thepleasureshe’dgivenhimwasexquisite.Hewanteditagain.Andhedidn’tdarehaveit.
“Violet,whydon’tyouwalkBlakeout?”Mrs.Hardysuggestedwhentherewasabriefsilence.
“Icanfindmywayout,”BlakesaidwithoutmakingabigthingofViolet’shesitation.Heevensmiled.
“Thinkaboutthejob,”hesuggested.“Wemakeagoodteam…youandmeandLibbyandMabel,”he
addedjustwhenshethoughthewastalkingaboutthetwoofthem.
Shenodded.“Iwillthinkaboutit,”shepromised.
“I’llbeintouch,”hereplied.Hedidn’tsaygoodbye.Hesimplyleft.
“See,dear,hemissesyou!”Mrs.Hardyexclaimedwhentheyheardhiscarstartupoutside.“Hewants
youback!You’lldoit,won’tyou?”
“Ihavetochangeclothesandgetsupperstarted,”sheinterruptedtohalthermother ’sspeculation.
“Whatwouldyoulike?Howaboutpancakes?”
“Pancakes?Forsupper?”theolderwomanexclaimed.
“Whynot?Welovepancakes!”
Mrs.Hardysmiled.“Thenpancakesitis.Andcoffee.”
CoffeeremindedVioletofBlakeandmadehersad.She’dlostherjobovercoffee.Butshedidn’tletit
show.“Decafforyou,”sheteased,andwenttochangeherclothes.

Seven

Blakespenttheweekendworking,tryingtokeephismindoffViolet.Mondaymorning,hisprivate
investigatorcalledwithsomegoodnewsforLibbyandCurtCollins.Theirfather ’spricelesscoin
collectionhadbeenlocatedatadealer ’sshopinSanAntonio.Therewerebankbooks.Therewasalso
acopyofanewwill,aboutwhichBlakehadsomesuspicions.Blakephonedthedealerandarranged
todriveupthefollowingmorningearlyandcollectthecoinsandthedocuments.Hetoldthedealer
thathe’dhaveLibbyphonehimassoonasshecametowork—shecouldvouchforthefactthatBlake
washerattorneyandauthorizedtohandleherinheritance.
Hedidn’tknowifJanetCollinswasawareofthecoincollection’swhereaboutsandheconsideredthat
hemightneedbackup.
Hephonedthechiefofpolice’sofficeandtalkedtoCashGrier,whoagreedtodriveupwithhim.
Grierwouldintimidatemostpeoplewithevilintentions,Blakethoughthumorously,evenwithouta
firearm.
HetoldLibbyaboutthetripandalsoaskedhertogobyViolet’shousethatafternoonwithapizzaand
cheerthewomenup.Healsosuggestedthatitwouldn’thurtforLibbytomentionhowbadlythey
missedherintheoffice,andhowshort-handedtheyweresincetheinterimsecretary,Jessie,hadgiven
noticeandquit.Libbylaughinglyagreed.

LibbywassurprisedatViolet’snewlookandhernervousnesswhenshestoppedbyViolet’shouse
afterwork.She’dknownVioletforalongtime.She’dneverknownhertobeanythingexceptcalm
andcollected.
“Mr.Kempaskedmetotellyouhowmuchwe’remissingyou,”Libbysaid,tongue-in-cheek.
Violetlaughedsoftly.“Areyoureally,orareyoujustshort-handedbecauseJessiequitwithout
finishingouthernotice?”
Libby’seyeswidened.“Howintheworlddidyouknowthat?”
Violetchuckled.“Mrs.Landerswhoworksatthenewspaperoffice,”shereplied.“She’sthebest
gossipwehave,andshethoughtI’dliketoknowthatpoorMr.Blakewasshortasecretary.Shesaw
thebabyshowerannouncementthatJessiebroughtinandJessiementionedthatshewasleavingthe
jobearlybecauseMr.Kempwashopefulthathisoldsecretarymightcomebackifsheknewhow
hard-pressedhewasforhelp.”
“Well!”Libbyexclaimedonalaugh,showinghertheboxofhotpizza.“It’salltrue,ofcourse.I
broughtyouandMrs.Hardyapizza.”
“Youcanhavesome,too,Libby,sinceyouwereniceenoughtobringit,”Violetsaid,huggingthe
otherwoman.“Itwassweetofyou.MamaandIhavehadabadday.”
“Mr.Kemptoldmeaboutit,”Libbyreplied.“I’msosorry.”
Violetshrugged.“Weallhavehardtimes.We’llgetthroughours.It’sjustthatit’sbroughtbackso
manyterriblememories.”
“Allmystepmother ’sfault,”Libbysaidcoldly.“CurtandIwouldlovetogetourhandsonher!”
“Takeanumberandgetinline,”Violetmusedwithmorbidhumor.
“Iseeyourpoint.”
“Comeonintothekitchen,andI’llfindsomeplates.Mama,Libby’shere,andshebroughtapizza,”
shecalledtohermotherinthelivingroom.

“Hello,Libby,”Mrs.Hardycalledback.“Thatwassweetofyou!”
“That’sjustwhatIsaid,Mama,”Violetteased.
SheledLibbyintothekitchen.
“Onewayoranother,mystepmotherhasmadesometerribleproblemsforallofus,”Libbysaid
somberly.“Butshemessedup.”
“How?”
“Mydadmusthavesuspectedsomething,becausehemadeanewwillandleftitwithararecoin
dealerinSanAntonio,”Libbyreplied.“Thecoincollectionhehadisthere,too.Mr.KempsaysCurt
andIwillbeabletopayoffourmortgageandgetourlivestockback.”
“Libby,that’swonderful!”Violetexclaimed.
“Yes.Wonderful.ButJulieMerrillhasbeenmakingmylifehelllately.She’sgotherclawsinto
Jordanandshewon’tletgo.HethinksI’mjustjealousandtryingtobreakthemup.Butit’smorethan
that,”shesaidgrimly.“She’sdangerous.She’sbeenspreadingallsortsofrumorsaboutCalhoun
Ballenger.HegotMr.Kemptofilesuitagainstherforslander.”
“GoodforCalhoun!”
Libbyhelpedputpizzaonplates.“IthoughtJordancaredaboutme,”shesaidmiserably.“Butthe
minuteJulieturnedonthecharm,hedroppedmeflat.Heevenletherinsultmewithoutsayinga
singlewordinmydefense.”
“I’mreallysorry,”Violettoldher.“IthoughtJordanwassmartenoughtoseethroughher.”
“She’sprettyandsmartandrich,”Libbymurmured.
“Andwhatareyou,hideous?”Violetchided.“YourpeoplewerefoundingfamiliesofJacobsville,and
you’reaparalegal.You’repretty,too.You’reworthtwoofJulieMerrill.”
Libbylookedlessstressed.Shesmiled.“Thanks,Violet.Ireallyhavemissedyou,”sheadded.“Idon’t
haveanybodyelsethatIcantalkto,exceptmybrother,andIcouldn’ttellhimhowIreallyfeelabout
Jordan.”
“Juliewillfallintothatdeepholeshe’sdiggingoneday,”Violettoldtheotherwoman.“Withany
luck,Janetwillfallintoonejustasdeep!”Shehesitated,rememberingwhatLibbyhadsaid.“Mr.
Kempisn’tgoingtogouptherealonetogetthosethings,ishe?Imean,Janetmighthavean
accomplice…”
“CashGrierisgoingwithhim,”Libbyinterrupted.
Violetlaughed.“I’llstopworryingrightnow.Nobodyisgoingtomesswithourchiefofpolice.”
“That’sgospel,”Libbyagreed.“AlthoughyoumightrememberthatMr.Kempwasanofficerinthe
reservesuntiljustrecently.He’snoshrinkingdaisy.”
“Iknow,”Violetreplied,smiling.“Rememberthosetwomenhethrewoutofouroffice?”
“I’mtryingtoforget!”
Theybothlaughed.

Thepizzawasdelicious.VioletwalkedoutwithLibbywhenshewasreadytoleave.
“Areyougoingtocomeback?”Libbyaskedtheotherwomanseriously.
“Yes,”Violetsaid.“IdreadhavingtotellMr.Wright,though,”sheadded.“Hewaskindtome.”
“Duke’snice.Hewon’tmind.HemaynotlikeMr.Kemp,buthelikesyou,”sheaddedwithasmile.
“I’llbethewon’tevenaskyoutoworkatwoweeknotice.”
“Thatwouldbenice.”Shewrappedherarmsaroundherself.Thenightwascool.“HasMr.Kemp

reallymissedme?”
Libbysmiled.“Hereallyhas.He’ssetnewrecordsforhostilityandimpatience.IthinkJessiequit
becauseshereachedtheendofherrope.Shecouldn’tpleasethebossnomatterwhatshedid.It
seemedtoMabelandmethatMr.Kempwastryingtomakeherleave.”
Violetsmileddelightedly.“I’vemissedhim,too,”sheconfessed.
Libbyhuggedher.“Weallknowhowyoufeelabouthim.Ithinkyou’vegotagoodchancewithhim,
Violet,”shesaidgently.“Iwouldn’tencourageyoutocomebackifIdidn’t.Iknowtoomuchabout
unrequitedlove.”
“YouandJordanaregoingtoworkoutoneday,too,”Violetassuredherfriend.“I’msureofit.”
“Chancewouldbeafinething,”Libbysighed.“Well,I’dbettergethome.Curt’shavinganightout
withtheboyssoIdon’thavetoworryabouthissupper,thankgoodness.”
“Yourbrother ’saniceman.”
“Heis,isn’the?”Libbygrinned.“Iwouldn’thavemindedyouforasister-in-law,youknow.Butyou
can’tgetpastlove.Iknow.I’vetried.”
“Itwillworkout,Libby,”Violettoldher.
“Somehow,”Libbyagreed.
“Thanksforthepizzaandthecompany.”
“You’reverywelcome.”
“I’llcallMr.Wrighttonight,”Violetadded,fullofexcitement.
“We’lllookforwardtohavingyoubackwheneveryoucancome,”Libbycalledonherwaytothecar.

VioletdidphoneDukeWright,andhedidwaivehertwoweeks’notice.Hewassorrytoloseher,he
added,butablindmancouldseehowshefeltaboutKemp.NotthatKempdeservedher,headded
wryly.Violetthankedhimandhungup.ShewasgoingtobesittingatherdeskwhenMr.Kempcame
inthenextmorning.Shecouldhardlywaittoseethelookonhisface!

KempandCashGrierwereontheirwaybackfromSanAntonioafterastopatthecoindealer ’sshop,
alocalattorney’soffice,andaquicklunch.KemphadsalvagedmorethanenoughofthelateRiddle
Collins’sassetstosaveLibbyandCurtCollinsfrombankruptcy.They’dbeabletopayofftheir
outstandingloanandhaveplentyleftovertoputinthebank.Thecoincollectiontheirfatherhadleft
themwasworthafortunebyitself.Butinadditiontoit,Kemphadfoundtwosavingsaccountsanda
newwillthattheirlatefatherhadplacedwiththecoindealerinSanAntonio.Apparently,hehadn’t
trustedhiswife,Janet,onebit,andhadplannedforherlegalshenanigansafterhisdeath.He’dassured
thathischildrenwouldn’tbeleftpenniless.
“Isn’tgreedamazing?”Kempmurmuredaloud,havingtoldGrierthebarebonesoftheshamefulway
Janethadtreatedherstepchildren.
“Itis,”Griersaid.“I’veneverunderstoodit.Ilikehavingenoughtoprovidearoofovermyheadand
theoccasionalnightatthetheater,butthereareplentyofthingsIwouldn’tconsiderdoingevento
makemyselfrich.”
“Samehere.”Kempglancedattheoldermancuriously.
“Somethingbotheringyou?”Grierasked.
“I’msurprisedatthewayyou’vefitinhere,”herepliedwithafaintsmile.“Youdoknowthewhole

town’stalkingaboutyourdefenseofyourtwopatrolofficers—theonesthemayoristryingtofire.”
“Ilikecontroversyifit’sinagoodcause,”Griersaid.Hegrinned.“I’mnotlettingthemfiregood
officersfordoingtheirjobs.”
“You’vegotsomedrugtraffickersontherunaswell,”Kempmused.“You’reshakingupourlittle
community.Ilikethechanges.Sodoalotofotherpeople.”
“I’mglad,butIdidn’ttakethejobtowinapopularitycontest.”
“Whydidyou?”Kempaskedevenly.
Griersighed.“I’mtiredoflivingontherun,”heconfessed,gazingoutthewindowwhileKemp
drove.“I’mfeelingmyage.IthinkImightputdownrootshere.”
“WithTippy?”Kempfished.
Grierdidn’tflyathim,ashe’dexpected.Theoldermanfrownedslightly.“She’snotwhatsheseems,”
herepliedquietly.“I’vemisjudgedherbadly.Idon’tknowthatshe’dbewillingtotakemeon,once
she’sbackonherfeetandabletoworkagain.Inanycase,Ican’tletherfaroutofmysightrightnow.
Notuntilthatthirdkidnapperisincustody,”headdedcoldly.“IfheturnsupinJacobsvilleandmakes
atryforher,he’dbettercarrylifeinsurance.”
“Itwouldtakeastupidcriminaltodothat.”
“I’velockedupalotofguyswhoaren’trocketscientists,”Griersaiddrolly,withaspeakingglanceat
Kemp.
Kempchuckled.“I’vedefendedafairnumberwhoweren’t,too,”hehadtoagree.“Whichreminds
me,ifyouwantmetodefendyourpatrolofficersatthehearing,I’lldoitprobono.”
“Thanks,”Griertoldhim.“ButI’vegotabigsurpriseforthecitycouncilwhentheymeetforthat
hearing.”
“Iforgot.You’rerelatedtotheHartboys,aren’tyou?”
Griergrinned.“They’remycousins.”
“AndSimonHartisourstateattorneygeneral,”headded,laughing.“ThenIdon’tneedtooffermy
services.Iwon’ttrytoguesswhoyou’rebringingwithyou.”
“Youwon’tneedtoguess,”Griersaid.Hestretchedlazily.“Ineedafewdaysoff.Oncetheelectionis
overandthedisciplinaryhearingisdecided,I’mgoingtotakesometimeoff.Tippy’slittlebrotheris
comingdownheresoon.Helikestofish.MaybeheandIcanstakeoutariverbankforafewhours
andtakesomefreshfishhometoTippyfordinner.”
“Canshecook?”Kempasked,surprised.
“Indeedshecan,”hereplied.“You’dbeamazedathowdomesticsheis.”Hiseyesweresoft.“She
looksrightathomeinakitchen.Icouldgetusedtoseeingheracrossatablefortherestofmylife.”
Kempfeltuneasy.Grier,anolderandloneliermanthanhimself,wasapparentlythinkingsolemnly
aboutastableandsharedfuturewithawoman.Kempthoughtofmarriageanditmadehim
uncomfortable.
“I’mnotinthemarketforawife,”Kempsaidaloud.“Ilikemyownspace,myowncompany.”
Griergavehimagrin.“Iusedtobethatway,too.There’salwaystheonewomanwhocanchange
yourmind.”
Kempshrugged.“Notforme.I’vebeenthatrouteonce.Ineverwanttogooverthesameground
again.”
“Nothingwrongwithbeingaloner,”Griersaid.“Untilrecentdays,Ifeltthatway,too.”
“Tippy’sabeauty.”
“She’sgotagoodbrain,andshe’saquickhandinanemergency,”Griertoldhim.“It’snotabout
looks.”

“Sorry,”Kempsaidbelatedly.“Iwasthinkingoutloud.”
“Ihearyournewsecretaryquit,”Griermused.
“Shecouldn’tspell,”Kempmuttered.“It’snoloss.”
“Whatareyougoingtodo,haveLibbyandMabeldoubleuponworkagain?”
“Violetmightcomeback.”
Grierpursedhislips.“Ithoughtshewaskeenonhavingyouforabarbecueastheentrée.”
Kempshrugged.“We’respeakingagain.”Hetriednottoletitshowthattheyweredoingalotmore
thanthat.
“Ifyousayso.”
“IcangetanothersecretarywheneverIneedone,”Kempaddeddoggedly.
“Doestheemploymentagencyknowthis?”
Kempgavehimaglare.“Justbecausetheyhunguponmedoesn’tmeantheydon’twantmy
business.”
“I’msure.”
“Anyway,ifVioletcomesback,allmyproblemswillbesolved,”hesaid.“AndnowthatI’vegot
RiddleCollins’ssecretstashinthatsuitcase,LibbyandCurtCollinswillbeoutofdebtandbackin
theirownhomeagain.”
“Thatwon’tsuitJulieMerrill,”Griermurmuredcoolly.“She’shotafterJordanPowell’smoney.
PoorLibby.”
“PoorJulie,ifyoucangetherwhereweallwanther,”Kempsaid.
“I’mworkingonthat,”Grierassuredhim.“Onewayoranother,I’mgoingtoputthelastofthedrug
carteloutofbusinessinJacobsville.”
“Withmyblessing,”Kempreplied,smiling.

KempcameintohisofficeearlythenextmorningwithRiddle’sstashandshowedittoLibby,who’d
comeinearlyfortheoccasion.Shewasecstaticastheywentovertheproofofherfather ’slovefor
herandCurt.
Afewminuteslater,KempstartedoutforthecourthousetofiletherevisedwillRiddlehadleft.When
hewalkedintotheouteroffice,thefirstthinghesawwasViolet,sittingatherdesk.
HisexpressionwasenoughtofeedViolet’shungryheart.Shesmiled,flushedandbeamedupathim.
“YousaidIcouldcomeback,”sheremindedhimbrightly.
“Yes,Idid,”hereplied,smiling.“Areyoustaying?”
Shenodded.
“Howaboutmakingafreshpotofcoffee?”heasked.
“Regular?”
“Halfandhalf,”hereplied,avertinghiseyes.“Toomuchcaffeineisn’tgoodforme.”
Hewentoutthedoor,leavingVioletwithherjawdropping.
“Itoldyouhemissedyou!”Libbywhisperedmischievouslyasshefollowedthebossontothe
sidewalk.

Asthedaywenton,Kempfoundhimselflookingforexcusestogotothefrontofhisoffice.Hewent
throughtwopotsofcoffee,becausethatwasthebestexcusehehad.Violetwaswearingasassyblue

dressthatemphasizedhernice,roundedfigure.Itwasfairlylowcutinfront,andwithherfrosted
darkhairandherimproveduseofmakeup,shewasenoughtoturnanyman’shead.
LibbyandMabelnoticedhissuddeninterestinthecoffeepotwithsubduedhumor.Theydidn’twantto
embarrassViolet,whoflushedeverytimethebosscameclose.
ItwasalmostinevitablethatVioletstayedjustafewminuteslongerthanMabelandLibbyattheendof
theday.
Shetidiedupherdeskandslowlygatheredherpurseandsweater.Blakecameouttothefrontoffice
andstood,openlystaringather,withhishandsinhispocketsandanodd,intentlookintheblueeyes
behindhistrendyspectacles.
“Areyouinarushtogethome?Canyouphoneyourmotherandtellheryou’llbeafewminutes
late?”headded.
“Of…ofcourse,”shestammered.Thewayhewaslookingathermadehertinglefromheadtotoe.
Shefumbledthephonetoherearanddialed,hereyeseatingherhandsomebossallthewhile.
Shetoldhermothershe’dbeafewminuteslate,tryingnottoreactobviouslytoherparent’s
amusement.
Blakeheldouthishand.Violetdroppedherpurseandsweateronherchairandwenttohim,letting
himleadherbacktohisoffice.
Heclosedthedoorandpulledherhungrilyintohisarms.Shesighedwithpuredelightashishard
mouthfoundherlipsandheliftedherintoanevenmoreintimateembrace.
“I’vemissedyou,”hegroundoutagainstherresponsivelips.
“I’vemissedyou…too,”shewhisperedback.
“Comehomewithme,”hesuggestedhuskily.
Sheknewwhathewasreallysuggesting,anditwasn’tsupper.Shewantedtogowithhim.Shewanted
tobewithhim.Butshewashesitant.
Hefeltherhesitation.Heletherslidedownhishardbodyandhestaredintohereyeshungrily.
“Well?”
Sheswallowed.Hergazewasonhisbroadchest,becauseshecouldn’tlookhimintheeyeandrefuse
him.
“Whatareyouofferingme,Blake?”sheaskedquietly.
Hescowled.“Arewebargainingforsex?”
Shestaredupathim,dumbfounded.“Isthatallyouwantfromme?”
Hewasconfused.Usuallylogicalandcoolinhisthinking,nowhewaslikeayoungmanonthebrink
ofhisfirstaffair.
“Idon’twanttogetmarried,Violet,”hesaidgently.“Youknowthat.”
Sheswallowedhard.“Yes.You’vealreadysaidthat.ButIdon’twanttobeyourmistress.”
Hisjawtensed.“Idon’trecallaskingyoutobe.”
“Whatwouldyoucallit,then?”Violetaskedsadly.“Youwanttosleepwithme,withnoties,isn’tthat
thetruth?”
Hestuckhishandsinhisslackspocketsandletoutalongsigh.
“Mymotherisold-fashioned,”shecontinued.“Sheraisedmetothinkofsexassomethingthatgoes
handinhandwithloveandmarriage.Itwouldbreakherhearttohavemesettleforapurelyphysical
liaisonwithanyman,especiallyyou.”Shelookedupathimmiserably.“Jacobsvilleisasmalltown,
Blake.Everybodywouldknow.”
“I’mnotaslavetopublicopinion,”hesaidharshly,feelinghimselfloseground.
“Yes,butIam,”shereplied.Shesteppedback,feelingasuddencoldnessinhismanner.Itwasn’twhat

she’dexpectedwhenshecameinherewithhim.She’dhopedthathemightcometoloveher.They’d
beensocloseathishouse.Nowtheywerelikestrangers.
Hewasfurious.Hewasconfused.Thiswomanhadcausedhimmoreinnerturmoilthanhe’dknown
sincethedeathofhisfiancée,yearsbefore.Helovedhisfreedom.Buthehatedthethoughtoflosing
Violet.
“Violet,”hebeganslowly,“Iwasengagedonce.Ilovedhermorethanlife.AfterIlosther,Ididn’t
wanttogoonliving.”Hefrowned.“I…can’tgothroughthatagain.”
Shelookedupintohisturbulenteyes.“Whywouldyouhaveto?Youdon’tloveme,”shesaid
miserably.“Youonlywantme.”
Sheturnedandwenttothedoor.
Beforeshecouldopenit,hishandcoveredhersonthedoorknob.“Wait.”
“Ishouldneverhavereturnedheretowork,”shesaid.“I’llgobacktoMr.Wright.Youcanget
anothertemporarysecretarytofillinuntilyoureplaceme.”
“No!”
Tearsblurredherblueeyes.She’dneverbeensomiserableinherlife.“Justletmego,please!”
Hemovedhishand.Secondslater,shewasoutthefrontdoorandgone.Hestoodaloneinhisoffice,
feelingemptyandcold.Shewantedsomethinghecouldn’tgiveher.Whycouldn’twomenbelike
men,hewonderedangrily,andjustenjoythepresentwithoutaskingforsolemnvowsofforever?
Hewenthomeinasnitandmadesupperforhimselfandthecats.Theygavehimoddlooks,asifthey
sensedhisinnerturmoil.
Heglaredatthem.“Don’tyoustart,”hemuttered.Meerubbedagainsthislegs.Yowsatwatchinghim
withblueaccusingeyes.“Great,”hemuttered.“NowI’mtalkingtocats!”
Hefinishedhismeagersupperandtriedtogetinterestedinatelevisionprogram,buthisbodyached
withthoughtsofVioletinhisarms.Hewasn’tgivingin,though.Ifshethoughtshe’dgethiminfront
ofaministerbyholdingoutphysically,shewasdeadwrong.
Hecouldn’tforgettheironetimeofintimacy,thebeautyandjoyofpossessingher.Ithadbeena
perfectphysicalinterlude.
Thenherememberedsomethingelsehe’dtriedtoforget.They’dhadunprotectedsex.WhatifViolet
gotpregnant?
Hesatupstraight,hiseyeswideandstunnedatjustthethought.Whatwouldtheydo?Heknewfora
factthatVioletwouldneverbeabletogotoaclinic.She’dinsistonhavingthechild.Hehadahorror
ofchildren.He’dnevergottenoverthefactthatShannonhadbeencarryinghischildwhenshedied.It
hadwarpedhisattitudetowardpregnancy.Hethoughtofchildrenandherememberedhowhefelt
whenheknewhischildhaddiedwiththewomanheloved.Itbroughtbacknightmaresofpain.Violet
wouldn’tunderstandthat.Shewantedhappilyeverafter.Allhewantedwasrelieffromthenagging
physicalhungerthatwastakinghimover.
Butifshewaspregnant,hecouldn’tdeserther.Notonlywoulditbeunworthyofhimasaman,it
wouldreflectbadlyonhischaracterinatownthesizeofJacobsville.ThegossipwouldruinViolet’s
reputationandtheshamemightwellkillhermother,consideringMrs.Hardy’sfragilehealth.
Hecursedunderhisbreath.Ifhe’dneverinvitedViolethomewithhim,noneofthiswouldeverhave
happened.Whycouldn’thehavejustlethergoandleftitatthat?He’dlandedtheminhellwithhis
uncontrollablepassion.Hecouldn’tblamethatonViolet.Allthesame,hedidn’tknowwhathewas
goingtodo.
Buthecouldn’tletherquit.Notuntilheknewabouthercondition.Hepickedupthephoneand
punchedinhernumber.

Violethadmanagedtohidehermiseryfromhermother.SheknewthatBlakewouldn’tmindifshe
quitagain.Itwouldprobablybearelieftohim.Hewantedherandhecouldn’thaveheronhisterms.
PerhapsitwouldmakethingseasierifshewentbacktoworkforDuke.Sheshouldpickupthephone
andcallhim,rightnow…
Thephonerang,makingherjump.Shepickeditupwithoutthinking.
“Hello?”shesaid.
“Don’tquit,”Blakesaidquietly.
Herheartjumpedupintoherthroat.“Excuseme?”shestammered.
“Let’stakeitonedayatatime,Violet.Allright?”heasked,andheactuallysoundedasifhewas
rethinkingthefuture.
Shefeltreborn.Herspiritsoared.Shecouldhardlycontainthehappinessshefelt.“Allright,”shesaid
onasoftlaugh.“Onedayatatime!”

Eight

Fordays,VioletandBlakewerehesitantaroundeachother.Hewasthesoulofcourtesy.Hedidn’t
curseoryell.Hedidn’tthrowanyoneoutoftheoffice.Heseemedtobeachangedman.
Violetlovedthetendernessheshowedher.Heneverraisedhisvoiceormadesarcasticcomments
aboutherwork.Buthewasn’tforwardinanyway,either,andhedidn’ttouchher.Heseemedtobe
waitingforsomething,watching.Violetwonderedwhy.
JulieMerrillwasarrestedfortheattemptedarsonofLibbyandCurtCollins’shousethefollowing
Saturday,andCashGrierhadabigsurpriseforthecitycouncilattheMondaydisciplinaryhearing.
Thepatrolofficerswereexoneratedandthemayorwasembarrassedfortryingtoforcethemto
retractdrunkdrivingchargesagainsthisuncle,StateSenatorMerrill.
Thenextdaywastheprimaryelections.CalhounBallengerwontheDemocraticnominationaway
fromSenatorMerrillinahugeupset,andthemayorlosthisjobinaspecialelectionwonbyformer
mayorEddieCane.ItwasagreatdayforJacobsville.
ButonWednesdaymorning,Violetlostherbreakfastattheoffice.Blake,walkingpastthebathroom,
heardherretching.Hefeltsickhimself.Violetwashealthyasahorse.Ifshewasthrowingup,there
couldonlybeoneexplanation.Shehadtobepregnant.
Itwastheendoftheworld.Blakewentaroundfortherestofthedayinadaze.SodidViolet.He
overheardMabelandLibbymurmuringaboutViolet’sboutofsicknessandherupcomingdoctor ’s
appointment.TheyclammedupimmediatelywhenBlakewalkedintotheroom.Itdidn’ttakemuchto
figureoutthatifVioletwaspregnant,herbosswasresponsible.Afterall,whoelsehadVioletbeen
crazyaboutforayear?Moreimportantly,whohadshebeenalonewithlately?Itdidn’ttakealotof
guesswork.

Violetwaspanic-strickenaftershelostherbreakfast.ShephonedDr.LouColtrain’sofficeandmade
anappointment,alltooawarethatMabelandLibbycouldhearherdoingit.Shetoldthemshethought
shehadavirusandshewasafraidofgivingittohermother.Buttheyweresuspiciousanditshowed.
ShedrovetoLou’sofficeafterwork,leavingLibbyandMabeltocloseup.ShesworeDr.Coltrainto
secrecybeforesheevenmentionedhersymptoms.Lougaveheraworriedlookasshehadhernurse
drawbloodforasimplepregnancytest.
“Onetime,”VioletchokedwhenLougavehertheresultsofthetestafewminuteslater.
“Onetimeisallittakes,”Lousaidruefully.“Oh,Violet.”
“WhatamIgoingtodo?”theyoungerwomangroaned,withherfaceinherhands.“Ican’tevenstep
onants,Lou!”
Theotherwomanpattedhershouldersympathetically.“I’msureonceBlakeknows…”
Violetgaveherahorrifiedlook.
“Whoelsecoulditbe?”Louaskedreasonably.“He’stheonlymanyoucareabout,andyouspenthalf
adayathishouse,”sheadded,smilingruefullywhenVioletflushed.“Well,onthepositiveside,it
won’tbedifficulttofindyourduedate.”
“Hedoesn’twantchildren,”Violetsaid.“Hedoesn’tevenwantanythingpermanent.Hesaidso…!”
Loueasedherbackdownintothechairshe’dboltedfrom.“Don’tpanic.”
“Mymotherhasalreadyhadastroke!Sheraisedmetobegood…!”
“Peoplearehuman,”Louinterrupted.“Yourmotherisn’tgoingtodisownyouorthrowyououtinto

thestreet.”
“Everyonewillknow,”Violetgroaned.Shedrewinashakybreath.“IcouldmoveuptoSan
Antonio,”shebegan.
“Thatwouldmakeitevenworse,”Louassuredher.“AndleaveBlaketofacethemusicallalone.”She
pursedherlipsandherdarkeyesflashed.“Maybethat’snotsuchabadthing.Ithoughtbetterofhim.
He’sintelligentenoughtoknowaboutusingprotection.Hecouldn’thavethoughtyouwere
experienced!”
Theflushgotworse.“AmIwearingasign?”
“It’sasmalltown,”Loupointedout.“Youaren’tpromiscuous.”
Violetdrewinanotherbreath.“Idon’tknowwhattodo.”
“Gohomeandeathealthy.I’llprescribevitamins.YouneedtobeinthecareofagoodOB/GYN
specialistaswell.IknowoneinVictoriaIcansendyouto,”sheaddedwhenVioletlookedevenmore
terrified.“She’sdiscreet.”
Violetgroundherteethtogether.“Thisisn’thowIplannedmylife.”
“Lifeiswhathappenswhenyoumakeotherplans,”Louquoted.Shefrowned.“Idon’trememberwho
saidthat,butit’sabsolutelytrue.”ShegaveVioletalong,smilinglook.“You’llmakeawonderful
mother.”
Amother!Intheterrorofthemoment,Violethadlosttrackofthings.Butnowsherealizedthatthere
wouldbeaminiatureversionofherselforBlake.Shefelt…odd.Herhandswenttoherflatstomach
inwonder.Therewasababyinsideher!
“Nowyou’regettingthepicture.”Loulaughed.“There’snothingquitelikethefeelingawomangets
whensherealizesthere’satinylifeinsideherbody.WhenIknewIwaspregnant,Icouldhardly
believeit,”sheadded.“Iwasexcited,andthenafraid,andthenIwalkedaroundinadazeof
daydreams.”Hereyesmisted.“Itwasthehappiestninemonthsofmylife.Icanhardlywaittodoitall
overagain,butwewantedtowaituntilourlittleboywasolder.It’shardtohandleababyanda
toddlerandaprofession,allatthesametime.”
Violetsmiled,feelingtornbyemotions.“I’vealwayswantedchildren.Ijusthoped…well,I’dhave
likedbeingmarried.”
“TellBlakeandyouwillbe,”Lousuggested.
Violetshookherhead.“Ican’ttellhim.Notnow.Maybenotever.”
“Hehasanobligationtohelpsupporthischild,Violet,”Lousaidfirmly.“Youdidn’tgetpregnantall
byyourself.Asforkeepingitfromhim,thatisn’tgoingtobepossible.Notinatownthissmall.For
onething,”shesaid,“whenyougetthisprescriptionfilled,everybodyinthepharmacyisgoingto
knowwhat’sgoingon,”sheadded,writingitout.“It’sforprenatalvitamins.”
Violethadthatbasecovered,atleast.“I’lldriveuptoVictoriaandgetitfilled,”shesaiddoggedly.
“Allright,ostrich,hideyourheadinthesandwhileyoucan,”Lousaidamusedly.
“Icandothis,”shesaidfirmly.
“Sureyoucan,”Louhumoredher.ShehandedViolettheprescription.“Noheavyliftingforthefirst
trimester.Andgetplentyofsleep.”
“Plentyofsleep.Right,”Violetmuttered,foreseeingsleeplessnessthatmightneverend,from
worryingaboutherconditionandhermother ’shealth.
Loupattedhershoulder.“Youwon’tbelieveme,butinfiveorsixmonths,you’regoingtolookback
onthisdayandsmile.”
“IfIwereagambler,I’dtakeyouuponthat,”Violetsaidheavily.“Butthanks,Dr.Lou.”
LouwatchedhergowithworriedeyesthatVioletdidn’tsee.ShewonderedhowintheworldViolet

wasgoingtomanage.

BlakeknewthatViolethadbeentoseeLouColtrainbecausehe’dseenhercomingoutofLou’soffice
onhiswayhomefromwork.Thevisit,combinedwiththehuntedlookonViolet’sfacewhenshe
cameintoworkthenextday,toldthewholestory.Hecursedhimselfforwhathe’ddonetothemboth.
Ifhe’dkepthishead,ifhe’dusedprotection,if,if,if…!Nowhewasgoingtobeafatherandhehad
tomarrythemotherofhischildordisgracehimselfandMrs.HardyaswellasViolet.Hehatedthe
wholeideaofgivinguphisfreedom.Hehatedtheideaofachildinhislife.Hewasn’tfamilyman
material.
Buthewasaresponsiblemanandhehadaconscience.Hewasgoingtohavetoact.Hedidn’twant
Violetdoingsomethingdesperate.
Ifhetoldherthatheknewabouthercondition,she’dknowthathewasaskinghertomarryhimoutof
dutyandshe’drefuse.Sohehadtohidehisrealfeelingsandpretendtohaveachangeofheartwhile
therewasstilltime.Hehadapokerface.Hecouldpullitoff.Afterall,whatchoicedidhehave?
Whenitwasquittingtime,hewentouttothemainoffice.“Violet,howaboutacupofcoffeeanda
steakandsaladatBarbara’sCafé?”heaskedcarelessly.“Youcantakeasaladhometoyourmother.”
LibbyandMabelhiddelightedsmiles,saidtheirgood-nights,andleftatoncetogivethecouplesome
privacy.
Violetstaredatherbosscuriously.“Supper?Withyou?”shestammered.
Heforcedasmile.“Supperwithme.Areyougame?”
“Peoplewilltalk.”
Heshrugged.“So?”
Shefeltalittlebetter.Atleasthelikedherenoughthathewasn’tbackingawayfromgossip.Maybe
therewasalittlehopeforthefutureafterall.Shesmiled.“I’dloveto!”
“Good.Callyourmotherandwe’llwalkovertoBarbara’safterwelockup.”
“I’lldoitrightnow!”

Barbaraservedthreemealsaday,andhercaféwasalwayscrowdedafterquittingtime.Todaywasno
exception.WhenVioletwalkedinwithBlakeKemp,conversationmutedatonceandalleyesturned
towardthecoupleinthebuffetline.
Theychosesteaksandsalads,andVioletplacedanordertogoforhermother.Butsheinsistedon
payingforherownorder,toBlake’sdismay.
“Talkaboutindependentwomen,”Blakemurmureddrylyastheysatdowntoeat.
“Mamaraisedmethatway,”Violetsaidsimply,smiling.“Shesaidweneedtodependonourselves
andnotimposeonotherpeople.”
“Ineverthoughtofsteakasanimposition,”hemused.
Shelaughed.“Thanksfortheoffer,anyway,”shereplied.
Hefinishedhissaladinshortorderandstartedonhissteak.Hedidn’tusecondiments.Henoticedthat
Violetdidn’t,either.
“Whatsortofmusicdoyoulike?”heaskedabruptly.
Shehesitatedwithapieceofsteakhalfwaytohermouth.“Ilikecountry-westernandclassical.And
somehardrock,”sheaddedimpishly.

Helaughed.“Actually,sodoI.”
“Doyouliketoread?”
Henodded.“Ilikeancienthistoryandbiographies.”
Shesmiledsheepishly.“Ilikewomen’sfictionandbooksaboutgardeningandgourmetcooking.”
Hesearchedhereyes.“Yourmothersaidyoulikeastronomy.”
“Ido,”sheagreed.“ButIcan’taffordatelescope.”
Heleanedforward.“Ihaveatwelve-inchSchmidt-Cassegrain.”
Thatwasanexpensivecompositetelescope,partrefractorandpartreflector.She’ddreamedof
owningsomethingsolargeandefficient.Shegasped.“Youdo?”
Helaughed.“Ispendalotoftimeoutsideatnight.SinceIlivesofaroutoftown,Idon’thave
problemswithlightpollution.”
“I’llbetyoucanseethecratersonthemoon,”shesighed.
“Icanseeinsidethem,”hecorrected.
Shewhistledsoftly.“I’dlovetolookthroughit.”
“Wecanarrangethat.ThinkyoucouldgetusedtotwowarlikeSiamesecats?”
“IlikeMeeandYow,”shereplied,curious.
Hestareddownathisplate.“I’vebeengivingalotofthoughttooursituation,”hesaidfinally.“Since
youleftandwenttoworkforWright,myprioritieshavechanged.I’mnotashappybeingaloneasI
usedtobe.”
Sheputdownherforkandsatjuststaringathim.Herheartwasbeatinghertodeath.Couldhe
mean…?
Heliftedhiseyestohers.“IsaidthatIwasn’tamarryingman.Andatthetime,Ibelievedit.ButIlike
havingyouaround.”Hisgazefelltohermouthandhiseyesdarkened.“Infact,I’dlikehavingyou
aroundmorethanjustatwork.”
“Idon’tunderstand,”shefaltered.
Hereachedforherhandandcurledherfingersintohis.Helookedintoherblueeyesandfeltasifhe
weredrowning.“Ithinkwemightgetengaged,”hesaid,tryingtofindtherightwordsandfailing
miserably.
“Youandme?”sheexclaimed.
“Youandme,”heagreed.Heslidhisfingersoverhers.“Violet,wehavealotincommon.Ithink
we’llfindalotmoreaswegoalong.”Hisvoicelowered.“Andphysically,there’snoquestionof
compatibility.”
Sheflushedsoftly.“But,yousaidyoudidn’teverwanttogetmarried,andthatyou’dneverwant
children…”
“Amansaysalotofstupidthingswhenhe’stryingtoholdontoacomfortableroutine,Violet,”he
replied.“I’maloner.It’sbeenhardformetoeventhinkaboutchangingmylife,inanyway.”
“Youdon’tloveme,though,”sheblurtedout.
Hecouldn’tpretendto.Itwouldlooklikealie.Violetwasperceptive.Hisfingerscurledaroundhers.
“Friendshipandaffectioncanleadtoit,”hesaidgently.“Ican’tgiveyouanyguaranteesabout
happilyeverafter.ButIcanpromiseyouaffectionandcompanionshipandrespect.Therestwillfall
intoplace.Iknowitwill.Giveitachance.Sayyes.”
Shehesitated.Itdidn’tsoundgenuine.Hewasn’tpretendingundyinglove,buthewasn’tpromising
much.Shecouldgetcompanionshipandaffectionfromadogoracat.WhatshewantedfromBlake
wasmuchmore.Whatsortofmarriagewoulditbeifhedidn’tloveher,asshelovedhim?He
obviouslyenjoyedherphysically,buteverybodysaidthatpassionworeitselfouteventually.Afterit

wasgone,whatwouldBlakehaveleftifhedidn’tloveheraswellaswanther?
“You’rethinkingittodeath,”heaccused.“Listentome.I’mtiredoflivingalone.I’mwillingtotakea
chanceifyouare.Ifthingsdon’tworkout,it’snoproblem.We’llgoourseparateways.”Hewas
alreadythinkingahead;ifsheturnedoutnottobepregnant,therewasnoreasontothinkhe’dhaveto
staymarriedtoher.Buthewasn’tabouttoadmitthat.
“Youmean,we’dgetadivorce,”shesaid.
Heshrugged.“Sometimesthingsdon’tworkout.I’mnotsayingIthinkwewouldn’tmakeit,Violet.
I’mofferingyouawayout,justincase.”
“Isn’tthatsortoflikehavingafireenginestandbyincasethere’severafire?”shefished.
Hechuckled.“No.It’snot.”Hestudiedherwarmly.“Comeon.Givein.Youcanhaveanysortof
engagementringyoulike,andI’llevenletyousignanironcladagreementthatyou’llneverleaveme
toworkforanyoneelseeveragain.”
“WhywouldIsignsuchanagreement?”sheexclaimed.
“Formypeaceofmind,ofcourse,”hetoldherdryly.“You’dwantmetobehappy,wouldn’tyou?”
Shelostherapprehensionandlaughedwithhim.“That’sawful.”
“Givemetime.I’llgetevenworsewithage,”hepromised.
“Whatahorriblethought!”
“I’llpromisenottothrowdictionariesatyou,”headded.
“You’veneverthrownoneatme,”sherecalled.Shehesitated.“Youdidn’tthrowoneatJessie?”
“Itwasathinone,”heassuredher.“Paperback,andabridged.”
Sheburstoutlaughing.“Nowondershequit!”
“Oh,thatwasn’taboutthedictionary,”hesaideasily.“ThatwasafterIpouredcoffeeoverabriefshe
typed.”
Shegapedathim,waitingforanexplanation.
“Ithadtwospellingerrorsperline.Iwantedtomakesuresheknewtoredoit.”
“Youcouldn’thavejustasked?”
“Toodemeaning,”hesaid.“Mywayworkedmuchbetter.”
“Yourwaymadeherquit!”
“Soyoucouldcomeback,”hepointedout.“Shewouldn’thavequitifI’djustaskedhertoretypethe
brief,wouldshe?”
Shereallylikedhim.Itwassurprisinghowcomfortableshefeltwithhim,now,eventhoughhe
excitedheralmostbeyondbearing.Itwouldbetakingachance,shesupposed,tomarryhim.Butshe
didn’thaveenoughwillpowertorefuse.Perhapsshecouldteachhimtoloveher,ifsheworkedatit.
Atthemoment,shefeltasifshecoulddoanything.Herheartwassoaringwithdelight.
Herfreehandcoveredhis.“Imustsaveotherwomenfromyou,”shesaidfacetiously.“SoIsuppose
I’llhavetomarryyou,afterall.”
Hefeltfunnyinthepitofhisstomach.Hewaswillingtomarryheroutofasenseofduty,although
shewouldn’tknowit.Butwhensheagreedtoit,hefeltsuddenlylighterthanair.Hefeltlikethe
luckiestmanalive.Thatwasabsurd.Hedidn’tloveher.Hewantedher.Herememberedsuddenlythe
feelofhereager,untriedbodyunderhisonthelivingroomcarpetandhischeeksreflectedaruddy
color.
“Whatisit?”sheasked,curious.
“Iwasrememberingmycarpet.”
Ittookaminute,butsheremembered,too.Herownfaceflushed.
Helaughedsoftly,wickedly.“Atleast,inthatdepartmentwe’reverycompatible,aren’twe,Violet,”he

taunted.
“Devil!”sheaccused,glancingaroundtomakesurenobodyheardhim.
“It’sokay.We’realoneontheplanet,”heassuredherinamockwhisper.“We’reinvisibletotherest
ofhumanity.Thatbeingthecase,howdoyoufeelaboutlinoleum?”heaskedwithaspeculative
glancetowardthefloor.
“BlakeKemp!”sheexclaimed,smackinghimonthearm.
Hegrinnedather.Itwasagenuinesmile.He’dneverfeltsuchpleasureinawoman’scompany.Well,
notsinceShannon.ThethoughtofShannonwipedthesmilefromhisfaceandlefthimhaunted.
Shesawthat,andherfacefell.“Something’swrong,isn’tit?”
Hecouldn’ttellherthetruth.“Iwasthinkingaboutyourmother,”helied.
“Oh.Oh,dear!”Shebitherlip.“Blake,Ican’tleaveheralone.Iwouldn’tdare.”
“Howwouldyoufeelabouthavingsomeonestaywithher,aroundtheclock,ifwevisitedheroften?”
heasked,lookingforcompromises.
“Idon’tknow…”
“Wewon’tgetmarriedinthenexttwodays,”hesaidwithacomfortingsmile.“We’vegotplentyof
timetoworksomethingout.”
“Yes,”shemurmured,butshewaswonderingwhathemeantaboutplentyoftime.Hedidn’tsoundas
ifhewasexpectingtomarryhersoon.
Heletgoofherhandandreachedforhiscoffeecup.“Don’tborrowworries,Violet,”hechided
gently.“Everythingfallsintoplace,giventime.”
“Isupposeso.”
“Wantdessert?”heasked.
Shegrimaced.“Notreally,”sheconfessed.“It’stoohardtoworkitoffonceIgainit.”Thenshe
rememberedthatshewasgoingtobegainingalotofweight,soon,andherspiritsdrooped.Her
hormoneswerealreadyreflectingherpregnancy.Shewasgoingtogothroughalotmorechangesin
thenearfuture.
“Ilikethewayyoulook,”hesaid,hisvoicedeepandsoft.
Sheliftedworriedeyestohis.“Doyou,honestly?”
Henodded.
Shefinishedherowncoffee,justasJan,theyoungwomanwhoworkedforBarbara,broughtMrs.
Hardy’ssupperinabagforViolet.
“ShouldwetellMamayet?”sheaskedBlake.
Hehesitated.Hewasstillgettingusedtotheideaofhavingtogetmarried.Hedidn’twanttotell
anybody.
“Wecouldwait,afewdays,atleast,”shesuggested.
“Doyouwantto?”hereplied,surprised.
“Yes,”shesaidfirmly.“Ineedtimetogetusedtotheideamyself,”sheconfessedwithashysmile.
Shedidn’taddthatshedidn’tthinkhewasseriousaboutgettingmarried,andshedidn’twanther
mothertobedisappointedincasehefoundareasontobackoutofit.Maybeithadbeenanimpulse,
askinghertomarryhim,andhewasalreadyregrettingit.
“Ifthat’swhatyouwant,”heagreedeasily.

Hewalkedhertohercar.Theparkinglotwascrowdedandhewasn’tkeentogivelocalcitizensany

morereasonforgossip.Hecaughtherhandandtouchedittohislips.“I’llseeyouinthemorning,”
hesaid.
“Right.Ienjoyedsupper,”sheaddedwithashysmile.
“SodidI.We’llhavetospendmoretimetogether.Idon’tknowmuchaboutyou,doI?”heasked
gently.
“Idon’tknowalotaboutyou,either.”
“Allthemorereason.”Hecheckedhiswatch.“I’vegottogo.I’mexpectingaphonecallaboutacase,
athome.It’salmosttime.Seeyoutomorrow.”
“Yes.”Shewouldhavesaidmore,buthewasalreadywalkingaway.Hedidn’tbreakstrideuntilhe
reachedhiscar,andhedidn’tlookback.
Violetwatchedhimdriveawaywithanoddsenseofforeboding.Hedidn’tactlikeanewlyengaged
man.Hedidn’tactlikeamaneagertomarry,either.Shegotintohercaranddrovehome.Shewas
moredeterminedthanevernottomentiontheirso-calledengagementtohermother.

Therestoftheweekdraggedon,withVioletsuccessfullyhidinghermorningsicknessbothfromher
motherandherco-workers,andBlake.
ItworriedherthatBlakedidn’tannouncetheirengagement,ortreatheranydifferently.Shegrew
depressed,anditshowed.
Blakenoticed.Fridayafternoon,heheldVioletbackafterMabelandLibbyleft.Helockedthefront
door,drewherintohisofficeandclosedthatdoor,too.
Sometimes,asacrificewascalledfor.ThatwaswhathetoldhimselfwhenhedrewVioletintohis
armsandbenttokissherwithforcedenthusiasm.
Buttheminutehefelthersoftmouthopenunderhis,itstoppedbeingasacrifice.Heliftedherbody
againsthisanddeepenedthekiss.Shemoanedunderhislips.Hecaughthisbreath,hisarms
contractinghungrily.Ithadbeenalong,dryspell,andhewasreactingbadlytoit.Hefelthimselfgo
tautasthekissmovedintodeeper,moreurgentdimensions.
Hebenttolifther,hismindnolongeronpretenseorfabrication.Hehadonlyonethoughtinhis
mind,torelievetheneedthatwasdrawinghispowerfulbodyastightasacable.
“Blake,we…shouldn’t…”shetriedtoprotestwhenhelaidheroutonthesofaandmelteddownonto
her.
Hismouthstoppedthehalfheartedlittleprotest.Hishandwasbusyonfastenings.Inseconds,shefelt
herbarebreastsunderhisequallybarechest.Itwassosweetthatshecouldn’tevenmanageadefense.
Oneleanleginserteditselfbetweenbothofhersunderherskirtandhegroanedharshlyashe
draggedherbriefsdownandfoundthefasteningsofhisslacks.
“I’msorry,”hegroundoutintohermouthashishipsmoveddownandshefelthimingrowing
intimacy.“I’msorry,Violet,”hegroaned,shivering.“Ican’tholdit…!”
Hewasgenuinelyoutofcontrol.Hisbodyimpaledherswithquick,deftmovementsthatshouldhave
beenuncomfortable.Butshewashungryforhim,too.Sheopenedherlegswithashakenlittlesigh
andarchedherhipstoencouragehim.
Herhandsfoundtheirwayintohisthick,wavyhairandcaresseditwhilehemovedonherinintense
passion.
Insomeways,itwasfarmoreexcitingthanaslowseduction.Hewasatfeverpitch,andshewas
quicklyfollowinghimintothefire.Itmadeherfeeloddlyprotectivethathewasthatdesperatefor

her.Itwashonest.Nomancouldhavepretendedthepassionshefeltinhim.
“Here,”hewhisperedurgently,shiftingherlegwithonelean,stronghand.“Liftitover…mine.Hurry.
Yes.Yes!”
Hepusheddownagainsther,liftinghisheadsothathecouldseeherface,hereyes.Theywereopen,
dark,almostshocked.Butherbodywasencouraginghim.Hefeltherlifttomeeteachdeep,hard
thrust.Hefelthersoftnessenvelophim,cradlehim,inthatsecretwarmth.Hewasflying.Hewas
burningalive.Hiswholebodywasonelong,throbbingache.
Thetensionbuilttoinsaneproportions.Hegaspedwitheveryhardthrust,hiseyesblazingwith
desire,hisbodyrigid,shuddering,withit.
Hisfingerscontractedonhersoftthigh,pullingheruptohim.Histeethclenchedashelookedinto
herwide,shockedeyes.
“I’veneverwatched…withanyoneelse,”hemanagedinadeep,shakenwhisper.
Shecouldn’tanswerhim.Shewasspiralingupwithhimintosomedark,hotpleasurethatbuiltand
builtwithnorelieffromthetensionthatstrainedhermusclesandlefthershiveringwithevery
movementofhisleanhips.
“Thisisinsane,”hemanagedharshly.
Herbreastspushedupagainsthischest,rubbinghardagainstitwhileherhandswentbetweenthem
andstrokeddowntohisflatbelly.
Hegroanedharshlyandshuddered.“Yes,”hechoked.“Yes,dothat…doit!”
Hearchedup,feelingthethrobbingpleasurelikeaknifeinhim.Hecouldn’tthink.Hecouldbarely
breathe.Hehopedshewasgoingwithhim,becausehecouldn’tstop,couldn’tstop,couldn’t…stop…!
Hecriedout,hisvoicehoarseandstrainedashisbodyconvulsedoverhers.Shewatchedhim,
fascinated,feelingthedeepthrobinsideherasheshiveredandstiffenedandthen,suddenly,collapsed
andgaspedforbreath.
Shewasstilltingling,buthehadn’tgivenherenoughtime.Shefeltsad;cheated.Shedidn’twantto
sayanything.Atleastheneededher,ifnothingmore.
Hemanagedtosteadyhisbreathing,althoughhewasstillfiercelyaroused.Heliftedhisheadand
lookedathertaut,drawnface.Shehadn’tgonewithhim.Shewasstillhungry.
Hefeltatendernesstowardheratthatminutethathe’dneverfeltinhislife.Shewasn’teven
complaining.Shelovedhim.
Lovedhim.Thethoughtmadehimhumble.Hereachedbetweenthemandtouchedherblatantly,his
bodycontrollingherwhenshejerkedinprotest.
“Oh,no,”hewhisperedsoftly,hishandmovinggentlyuntilhefoundtheplace,andthepressure,that
madehergaspandliftup.“No,I’mnotstoppinguntilyougoashighasIdid,nomatterwhatittakes.”
Hebentandbrushedhismouthslowlyoverherlips.Sheshiveredashistouchbecamemoreinsistent.
“I’ddoanythingforyou,”hewhisperedintohermouth.
“Blake,”shemoaned,herfingersgrippinghisshoulderspainfullyasthepleasuregrew.
“Yes,you’rereadynow,”hewhispered,liftinghisheadtolookather.“I’mgoingtowatchyouthis
time.IlikethewayyoureyesgoblackwhenItakeyouovertheedge.Ilikethewayyourbreastsswell
undermymouth.Ilikefeelingyoushiver,inside,andripplearoundmewhenyoufeelthatexquisite
fulfillment.”
Thewordswereasexcitingasthewayhewastouchingher.Butshewasfarbeyondansweringhim.
Herbodywasliftingrhythmically,pulsing,hereyesfixedonhisfaceasthepleasuregrewsotight
thatshefeltasifshemightblowapartfromthetension.
Herlegsdrewapartandshesobbed,hernailsbitinghardintohimasthesilverydelightsuddenly

becamedarkandthrobbingandurgent.“Blake,now,”shepleaded,grittingherteeth.Hereyesclosed
onawaveofpleasure.“Now!Please,please,please…!”
Hemoved,thrustingdeepinsideher.Thesingle,hardmotionwasenoughtotakeherrightintothe
sky.Shearchedup,shudderingagainandagainastheecstasyrippledoverherinsavagewaves.She
couldn’tseehim.Shefelthiminherbodyassheexplodedlikeameteorite.
“Yes,”hewhispered,unbearablyexcitedbyherexplosiveclimax.Hegroundhisteethtogetherand
movedharshlyonher,drivingforhisownfulfillment.Theystrainedtogetherinahot,fiercesilence
asthepleasuremeltedtheirbodiestogetherforonelong,achinginstantofperfectcommunion.
Shecriedwhenitwasover.Theothertimeithadn’tbeensointense,sooverwhelming.Shecriedand
couldn’tstop.
Blakeliftedhisdampheadandlookedather,hisbodystilltremblingfaintlyfromtheviolenceof
theircomingtogether.
Sheopenedhereyesandlookedintohis,andsawsomethingsheneverexpected.Shesawuttershock.

Nine

Violetstruggledtobreathe.Shewassuddenlyawareoftheclosenessoftheirbodiesjoinedtogether
sointimatelythatshecouldevenfeelthefaintpulsationofhiminsideher.
Heproppedhimselfonhisforearms,stillfightingtogethisbreath,andlookedintoViolet’sblue
eyes.He’dneverfeltsuchaprimitiveurgetopossessawoman,notevenShannon.Hisfeelingsfor
herhadbeentender,protective,almostpassive.He’dneverwantedtoravishher.Butitwasdifferent
withViolet.Hefeltanaching,violenthungerforher.Itseemedtogrowbythedayinstrengthand
power.
Butevenso,therewastenderness.Herbodywassoftandpliable,andhebreathedinherfaintperfume
withdelight.Hetracedhereyebrowswithalongforefinger,hiseyessearchingoverherface,her
throat,herswollenbreasts.Hetouchedthemtenderly.Hethoughtabouthischildinherwomband
shivered.Wouldshenursethebaby?hewondered,andhefeltsuddenlythemagicandfearofcreation.
Shewascarryinghischild.Hischild…
Hisbreathcaught.Hebentandtouchedhismouthtohereyes,closingthemtenderly.Hisfingers
spearedintoherthickhairandtiltedherfacesothathecouldclosehislipsoverhermouth.
Violetdidn’tunderstand.Itwasn’tlikelasttime.Hewasdifferent,suddenly.
Heliftedhisheadandsmiledather.“Somuchforabstaininguntiltheceremony,”hemurmured
ruefully.
Sheflushed.
Helaughedsoftly.“Embarrassed?”heteased.“Youshouldn’tbe.Thisisoneofthemostimportant
partsofanymarriage.I’veseencoupleswhowerecompatibleineveryotherwayendupindivorce
courtbecauseonecouldn’tsatisfytheotherinbed.”
“Wedon’tseemtohavethatproblem,”sheagreedshyly.
Hetracedhercheek.“Youshouldhavetoldmethatyouweren’tsatisfied,”hesaidsoftly.“Icouldsee
it,fortunatelyforyou.ButIdon’tlikethinkingyou’dletmeleavewhenyouwerestillachingfor
satisfaction.”
Shestudiedhimcuriously.“Ithoughtmenwereonlyconcernedwiththeirownpleasure.”
“Notthisman,”hereplied,hisvoicedeepandsoft.Hesmiledquizzically.“Youenjoyme,don’tyou?”
heaskedconversationally.“I’mglad.Ithoughtyoumighthavehang-upsbecauseyou’dabstainedall
yourlife.”
“SodidI,”sheconfessedwithasoftlaugh.“Ican’tthinkwhenwe’relikethis.”
“Inoticed,”hereplied.“Youdiveinheadfirstandgiveiteverythingyou’vegot.”Hekissedhersoftly.
“Ilovethewayyouarewithme,Violet,”hesaidseriously.Hedrewawayslowly,awareofherfaint
embarrassment.Hesmiled,becausehelikedthatlittlesignofinsecurity.Helikedknowinghewasher
firstman.
Shefumbledherclothesbackintoplace.Whenshefinished,hewasalreadyopeningthedoor.
“Yourmotherisgoingtobeworried,”hesaid,glancingattheclock.“Youshouldcallherbeforewe
leave.”
Shewenttothephoneandmadethecall,inventingafewlettersthathadtobedoneafterhours.Her
motherwasn’tworried,andsoundedamused.VioletgaveBlakeawryglancewhenshehungup.
“Shedidn’tbuyit,didshe?”heasked,amused.
“Shewasyoung,once.”
“Soshewas.”Hedrewherintohisarmsandheldherforalongmoment,hisexpressionworried.

He’donlyjustthoughtaboutthebabyandhowroughhe’dbeen.Itwasaprotectiveimpulsethathad
juststarted.Shewascarryinghischild…
“Ididn’tmeantobethatrough,”hesaidsuddenly.“Ijust…lostitwhenIstartedkissingyou,”he
confessedquietly.“Ididn’thurtyou,didI?”
“Ofcoursenot,”shesaid,andthoughtimmediatelyofthebaby.Wouldsexhurtherchild?Surelynot.
Louhadsaidnottolift.Shehadn’tsaidanythingaboutsex.Itwouldbeallright.Ofcourseitwould.
ShefollowedBlakesilentlytothefrontoftheofficeandwaitedwhileheturnedoutthelightsand
lockedup.
“Gostraighthome,”hesaidsoftly.“I’llfollowyoutotheturnoff.”
“Youdon’thavetodothat,”shesaid,surprisedbyhisconcern.
“Iknow.Comeon.”
Hehelpedherintohercarandthengotintohis.Shesawhiminherrearviewmirroruntilsheturned
offontheshortroadthatledtothehouseshesharedwithhermother.Shefeltwarmandsecureuntil
shepulledintoherdrivewayandrememberedthathehadn’tsaidonewordaboutseeingheragain
duringtheweekend.

Hedidn’tcall,either.ShedroveuptoVictoriaSaturdaytogetherprenatalvitaminsandspentthe
weekendmakinganafghanwhileshekepthermothercompany.She’dbeensurethatBlakewouldat
leastphoneher.Buthedidn’t.
ShefeltoddlyusedbySundayevening.He’dneededherFridaynight.Ithadbeensweet,but
completelyphysicalonhisside.Shecouldfeelthathehadnostrongemotionalbondwithher.Itwas
physical,andthatwasn’tgoingtolast.Shewonderedwhyhe’daskedhertobeengagedtohim.He
couldn’tknowshewaspregnant.
Atleast,that’swhatshethoughtuntilMondaymorning.MabelandLibbywerehardatworkon
documentsforcourt.ViolethadgonebacktoBlake’sofficetocarryhimamessagefromacaller,
becausehewasontheotherlineandshedidn’twanttointerrupthiminwhatmighthavebeena
privateconversation.
Shehesitatedoutsidethedoor,whichhadbeenleftcracked.Whatsheheardcausedthewritten
messagetofalltothefloor.Itbrokeherheart.
“WhatelsecouldIdo?”hewasaskingsomeoneinaheavy,huntedtone.“Hermotherisinseriously
badhealthandshe’salreadyupsetaboutthemannerofherhusband’sdeath.IfsheknewthatViolet
waspregnantoutofwedlock,itmightkillher.Besidesallthat,it’sasmallcommunityandeverybody
knowsus.There’snowayVioletwouldagreetoatermination,somarriageistheonlypossible
resolution.”
Hepausedforseveralsecondsbeforehespokeagain,obviouslylisteningtothepersonontheother
endoftheline.“Iknow,”hesaid,andsoundedworn.“Iknow.Butshewon’tfindout.I’llnevertell
her.Icangiveherenoughtomakeherhappy.Sheandhermotherwillneverwantforanything.After
thechildisborn,we’llmakewhateverdecisionshavetobemade.I’llmakesureshe’stakencareof,
whetherornotthemarriagecontinues.Yes.Yes,Iknow.”
Violetbenttopickupthefallenpieceofpaper.Hisvoicedronedon.Whoeverhewastalkingto
seemedlong-winded.
Sheturnedandwentbackdownthehalltothewaitingroom.Shewasn’tthinkingclearlyatall.Itwas
impossibletomakeanyrationaldecisionuntilshecouldsortoutherpriorities.

Shesatdownatthecomputerandputthephonecallmemoontopofastackofpapersbesidethe
printertray.Shefeltnumbforthemoment.Thatwasgood,becauseshewasgoingtohavehysterics
whenshecouldreasonagain.
ThefrontdooropenedandLibbycamein.SheglancedatVioletandhesitated.
“Areyouokay?”sheaskedatonce.“You’rewhiteasasheet!”
Violetswallowedhardandthenswallowedagain.“Ifeelabitwoozy,”sheconfessed,feelingher
forehead.“There’ssomesortofbuggoingaround.I’llbetI’vecaughtit.”
“CanIgetyouanything?”Libbyasked,concerned.
“What’swrong?”Blakeasked,comingintotheroom,frowning.
“Violet’sfeelingill,”Libbysaid.“Maybeyoushouldgohome,”shetoldherco-worker.
“Notabadidea,”Blakeagreed.“Doyouwantmetodriveyou?”headded.
“Icandrive,”Violetmanagedinahusky,softtone.Shedidn’tmeethiseyes.“I’mjustalittlesick.It’s
nothing.Really.”
Blakehelpedherupandwalkedoutsidewithher.“Callmewhenyougethome,”hesaidfirmly.He
hesitated.“Onsecondthought,IthinkIshouldgowithyou.”
“No,there’snoneedforthat,”shesaidatonce.“I’mfine,”sherepeated.“Ijustneedtoliedown.”
Helookeduncertain,andhefrowned.“Youlookpale.”
Shehadagoodreasontolookpale,butshecouldn’ttellhimwhatitwas.“I’llbefinetomorrow,”she
replied.
“Violet…”hebegansoftly.
“Seeyoutomorrow,bossman,”sheinterruptedwithafaintsmile,andwalkedaway.
Blakewatchedhergowithoddtwingesofguilt.Ifhe’dbeenaproperfiancé,he’dhavepickedherup
andcarriedhertohisowncaranddrivenherhome.He’dhavestayedwithher,too.Hedidn’t
understandhisownnebulousfeelings.He’dspentamiserableweekendtryingtoresolvethem.The
futilityofhissituationhadmadehimmoody.HeresentedtheknowledgethatVioletwaspregnant.He
resentedthetrappedfeelinghe’dhadallweekend,whichhadkepthimfromphoningher,despitetheir
passionateinterludeintheoffice.Thebabywasasmuchhisfaultashers,ofcourse,buthewasn’t
facingfactswell.Hewasbeingselfish.Itwasjustthathiswholelifehadturnedupsidedown.Hewas
uneasyaboutbeingahusband,muchlessafather.He’dbeenaloneforsolong.Butthatwasnoreason
toletVioletsufferforsomethingthatwashisownfault.Shewassick,anditwashisresponsibilityto
takecareofhernow.
Resolutely,heturnedandstartedtowardhercar,butitwasonlyintimetoseeherdriveoutofthe
parkinglot.Shewasgoneinaheartbeatandhefeltliketheworld’sbiggestlouse.Shewassickandhe
waslettinghergohomealone.
Whilehewasdebatinghisnextstep,andreachingintohispocketforhiscarkeys,Libbysteppedto
thedoortotellhimhewaswantedurgentlyonthephone.Oneofhisclientshadbeenarrested.
Hewentbackinside,fatehavingdecidedthenextmoveforhim.

Violetcriedallthewayhome.She’dhopedthatBlakereallycaredabouther,thathewantedherfor
keeps,thathe’dbethrilledwhenhelearnedaboutthebaby.Buthealreadyknew,Godknewhow,and
hewasn’tthrilled.Hewasonlymarryingherforappearances.Hefelttrapped.Hedidn’twantViolet
inanywayatall,exceptperhapsphysically.Itwasaharshblow.
Shestayedinhercaruntilthetearsstoppedandshewasabletoactwithsomesortofnormalcy.She

checkedhereyesinthemirrortomakesuretheyweren’tred.Shedidn’twanttoalarmhermother.
AboutonethingBlakewasright:hermotherwouldbehorrifiedifsheknewaboutthebaby.
Withaforcedsmile,shecalledtohermotherasshewalkedin.Mrs.Hardylookedupfromhersoap
operaandwavedandsmiledabsently,goingrightbacktotheactiononthescreen.
Itwasareprieve.Violetwentintoherbedroomandchangedintoloosejeansandasweatshirt.Shedid
laydownforafewminutes,certainthathermotherwouldn’tbemovedbyahurricaneuntilher
programwentoff.
Shehadtomakeadecision,andquickly.Shecouldn’thoponabusandleavetown.Itwouldbe
impossibletomovehermotherrightnow,andnotonlybecauseoftheimpendinglegalproblemsif
JanetCollinswaseverfoundandprosecutedforthedeathofViolet’sfather.Shecouldn’tleave
becausehermotherwouldn’tsurvivebeinguprooted.ShelovedJacobsville.
Thatbeingthecase,temporarilyViolethadonlyonepossiblecourseofaction.Shehadtogetoutof
Blake’soffice.ShewasuneasyaboutcallingDukeWrightbackandgoingtoworkforhimagain,but
shedidn’thavealistofpotentialemployers.Shewouldn’tbeabletohideherpregnancyforalong
time,butforseveralweeksatleastshewouldn’tshow.Thatgaveheralittletimetomakedecisions.
Shepickedupthephoneandcalledherformerboss.

Minuteslater,shewalkedintothelivingroom.ThecreditswererollingonMrs.Hardy’ssoapopera,
andtheelderlyladywasdryinghereyes.
“Itwassosad,”shetoldViolet.“HarryhadlovedEuniceforyearsandyears,andjustwhenheasked
hertomarryhim,hediedofaheartattack.”
“Yes,that’ssad,allright.”Shebentandkissedhermothergently.“Howareyoufeeling?”
“Ishouldbeaskingyouthat,dear,”sherepliedwithapointedstare.“Youlookverypale.Areyouall
right?”
“IthinkI’vepickedupabug,”Violettoldher.“Icamehomeearly.Itwasokaywiththebossman,”she
addedwithaforcedsmile.“I’mgoingtofixsomethingniceforsupper.”
“Ifyoulike,”Mrs.Hardysaid,butshelookedworried.
Violetwasn’tabouttotellhertherest,thatshe’djustagreedtogobacktoworkforDukeWright.Her
formeremployerhadn’tbeenabletoreplaceher,andhewasoverjoyedthatshewaswillingtocome
back.
Theonlybadthingwasthatshe’dagreedtobeinhisofficeMonday.NowshehadtotellBlakeKemp
thatshewasleavingagain,andwhy.Itmadehersickatherstomacheventocontemplateit.

Blakephonedherassoonashe’dpacifiedhisworriedclient,butMrs.Hardyansweredthephoneand
saidshewassorry,butViolethadgonetobedwithaheadache.Hehungupandwenthome.Buthe
didn’tsleep.
Allnightlong,hisselfishnesshauntedhim.Violetwassweetandkind,andshelovedhim.Hecould
lookfortherestofhislifeandneverfindawomanhalfashonestasshewas.Eversinceshe’dcome
toworkforhim,she’dnurturedhim,caredforhim,totheextentthathisheartliftedjustatthesightof
herinhisoffice.Sincethey’dbecomeintimate,hisbodyachedforhernightandday.Heknewthathe
washerfirstman,thatshewantednooneelse.Andnowshewascarryinghischildunderherheart.
Afterallthat,he’dproposedtoheronlybecausehefeltanobligation,notbecausehewantedheror

hischild.
Now,withhismindfinallyfunctioningagain,herealizedwhataluckymanhewas.Whyhadittaken
himsolongtoknowit?
Hegotupbeforedawnandmadehimselfabigbreakfast.Hewasgoingtothemostexclusivejewelry
storeinJacobsvilleandhewasgoingtobuyVioletadiamondsobigthatitwouldblindher.Perhaps
he’dfelttrappedintoproposingbefore,buthewasonlybeginningtoseewhatawisethinghe’ddone.
HewasgoingtomakeVioletbelievethatshewastheluckiestwomanonearth.He’dbringher
flowers,takehertothetheater,buyherpresents.Helaughedathisownlightheartedness.He’dnever
feltsohappy.

Violetsatdownatherdesk,somberandquietonthefollowingMondaymorning.Herdemeanor
madeherco-workersnervous.Especiallywhenshestartedcleaningoutherdesk.
Blakewalkedinthedoor,smiling.
Violetlookedupathimwithanexpressionhecouldn’tcomprehend.
“Whatareyoudoing?”heaskedsuddenly,whenherealizedshewasputtingherthingsintoa
cardboardbox.
“I’mgoingbacktoworkforDukeWright,”shesaidquietly.
Hestoodcompletelystill,hismindnotworkingatallashestaredather,uncomprehending.“You’re
quitting,again?”heexclaimed.
Sheglaredathim.“Yes,I’mquitting!”
MabelandLibbyexchangedglancesandroseatthesametimefromtheirdesks.“We’regoingoverto
thebakeryforbearclaws!”theyannounced,andranforit.
“Youjustcamebacktoworkhere!”Blakeburstout,barelynoticingthefrontdoorclosebehindthe
twowomen.
“AndI’mjustleaving!”shesaid,slammingdownastapleronthedesk.
“Why?”
“Why?”sheexclaimed.“Howcanyouaskmethat?You’reonlymarryingmebecauseyouknow
aboutthebaby!”
Hisindrawnbreathwasalltheconfirmationsheneeded.
“Yes,”shesaidcoldly,heranguishinherblueeyesasshelookedupathim.“Iknow,Blake.Iheard
youtalkingonthephone.”
Talkingonthephone.Talking…Hismouthopenedashemethersadeyes.Duskycolortintedhishigh
cheekbonesandhisteethclenched.Damnfateforlettingheroverhearthatindelicateconversation
withDr.LouColtrain.Why,why,hadn’theclosedthedoor?
Violetfeltherlasthopeflyawayasshesawhisguiltyexpression.Hehadmeantwhathesaid,she
thought.Hewasonlymarryinghertogivetheirchildanameandkeephermotherfromhavinga
fatalstrokefromtheshame.
“Alotofmarriagesstartwithlessthanwehave,”hesaidafteraminute,choosinghiswordscarefully.
“Butwe’dhavebeenstartingwithoutwhatmattersmost,Blake,”shetoldhim.“Love.”
Healmostblurtedoutthatshelovedhimandheknewit.Butthatwouldputthelastnailinhiscoffin.
Hedidn’tdaresayit.
Hedrewinalongbreath.“Iwon’ttrytostopyou,”hesaidquietly.“Ifthisiswhatyoureallywant.But
Iwishyou’dreconsider.”

Sheshookherhead.“Idon’twanttostayherewithyoufeelingsorryformeandeverybody
speculatingonwhy.”
“Ifyouleave,you’llhearplentyofspeculating,”herepliedwithvisibleimpatience.
Sheturnedbacktoherdesk,feelingemptyinside.“Ican’tstay.”
“Well,don’texpectmetotrytostopyou,”herepliedfuriously.“Ifyou’drathergooutthereandtell
thewholeplanetthatyou’repregnantandyouwon’tmarrythefatherofyourchild,bemyguest!”
“AndthatlovelysentimentisexactlywhyI’mleaving!”sheraged.“Youaren’tconcernedaboutme,
you’reconcernedaboutwhatpeoplethink!Yourreputationmightberuined,isn’tthatit?Youmight
loseclients!”
Hiseyesblazedather.“Whataboutyourmother,Violet?”heshotback,seeingthepointhithomeas
shewinced.“Howisshegoingtofeelwhenshefindsout?”
Shebitherlip.“Mamawillunderstand.”
“Thinkso?”herepliedsarcastically.“HowaboutDukeWright?”
“Excuseme?”
“Whenyoustartshowing,whatishegoingtothink?Andhisemployees,nottomentionhisex-wife!”
Hegloweredathernumbexpression.“They’llthinkit’shis!”
Shegasped.“They…won’t!”
“Bull!”
Sheglaredathim.Itwasjusttoomuch,allatonce.Shedidn’twanttobelievewhathewassaying,but
itwasthetruth.Herfacegrewredderbytheminute.
Heglaredrightback.Hiseyesnarrowedonherthickeningwaist.Hisexpressionchanged.He’dnever
thoughtofchildren.Atleast,notsinceShannon’sdeath.Now,hebegantowonderwhatachildofhis
mightlooklike.WouldithavedarkhairlikehisandViolet’s?Wouldithaveblueeyes?Woulditbea
boy,oralittlegirl?
“Youlook…odd,”shecommented.
“Iwasthinkingaboutthebaby,”hesaidabsently,hiseyesstillonherwaist.“Ineverreallythought
aboutbeingafather.I’vebeenalonemostofmyadultlife.”
“SohaveI,”Violetconfessed.
“Whatdoyouwant?”heasked,meetinghereyeslevelly.
Sheblinked.“I…haven’tthoughtaboutthat.Notmuchanyway.”
Hemovedastepcloser.“Whatwouldyouliketohave?”
Shewaslostinhiseyes.“Littlegirlsarenice,”sheventured.“Iliketoknitandcrochetandquilt.I
could…teachher.”
Hisbreathcaught.Alittlegirl.HethoughtaboutReyHart’slittlegirl.Thefamilyhadcometoseehim
aboutaminorlegalmatterandCelinacamewiththem.Shewasbarelysixmonthsold,dark-haired
andfascinatingtoBlake.He’dwatchedherlikeahawk,notingthatReywasapushoverforhis
daughter,tohiswifeMeredith’samusement.ThesamecouldbetrueofJuddDunnandChristabel’s
twins.EveryoneintownwasindulgentlyamusedathoweasilyatoughguylikeJuddDunnwas
reducedtoputtywhenheheldthosebabies.
“Littlegirlsarenice,”heagreedsoftly.
“ButIwouldn’tmindaboy,either.Ilikebaseballandsoccer,”shecontinued.“Icanstillbatandcatch
andkick.”
Hesmiled.“SocanI.”
Herfacefellasrealitycamerushingback.“Youdon’treallywantachild,Blake,”shesaidsadly.
“You’redoingtherightthing,offeringtomarryme.Butitwouldn’twork.”

“Youdon’tknowthat,”hesaid.“Alotofcouplesstartoutwithlessthanwehave.Isaidsomestupid
thingsonthephone,andyouheardthem.ButI’mstillintheearlystagesofthis.You’vehadtimeto
thinkaboutthebaby.Ihaven’t.”Hestuckhishandsinhistrouserpockets.“Idon’treactwellto
change,”hesaidflatly.“Ihavetohavetimetoworkthroughwhatit’sgoingtomean.”
Violetsighedworriedly.“Yes,butyou’dfeeltrapped.”
Heshrugged.“Honestly,maybeIdo,alittle,”heconfessed.“Butthat’stemporary.Ijustneedalittle
time,Violet.”
“Iknowthat.SodoI.”Sheturnedandwentbacktoherdesk,totheboxshewaspackingup.“Duke’s
willingtoletmecomeback.I’mgoing.Inafewweeks,whenyouknowwhatyouwant,wecantalk.”
“Inafewweeks,you’llbeshowing,Violet,”herepliedshortly.
Sheturned.“I’mplump,”shesaidwithoutheat.“Iwon’tshowforawhile.”
“Plump.”Hesmiledgently.“Womanlyisabetteradjective.Youlooklovely.”
Hereyebrowsarched.
“I’mnottryingtowinyouover,”hesaidwhenhesawherexpression.“Iactuallymeanit.Therearea
lotofthingsaboutyouthatIlike.Besides,thecatslikeyou.”
“Doesthatwinmepoints?”sheventured.
Hechuckled.“Theydon’tlikemanypeople.Andtheyattackedapizzadeliveryguyonenight,onecat
climbingupeachleg.Ihavetopayextranowtogethimtocomeback.AndIhavetopromisetolock
upMeeandYowbeforehepullsintothedriveway.”
“Ouch.”
“Itcouldhavebeentheanchovies,Iguess,”hesaidinhindsight.Heeyedherquietly.“Allright,if
you’redeterminedtoleaveagain,Iwon’tstandintheway.Butyouhavetodosomethinkingyourself.
Thepersonwebothneedtoconsideristhebaby.He,orshe,hasnochoiceatallaboutthis.”
Shegrimaced.“Ididn’tthinkabout…precautions.”
Hesmiledslowly.“Wewerebothalittlepreoccupied.Bothtimes.”
Sheflushed.
Helaughed.“Itwasverygood.IimagineIcouldsearchfortherestofmylifeandneverfinda
womanwhosuitedmesowell,physically.”
Sheshrugged.“Ithoughtmencouldfindpleasurewithanybody.”
“Sotheysay.ButI’vestoppedlooking.”
Thewayhewaslookingathermadehertoescurlinhershoes.Heseemedtobegenuineabouthis
feelings.Buthedidn’tloveher.Andshedidlovehim.Itwouldbeapoormatch.
“Iplantocallyou,often,”hesaid.“I’mgivingadvancenotice.Don’tthinkbecauseI’magreeingtolet
youleave,thatitmeansI’mgivinguponyou.I’mnot.”
Hereyeswidened.“Oh.”
“AndI’dpreferitifyoudidn’ttellyourmotherwe’rehavingproblems,”headded.“Shedoesn’tneed
anymoreupsets.”
“Yes,Iknow.Iwon’ttellher,”sheagreed,herheadbentoverthebox.
“There’sarumorthatDuke’swifemaybecomingdownwiththeirson,foraquickvisit,”headded.
“Itmaybeforlegalreasons,butIthinkshe’sheardaboutthenewladyvetwho’sworkingfor
Wright.”
Hereyestwinkled.“Jealousy?”
“Whoknows?Butitwouldbeniceiftheycouldpatchuptheirdifferences.Achildneedstwo
parents,”headdedfirmly,andhewasn’ttalkingjustabouttheWrights,Violetguessed.
“Yes.Achilddoesneedtwo,”sheagreed.

Hemovedforwardandpickeduptheboxforher.Hiseyesweresolemn.“Ishouldhavegonewith
you,theafternoonyouleftsick,”hesaidunexpectedly.“Iwasgoingafteryouwhenthephonerang
andIhadtoplacateafrightenedclient.”
“Youwere?”sheexclaimed,surprised.
“Iwas.Openthedoor.”
Shedid,andhefollowedherthroughtotheoutside.

SheeasedhermotherpastthefactthatshewasgoingbacktoworkforDukeWrightwithasimple
explanation—sheandBlakeweren’tgettingmuchworkdonestaringateachother,soshewassolving
theirproblemuntiltheygotmarriedandsettleddown.
Hermothergaveheranoddlook,butshesmiledandletitgo.
Truetohisword,BlakecalledVioleteveryday.Shewasshyatfirst,butherelatedtheday’s
happeningsandtheofficegossip,andafteracoupleofdays,itwasverynicetohavesomeonetotalk
towhokneweverythingthatwasgoingonaroundtown.

ButthenJanetCollinswasarrestedinSanAntonioandchargedwiththemurderofViolet’sfather.
AshehadwhentheautopsyresultsonMr.Hardycamein,Blakedidn’tphoneViolet.HewenttoDuke
Wright’shouseanddeliveredthenewsinperson.
Violet’sexpressionwasn’teasilyread.“Whatnow?”sheaskedslowly,herhandspoisedoverthe
keyboardofthecomputer.
“Nowshegetsformallychargedwithfirstdegreemurder.She’llbearraignednextMondayinSan
Antonio.”
“ShouldMotherandIgo,doyouthink?”shewondered,hopingnot.Itwouldbeanordealtohaveto
seethewomanwho’dkilledherfather.
“That’snotnecessary,”hereplied.“Althoughyourmotherwillprobablyhavetotestifyatthetrialin
orderforustogetaconviction.”
“Whatgoodwillthatdo?”Violetaskedmiserably.“Itwillonlyupsether.SheneversawJanetwithmy
father,anyway.”
Blakeheldupahand.“I’mafraidshedid,”hereplied,watchingherexpressionturnfromworryto
shock.“Shenevertoldyou,butshewalkedinontheminthemotel,justbeforeyourfathercollapsed
andwastakentothehospital.”
“That’swherepolicegotthetraceevidencethatlinkedhertopoison,”Violetrecalled,stillbattling
shockabouthermother ’ssecrecyalltheseyears.
“Yes,anditwasfortunateforusthatyourmotherdidwalkinonthem,becauseshe’snotonlyan
eyewitness,butherverypresenceshockedJanetintorunningforherlife.Intheprocess,sheleft
behindtheglassthepoisonwasin.Herfingerprintsareonit,”headded,“althoughnobodyknowsthat
exceptthecrimelab,thepolice,andme.Andnowyou,”heamended.“There’smorethanenough
evidencetoconvictherofmurder.Yourmotherwillprovidethemotiveandeyewitnessidentification
thatlinksJanettothemotelroom,yourfather,hisbankaccountandherpennilessstate.They’lltryto
introduceevidencefromthepreviouspoisoningofapatientinanursinghomewholeftherhisestate.
Theoldman’ssonismorethanwillingtotestify.”
“You’vebeenbusy,”sheexclaimed,whensherealizedthathe’dbeeninvestigatingthestatusofthe

caseagainstLibby.
“Ihave,indeed.”Heslidhisleanhandsintohisslackspockets,smilingslowlyatVioletinawaythat
madehertoescurlupinhershoes.
HarleyFowlerwalkedinwithDukeWright,talkingaboutabullHarley’sboss,CyParks,hadbought
andsentHarleytotransport,whentheyspottedBlake.
Duke’sbigfistscurledathissides.“Whatareyoudoinginmyhouse?”hedemandedofBlake.
Blakeglancedathimwitharuefulsmile.“Justtalkingtothemotherofmychild,”hesaid,dropping
thebombshell.Justaswell,hewasthinking,togettwobirdswithonestone,especiallysincebothmen
weretemporarilysingle.NowaywasoneofthemgoingtomessaroundwithhisViolet.

Ten

ButifBlakewasfeelingsmug,Violetwastryingtoreininatotallydifferentemotion.Sheglanced
fromHarley’samusedexpressiontoDuke’sshockedone,backtoBlake’sarrogance.
“Howdareyou!”sheragedatBlake,pushingtoherfeet.
Itwasamistake.Shewasalreadyweakfromtheeffectsofpregnancyandlackofsleep.Shestartedto
fall.
Blakemovedlikegreasedlightningtocatchherassheslumped.Heheftedherinhisarmsandcradled
herclose,smiling.“It’sstillthefirsttrimester,”hetoldhergently.“Youhavetowatchmakingsudden
moveslikethat.Youcouldfall.”
Sheglaredathim,furiousandwithnowaytoretaliate.
Duke’sthreateningstancehadrelaxed.HelookedatBlakewithconflictingemotions.“It’syour
baby?”heaskedslowly.
Blakegavehimalookthatcouldhavestartedabrushfire.“Howdareyou!”herepeatedViolet’sown
earlierstatement,andmanagedtolookindignantaswellasangry.“Whatsortofwomandoyouthink
sheis?”
Dukeclearedhisthroat.“Sorry.”
Violetwastryingnottosmile.Itreallywasn’tfunny.ButBlake’sdefenseofhermadeherfeelwarm
allover.
Blakerelaxedalittle,buthewasn’tputtingVioletdown.“Youhavetomakesureshegetsfrequent
breaks,”hetoldDuke.“Sothatshedoesn’tgettootired.I’llcomebyatlunchtimeeverydayandtake
herouttoanicerestaurantwhereshecangetplentyofprotein.”Helookedthoughtful.“Nothingwith
hormonesorantibiotics,ofcourse,wehavetothinkofthebaby.”
“Blake!”Violetgasped,hittinghisshoulder.
“Andshepositivelycan’tworklate,”Blakeaddedbelligerently.
Dukewassmilingnow,andtryingtohideit.“Okay,”hesaidagreeably.
Harleywasshell-shocked.He’dreallylikedViolet.ButthewayBlakeKempwaslookingathermade
hisfeelingsalmosttangible.Andshewaspregnant.Harleysighedwistfully.Hedidn’thavealotof
luckgettingwomen,despitehishistoryforhelpingcrackamajordrugringinthearea.
BlakelookedbackdownatViolet.“Feelokaynow?”heaskedsoftly,andsmiledather.
Shewantedtocurlintohisstrongbodyandkisshimuntilshestoppedaching.Thatwouldneverdo,
ofcourse.“I’mmuchbetter,”shesaidprimly,andshiftedtolethimknowthatshewantedtobeput
down.
Heeasedherontoherfeet.“Wehavetotellyourmother.”
“Aboutthebaby?”Dukewonderedaloud.
“AboutJanetCollinsbeingarrestedinSanAntonio,”Blakecorrected.“She’sbeingchargedwithfirst
degreemurderinthedeathofViolet’sfather.”
DukeandHarleybothletoutawhistle.“I’msorry,Violet,”Dukesaidgently.“Ifyouneedtoleave
early,youcan.I’llgetatempoutheretofillinforyou.”
“No,it’sbetterifIdon’tupsetMamabyalteringmyroutine,”Violetsaid.“I’lldoitwhenIgetoff
work.”
“I’llgowithyou,”Blakesaideasily.
Shemethiseyesanditwaslikelightningstriking.Sheclearedherthroat.“Thanks.”
Henodded,lostinthatsoft,hungrygaze.

DukewhackedHarleywithabigfist.“Speakingofroutines,we’vegotcattletomove.”Heglancedat
Blake.“Ididn’trealizewhyyouwerehere.Sorryaboutthereception.”
Blakeshrugged.“Noharmdone.”
Dukehesitated.“I’llmakesureshegetsenoughbreaks,”headded.“Irememberhowmywifewas,
beforeoursonwasborn.”Hisfaceclosedup.
“Weheardshe’scomingdownforavisit,”Blakesaid,fishing.
Duke’spokerfacewashardtoread.“We’rediscussingarevisionofthecustodyrights.She’s
spendingalotoftimeintheair,andtheboystaysinadaycarecenterorwithasittermostofthe
week.”Hiseyesflashedangrily.“Iwanttobringhimheretolive.”
“Willshedoit,doyouthink?”Violetaskedgently.
“Itwasamessydivorce,”hereplied.“ButI’mjustbeginningtorealizehowmuchofitwasmyown
fault.Iranheroff.”Heshrugged.“Maybewecanworkthingsoutbetternow.”HestaredatBlake.
“Youtriedtotellmethat,andIpunchedyou.”
Blakechuckled.“Noharmdone.Ipunchedback.”
Dukemanagedasmile.“Hewasacaptaininthespecialforces,didyouknow?”heaskedViolet.“He
andCagHartservedtogether.”
“Idon’ttalkaboutthat,”Blakesaidcurtly.
“Well,excuseme,”Dukesaideasily.“Itwasn’tasifyouhidinafoxholeandlookedforwaysoutof
combat,youknow.”
VioletwaslookingatBlakecuriously.
Dukegrinned.“He’lltellyouoneday,Isuppose,”hesaid.“Orshowyouthemedals,ifhe’sinagood
mood.”
Blake’seyeswereblazing.
“I’mgoing!”Dukesaid,palmsout.“Comeon,Harley,we’llgoloadupthatbullyourbosswants.”
“Yes,sir,”Harleyreplied,withawinkatViolet.Blakeglaredathim.Heheldhispalmsout,too,
chuckling,andfollowedDukeoutthedoor.
Violetstaredafterthem,thenatBlake.Hedidn’tlookguilty.Helookedsmug,standingtherewitha
grinonhisfaceandhishandsinhispockets.Hewasn’tamanwhosmiledoften.Heseemedtodoita
lotwithViolet,shenoticed.Iteasedherembarrassment.
“Nowyou’llmarryme,won’tyou?”hemusedwithpursedlips.
Hereyesnarrowedasshesatbackdown.“Thatwasn’tfair.”
Hiseyestwinkled.“Neitheriswalkingaroundtownwithmybabyunderyourheart,smilingatother
men.EspeciallyHarleyFowler,”headded,justtomakeitclear.
Sheblinked.“I’mnotinterestedinHarley,thatway.”
“Well,he’sinterestedinyou.Orhewas.”
“You’renotserious.”
“Iam.”Thesmilefadedashelookedather,andfeltanewandtenderprotectivenessforher.“You
don’thavemuchofaself-image.I’vebeenabadinfluenceonyou,andIhaven’tgivenyouthe
supportyouneed.That’sgoingtochange.”
“Doyoufeelallright?”sheaskedwarily.
“MaybeDukeisn’ttheonlyonewho’ddonesomesoul-searchinglately,”hereplied.“Ispentweeks
puttingyoudown,whenyoucametoworkforme.You’dnevergivenmeanythingexceptconcern
andkindness.Iresentedit.IsupposeIkneweventhatlongagothatyouwereundermyskin.Ifought
it,ofcourse.”
“Itmightjustbethebaby,”shebegan.

“Itmightnot.”
Shesmiledathim,hereyessoftening.“Well,well.”
Hesmiledback.“I’llcomebywhenyougetoffworkandfollowyouhome.We’llbothbreakthe
newstoMrs.Hardy.”
“Mama’stough,”shetoldhim.“Sheseemsveryfrail,butshe’sgotgrit.”
“Sohaveyou.I’mafraidyou’llneedit,too,whenthiscasegoestotrial.Itwillbringbacksome
painfulmemoriesforbothofyou.”
“WefacedallthatwhenDaddydied,”shesaidsadly.“Includingthelossofhismoneyandourhome.
Atleastwe’llgetsomesatisfactionatseeingherbroughttoaccountforkillinghim.Ihopeshe’llgo
tojail.”
“SodoI,butyoucan’tsecond-guessajury.We’llhavetosupplytheprosecutorwithasmuch
ammunitionaswecanget,”headded.“Idon’twanthertoslipoutofthis.”
“NeitherdoI,”Violetagreed.Shesmiledathim.“Thanks.”
“I’llseeyouatfive.”Hewinkedbeforehewentoutthedoor.Violetsatstaringafterhim,sighing,
untilsherealizedthatshehadworktogetdone.

Mrs.Hardyknewsomethingwaswrongwhensheheardtwocarspullupinthedriveway,and
especiallywhenshesawBlakeandVioletcomeintogetherlookingsomber.
Shesatupstraightinherchairandfoldedherhandsonherlap.“Okay.What’sgoingon?”
Theybothstarted.
“Twocars?Bothofyouherejustafterwork?It’ssomethingbig.”
“Well…”Violetbegan.
Blakemovedcloser.“TheycaughtJanetCollins.She’sinjailinSanAntonio.”
“Hallelujah!”Mrs.Hardyburstout,grinning.
BlakeandVioletexchangedpuzzledstares.
“AmIsupposedtofaintorsomething?”Mrs.Hardyasked.“Sorry.I’mveryhappytheygother,and
I’llbemorethanhappytotestifytoeverythingIknow.”
“Itwillbestressful,”Violetbegan,sittingdownonthesofaacrossfromhermother.
“Lettinghergetawaywithitwouldbemorestressful.”ShelookedatBlakesolemnly.“Andspeaking
ofstress,whenareyoutwogettingmarried?”
Blake’slipsfellopen.
“Ithadbetterbesoon,”sheaddedfirmly.“Idonotwantmydaughterwaddlingdowntheaislein
maternityclothes.”
“Mama!”Violetexclaimed,horrified.
“ShethinksI’mdeaf,”Mrs.HardytoldBlake.“I’dhavetobe,nottohearherthrowingupevery
morning.”Shestudiedhimbelligerently.“Well?”
Blakeactuallylaughed.“Ijusttoldhernewbossaboutthebaby.”
“Itwillbeascandal,”Mrs.Hardywailed.
“Itwillbeababy,”Blakecorrected,smilingtenderlyatViolet.“Withtwoparentswho’llloveand
wanthimverymuch.”
“Indeedtheywill,”Violetagreed,smilingbackathim.
“So?”Mrs.Hardypersisted.“When?”
“Isupposeifwehurry,wecanmanagenextweek,”Blakesaid.“Underthecircumstances,thesooner

thebetter.Butitwon’tbeabigwedding.I’vegotcasesIcan’tpostpone,sotherewon’tbetimefora
honeymoonjustyet.”
“Nevermindthehoneymoon,youhavetolegalizemygrandchild,”Mrs.Hardycontinued.
“I’llgetrighttothearrangements,”Blakesaid.“ShecangoshoppingforadressandI’llarrangethe
flowersandthereception.”
“Whatabouttheminister?”Mrs.Hardyasked.
“Wecouldhaveacivilservice,”Violetbegan,worried.
“Wewillnot,”Blakeinterrupted.“We’rehavingachurchwedding.Violet,”hecontinuedsoftlywhen
hesawherface,“it’snotasifwe’rebeingforcedintoit.”HeglancedatMrs.Hardyandclearedhis
throat.“Well,we’resortofbeingforcedintoit,andwedidjumpthegun.Butwe’regoingtohavea
goodmarriage,anditneedsagoodfoundation.”
“I’dbeself-consciousinchurch,”shemurmured.
“EventhePuritanscrossedthelinewhentheywereengaged,”Blakesaid.“Goddoesn’texpectpeople
tobeperfect.Luckilyforusall.”
“Isupposeso,”Violetreplied.
“Peoplewilltalk,”Mrs.Hardymurmuredunhappily.
“They’realreadytalking,andsmiling,andlaughing,”Blaketoldherwithagrin.“It’sanopensecret
allovertown.Theonlythingthey’recuriousaboutiswherewe’rebeingmarried.”
“Isupposethat’sthebeautyofsmalltowns,”Violetagreed,smilingback.“Therearenorealsecrets.
We’reallfamily.”
“Exactly,”Blakereplied.“Nowtothenextimportantissue.”Hewatchedtheirfacesgrowattentive.
“WhowantsChinesetake-out?”heasked,chuckling.

HewenttogettheorderandbroughtitbacktoMrs.Hardy’s.SheandVioletalreadyhadtheplacesset
atthetableandtheywereallhungry.TheytalkedoverthepotentialcaseagainstJanetCollins,andthe
forthcomingwedding.BythetimeBlakewasreadytoleave,Mrs.Hardywassmilingandseemedto
havenomoremisgivings.
Violetwalkedhimouttohiscar,noticinghowbrightandclearthenightskywas.Thestarswere
brilliant.Allaroundtherewasthefragranceoftheold-fashionedrosesMrs.Hardygrewinhersmall
garden.
Mrs.Hardyhadalreadyannouncedheropinionoflivingwiththenewlyweds—andespeciallyBlake’s
delinquentSiamese.Shesaidshe’dprefertorture.Sothey’dcompromisedonhavinganurse-
companionstaywithher.BlakewouldcallanagencyandhavethemsendoverpeopleforMrs.
Hardy’sapproval.
“She’llbemuchhappierhere,Iknow,”Violettoldhimontheporch.“Shelovesputteringinher
roses.Wecanvisitheralot.”
“We’llcomeoveroftenandbringsupper,too,”hesaid.“She’llhavesomeonequalifiedtolookafter
her,soyoudon’thavetoworryaboutthat.”Helookedathercuriously.“Seehoweasilythingswork
out,whenthey’remeanttohappen?”
Shenodded.Shemovedastepclosertohim.Itwaschilly,despitetheusuallywarmspringnights.She
lookedupathimquietly.“Youwon’tendupresentingthebabybecauseitforcedusintomarriage?”
Hecaughtherbythewaistandpulledherclose.“IfIdidn’tcareaboutyou,I’dmakeprovisionsfor
youandthebabyandwewouldn’tgetmarried,”hesaidsurprisingly.“Idon’tliketheideaofdivorce.

It’smessyanditleavesatrailofsorrowbehindit.YouandIhavealotincommon.We’rebasically
thesamesortofpeople.Wehavethesameattitudes.Webothlovechildrenandanimals.There’s
enoughtheretostartwith,andaphysicalcompatibilitythatIneverexpectedinamillionyears.Iwant
tomarryyou.Thebabyisgoingtobeabonus.”
Tearsstunghereyes.“You’vethoughtaboutthisalot.”
“Ihave.That’swhyI’msorryyouoverheardmetalkingtoDr.LouColtrain,”headded,identifying
hisconfidantforthefirsttime.“Iwasn’tchoosingmywords,andIwasconfused.I’mnotanymore.”
“You’resureaboutthat?”sheaskedgently.
Henodded.Hetracedalinedownhersoftcheek.“I’vebeenaloneforalongtime.I’mtiredofit.I’ll
adjust,andsowillyou.”
Shenodded,butshestilllookedworried.
“Whatnow?”heasked.
“I’mscared.”
“Ofgettingmarried?”heaskedwithaquizzicalsmile.
“Ofthebaby,”shereplied.“Theydon’tcomewithinstructionmanuals.They’resotiny,andso
fragile…”
Hedrewherclose,laughingsoftly.“Everybody’safraidofbeingparents,”hesaideasily.“Butbabies
aretougherthantheyseem,andthere’salwaysDr.Lou.She’shadlotsofexperiencewithpregnant
people,andsheknowsaverygoodobstetrician.”
“SoIheard.”
“Stopworrying,”hetoldher.“We’reinthistogether.”
“Isupposeweare,atthat,”sheconceded.“We’llhavecompany,too—well,aboutmarriage.Libbyand
JordanPowellaregettingmarried.”
Hegrinned.“That’snosurprise.He’sbeeninandoutoftheofficeseveraltimestryingtogetherto
forgivehim.”
“Serveshimrightthatshetookhertimeaboutit,”shepointedout.“HeandJulieMerrillwerea
venomouspair.WillJuliegotoprisonforthatarsoncharge,doyouthink?”
“She’llprobablytrytoletheremployeeswinginherplace.Don’tworry.ChiefGrierhasanother
pendingcharge,onethatshewon’tescapesoeasily.”
“Areyougoingtotellmewhatitis?”shefished.
Hechuckled.“Notnow.”Hebentandkissedhergently,tugginghercloseintohisarms.Theywere
warmandsafeagainstthechilloftheevening.Shesighedandkissedhimback.Hismouthfeltas
warmashisarms.Hewasperfecttoher.
“Gobackin,”hesaidafteraminute,runninghisleanhandsoverherarms.“You’refreezingout
here.”
“It’ssupposedtobespringalready,”shepointedout,shivering.
“Ifyoudon’tliketheweather,waitfiveminutes,”herepeatedthestandinglocaljoke.
“Ibelievethat.”Shesmiled.“Arewereallygettingmarriednextweek,orwasthatjusttoplacate
Mama?”
“Itwastoplacateme,too,”herepliedsomberly.“Idon’twantpeoplemakingsnideremarksabout
you,thewaythey’retalkingaboutTippyMooremovinginwithChiefGrier.”
“Shewasbadlyhurt,”shestated.“Nobodysaneisgoingtothinkanythingofit.Besides,Mrs.Jewellis
stayingtherearoundtheclock.SoisTippy’slittlebrother.Therearetoomanychaperonesformuch
togoon.”
“Still,there’stalk,”hecountered.“Andthey’llhavemoreammunitionwithyouthantheydidwith

Tippy,evenconsideringhermiscarriage.Itwon’ttakelongforsomeonetonoticethatyouhad
prenatalvitaminsfilledupinVictoria.”
Shegasped.“Howdidyouknowthat?”
“Loutoldme,”hesaidsimply,andhesmiled.“Well,Iamaconcernedparty,”heremindedher.“It’s
mybaby,too.”Hehesitated,frowningashelookeddownatVioletandthenatherflatstomach.He
felt…odd.He’dneverthoughtaboutchildren,exceptonce,longago,withShannon.Sincethen,since
thefatalpoisoningthathadclaimedherandherunbornchild,he’dbeenbelligerentaboutnotwanting
children.Butnow…
“You’reupset,”Violetsaidsoftly,movingastepcloser.“Whatisit?”
Helookedworried.“YouknowthatI’vebeenadamantaboutneverwantingchildren.I’mnotsureyou
knowwhy.”
She’dforgottenthat,anditmadeherheartsink.Sheknewhewasmakingthemostofabadsituation,
butshehadn’twantedtorememberhowhefeltaboutchildren.“Somemenjustdon’tlikethem,”she
began.
Heputhisforefingeroverhermouth.“Shannonwaspregnantwhenshedied,”hesaidbluntly.“Itwas
mychild.”
Shedidn’tlookshocked,ashe’dexpected.Hefrowned.
“Smalltowns,”sheexplainedsoftly.“Everybodyknowseverything.”
“Youknewthat?”
Shenodded.“I’msorryithappenedthatway.”
Hedrewinalongbreath.“Yes.SoamI.ItwasablowthatIneverquitegotover.EverytimeIsaw
JulieMerrill,itbroughtitallback.Shekilledanotherhumanbeingfornomorereasonthanshe
wantedtobeclasspresident.Shedidn’tevenseemtobebotheredbyit.”
“Therearepeoplewhofeelnothingatall,”shereplied.“Idon’tunderstandit,either.Butsomeday,
she’llpayfortheevilshe’sdone.”
“Thesooner,thebetter,”hereplied.
Shereachedupandtouchedhischeek.“Didyouknow,aboutthebaby?”
Hisfacewenttaut.“No.I’mnotsureshewascomfortabletellingmeaboutit.Iwasmoreadamantin
thosedaysaboutfamiliesthanIamnow,andthat’ssayingsomething.Thatmadetheguiltworse.I
wonderedifshe’dbeentormented,thinkingIwouldn’twantthechild.Asitis,”headdedheavily,“it’s
amootpoint.Thebabydiedwithher.”
“DidJulieknow?”shewondered.
“Ineverasked.Itwouldmakenodifferencenow.ButI’dstilllovetoseeherliningupforpayback,
forthethingsshe’sdone.Sheshouldn’tbeallowedtogetawaywithit.”
“Peopledon’tgetawaywiththings,Blake,”shesaid,soundingmuchmorematurethanshewasasshe
lookedupathim.“Itmaytakeyears,evenalifetime.Buteventuallypeoplewhohurtotherpeopleget
itback,doubled.”
Hetracedhermouthsoftly.Shemadehimfeelcomforted,safe,secure.Hewasatoughex-special
forcescaptainandhereallydidhavethemedalstoproveit.Butshemeltedhim.Hewonderedifshe
hadanyideawhathefeltforher.Itwaslikewhathe’dfeltforShannon,yearsago.Shannon.Hesaw
herface,inthecasket,whiteandstill,herhappyblueeyesclosedforever.Hefeltsick.
Itwasn’tViolet’sfault,andwhenhesawheruncertainstare,hefeltworse.Hebentandkissedher
tenderly.Hewasanguished,buthedidn’twanthertothinkshewasresponsibleforit.Hewas
rememberingShannon,ashe’dlastseenher,whenthelighthadgoneoutoftheworld.Hehadtoget
outofhere,tohavetimetohimselftocometotermswiththepast.“Getsomerest.I’llphoneyou

tomorrow,”hetoldher.
He’dpromisedlunch,butshecouldtellthatthediscussionaboutShannonwaswoundinghim.She
onlysmiled.“I’lllookforwardtoit,”shesaid.“Drivecarefully.”
Henoddedabsently,turned,andwenttohiscar.Hedidn’tlookbackashedroveaway.
Violethesitatedbeforeshewentbackintothehouse.Shewasn’treallyworried.Hewasn’tlyingabout
theirphysicalcompatibility,andhedidseemtowanttheirchild.Buthehadn’tcompletelysettledthe
past.Heneededtime,andshewasgoingtogiveittohim.Shewantedhimdesperately.Buthehadto
wantherjustasmuch.HehadtoletgoofthememoryofShannon.
Somehow,sheknew,hewouldmanagethat.

Sheandhermotherhadanearlynight.Shedreamedaboutthebaby,andawokefeelingflushedand
excitedabouttheprospectofbringinganewlittlelifeintotheworld.Shedidn’tcarewhichsexitwas.
Sheonlywantedahealthychild.
Shewonderedhowshewasgoingtomanagetoworkandraiseafamily,orifBlakereallywantedher
to.Shelikedherjob,butshelovedtheideaofbeingwithherchildrenwhiletheyweresmall,taking
themplaces,readingtothem,beingwiththem.Hermotherhadgivenupworktobeastay-at-home
mother,andshe’dneverregrettedit.Violetknewthatshewouldfeelthesame.IfBlakehadbeena
commonlaborer,andshehadtoworktohelpmaketheirliving,sheknewshe’dcope.Buttheywere
indifferentcircumstances.Shewantedtotryit.
AsshewalkedintoDukeWright’sofficethenextmorning,shenoticedthatherbosswaslooking
uneasy.Heglancedupatherapproach,andhedidn’tsmile.
“DidIdosomethingwrong?”sheaskeduneasily.
Heshookhishead.“Beka’sonherway.”
“Excuseme?”
“Beka.My…almostex-wife.Andourson.”
“Oh.”Sheputdownherpurse.“Doyouneedmetodoanything?”
“Thereisn’tmuchtobedone,”hereplied.Hemovedawayfromthedeskwithhishandsinhisjeans
pockets.“Ihopeshemeantwhatshesaidonthephone,thatshe’swillingtoconsiderleavingTrent
withme.”
“Maybeshedid,”Violetsaid,tryingtobereassuring.
Heshrugged.“It’sjustthatshemaychangehermindifshefindsoutI’vegotDeleneworkingherein
thelab,”heblurtedout.
“DoessheknowDelene?”Violetwantedtoknow.
Hegrimaced.“Theyonlymetonce,atmycollegereunion.Delenedidn’tlikeher,anditshowed.See,
Bekahadbarelygraduatedhighschoolatthetime.Itwasbeforeshewentbacktocollegetogether
lawdegree.Delenewasinmygraduatingclass—asciencemajor,atthat.Shealwayswasbrainy.”
Violet’seyebrowsarched.“Well!”
“IfshethinksI’minvolvedwithDelene,shemaytakeTrentrightbacktoNewYork,”hesaid
uncomfortably.“WhatcanIdo?Ican’tverywellfirethebestbiologistI’vegot!”
“YoucouldhaveDelenegooffonafact-findingtriptoColorado,”shesuggested.
Helookedatherblankly.“Colorado?”
“Isn’ttheNationalCattleman’sAssociationsponsoringsomesortofworkshopforartificial
inseminationexpertsthisweek?”shewondered.

Hepursedhislips.“Why,sotheyare!Therewasabrochureaboutitinthemaillastweek,
remember?”
“Yes,Ido.”Shecheckedherwatch.“Youcouldgetheronaplanebynoon,ifyouhurry.”
Hechuckled.“Violet,you’reawonder!”
“Justasuggestion,boss.”
Hesighed.“Now,ifshe’lljustgo…!”
“Askher.Butyou’dbetterhurry,”shepointedout.“Youdon’thavemuchtime.”
“I’lldoitrightnow.Uh,thoselettersonthedeskneedanswering,butIhaven’tgotaminutetodictate
themrightnow.Justcatchupherdrecords,okay?”
“Okay.”
Hewasgonebeforeshehadachancetoevenanswerhim.Shesatdown,amused,andturnedonher
computer.Itwasgoingtobeaninterestingday.

Twohourslater,shewasdeepinaspreadsheetprogram,listingdailyweightgainquotasand
measurementsfromthenewbullyearlingcrop,whenthedooropenedandatall,blondwoman
walkedinwithasmallboyinasuitintow.
ShestoppedshortwhenshesawVioletatthedesk.Shefrowned,andpeeredatthewoman.“DoIknow
you?”sheaskedslowly.
“AreyouMrs.Wright?”Violetrepliedpolitely,andthengrimaced,becauseshewasabouttobethe
ex-Mrs.Andthatmightnotbeapoliticallycorrectwayofaddressingher.Violetflushed.
“I’mBekaWright,”theotherwomanrepliedtersely.Shemovedforward,withthelittleboy.“Areyou
new?”
“Yes,ma’am,”Violetagreed.“I’vebeenworkingforMr.Wrightonandoffforjustafewweeks.”
“Onandoff?”Bekaqueried,whilethechildathersidefidgetedandleanedagainstherleginits
elegantblackslacksabovehighheels.
“Mr.Kempfiresmeperiodically,”shereplied.“OrIquit.ButI’llbegoingbackprettysoon,Iguess,
becausewe’resortofengaged,”sheaddedquickly,beforetheotherwomancouldgetthewrongidea
aboutherpresencehere.Shesmiledshyly.
“BlakeKempisgettingmarried?”Mrs.Wrightasked.Shefeltherforehead.“ImustfeelworsethanI
thought.OrmaybeI’mhearingthings.”
“No,it’strue,”Violetassuredher.“We’resortofhavingababy.”
“Ababy.NowIknowIneedtositdown.”Mrs.Wrightploppedintothechairinfrontofthedeskand
hoistedthelittleboyontoherlap.“Where’smyhusb…myex-husband?”shecorrectedcurtly.
“IthinkhedroveMissCranetotheairport,”shereplied,andthencouldhavebittenhertongueoutfor
mentioningit.
“DelenaCrane?”Herfacetightened.“What’sshedoinghere?”Bekademanded.
“Uh,she’sgoingtoaconferenceinColorado.She’sabiologist.”Shedidn’tdareaddthatsheworked
forMr.Wright,too.
Bekarelaxed,butjustalittle.“Doesshespendmuchtimehere?”sheaskedsuspiciously.
“Notmuch,no.”Violethopedshewouldn’tgetintroubleforlying.
“Good.Imean,Iwouldn’twantmysonaroundher,”Bekaqualified.“Shehasanattitudeproblem.
WhenwillDukebeback?”shecontinued.
Violetlookedpastherandgrimaced.“Anysecond,”shemurmureduncomfortably.

Bekaturnedaround.DukeWrightwasstandinginthedoorway,hishatcockedlowoveroneeye,his
faceasrigidassteel.Andhewasn’tsmiling.

Eleven

Dukemovedforwardintotheroom,hisexpressionchangingwhenhesawtheblond-headedlittleboy
inhiswife’slap.
“Hey,Trent!”hecalled,grinning.
“Daddy!”Trentstruggledawayfromhismotherandmadeabeelinetothetallmanwhowaited,
stooping,withhisarmsopen.Thechildlaunchedhimselfintothemandhuggedthemanforallhe
wasworth.“Daddy,Imissedyousomuch!”hewept.“Whydidn’tyoucometoseeusinNewYork?”
Dukelookedtormented.Hewouldn’tmeethiswife’seyes.Hekissedthelittleboy.“I’mgladyou
cametoseeme,”hereplied,smilingatthechild.Helookedup,meetingBeka’sdarkeyesevenly.
“Hello,Beka.”
“Hello,Duke,”shereplied,notquitemeetinghisaccusinggaze.
“I’msureyouhaveamotelroombynow,butI’dloveitifyou’dletTrentstayhere,”hesaidquietly.
“Ihavealive-inhousekeeper,Mrs.Holmes,wholoveschildren.She’sawonderfulcook.”
Bekaseemeduncomfortable.“I…therearen’t…well,thereisn’tamotelroomvacantin
Jacobsville…”Shelookedupathim.
“You’rewelcometostayhere,too,”hereplied.“Ijustdidn’tthinkyou’dwantto,”headdedbitterly.
“Icanstanditifyoucan,”shetoldhim.“Oursuitcasesareinthecar.I’lljustgogetthem,”shesaid,
rising.
“I’llhaveoneoftheboysbringtheminforyou,”hereturnedcurtly.“Ifthat’sallright,”headded
unexpectedly,andwithoutantagonism.
Herthineyebrowsarchedandshelookedshocked.“Yes.Thatwouldbefine.Thankyou.”
“You’rewelcome.”HeputTrentdownandsmiledathim.“Wanttocomewithme?I’mgoingoutto
thecorraltogetoneofmycowboys.He’sworkinganewfillyonaleadingrein.”
“What’safilly,Daddy?”heasked.
“Afillyisayoungfemalehorse,”hereplied.“She’sanAppaloosa.Shehasstripedhoovesandspots
onherback,”headdedwithagrin.
“IthoughtyousoldalltheAppaloosas!”Bekaexclaimed.
“Notallofthem,”hereplied.Hiseyeswentoverherredsilkblouseanddowntheblackslackstoher
smallfeetinhighheels.“You’rewelcometojoinus.It’sprettydustyoutthere,”headded.
Shemovedtowardhim,alittlehesitantly.“Clothescanbecleaned,”shesaid.ShetookTrent’shand.
“I’dliketoseeher.”
Duke’seyessoftenedandhesmiled.“She’sabeauty.”
Bekasmiledback,followingthemanandtheboyoutthedoor.
Violetwatchedthemgowithhopefulfeelings.Sheknewithadbeenamessydivorce,becauseshe’d
beenworkingwithBlakeatthetime.HerpersonalopinionhadbeenthatDukeWrightwasan
overbearing,unreasonabletyrant.Shehadnosympathyforhimatall.Awomanwhomarriedaman
likeDukecouldexpecttobeownedlikeahorse.Heneveraskedanyoneelse’sopinion;hegavehis.
Hethrewoutorderslikeamilitarycommander,andthefirstdayVioletmethim,she’dhavelikedto
seehimupsidedowninabarrelofdirtywater.
Buthe’dmellowedjustrecently.Itwasobviousthathewastryingtobepolitetohisex-wife,evenifit
wasonlytohelphiscasewithhisson.Delenecertainlyseemedtolikehim.Shegrimaced.WhenMrs.
Wrightfoundoutwhothenewbiologistwas,shewasn’tgoingtobesmiling.Itwasgoingtobean
explosionofsomemagnitude…

Blakehadgonehomeinablackmood.MeeandYowcurledupbesidehiminbedthatnightand
purredwhilehebrooded.Hecouldn’tgetthatlastvisionofShannonoutofhismind,lyingsostill
andbeautifulinherwhitecoffin.Allthelongyears,he’dwonderedifhecouldhavesavedherifhe’d
justagreedtogotothepartywithher.She’daskedhimto,andhe’dwantedtogo,becauseevenback
thenhedidn’ttrustJulieMerrill.
Buthe’dhadacourtcasethefollowingMondayandhe’dwantedtimetoworkonhisdefense.While
hewaswritingupgambitsforhisopeningargument,Shannonwasdrinkingadrugthatworkedlike
poison.Hehadn’tknownathingaboutituntilearlythenextmorning,whenhermotherhadphoned
fromthehospitaltotellhimthenews.
He’dgonearoundinadazeforweeksafterward.Hehadn’tbeenabletothink,muchlesswork.His
reserveunit,likeCagHart’s,hadbeencalledupin1991whenOperationDesertStormsentsoldiers
toKuwaittoliberateitfrominvasion.He’dvolunteeredwithoutasecondthought,notatallconcerned
thathemightdie.
He’dwadedrightinwithhiscompany,inthethickofthefighting,acaptaininaforwardunit.During
amemorablefirefight,he’dpropelledatankintothethickofanenemypositionanduseditlikea
batteringramtoshutdownamachinegunnestthatwaskillinghismen.He’dbeenawardedaPurple
Heart,becausehe’dbeenwoundedintheensuingfirefight,andaSilverStarforgallantryinaction.
Fewpeoplearoundhereknewaboutit.Hedidn’ttalkabouthismilitaryservice.Well,excepttoCag
Hart,whounderstood.CashGrierwasrumoredtohavebeeninIraqduringthesameperiod,butit
wasasubjectCashdidn’tencourage.HewasevenmorereticentthanBlake,andthatwassaying
something.
Hetossedandturnedallnight,finallygivinginarounddaylight.Hegotupandmadecoffeeandtoast
andbroodedatthetable.Shannon,thewar,allthatwasinthepast.Hecouldn’tgoback.Forallthe
wonderhe’dfeltwithher,therehadneverbeenthespontaneousrushofpassionthathefeltwhenhe
waswithViolet.HeandShannonhadlovedoneanother,butwithaquieter,lesstempestuouslove.
WhathefeltwithVioletwassomethingelseagain,awhirlpoolofdelightsthatlefthimbreathless
eveninmemory.
Hethoughtaboutthebaby.HewonderedifitwouldlooklikehimorlikeViolet,ifitwouldbeaboy
oragirl.Hecouldpicturehimselfwithalittlegirlonhislap,readingherbedtimestories,orwitha
littleboy,showinghimthetelescopeanddistantplanets,andteachinghimaboutrocks.Heloved
rocksevenmorethanastronomy.Hehadsamplesofcrystalsandmeteoritesandfossilsandallsorts
ofminerals.Hehadametaldetector,andinhissparetimehelovedwanderingaroundtheproperty
withit,lookingformetallicmeteorites.He’dfoundseveralovertheyears.He’dnevertoldViolet
aboutthisoddhobby.Hewonderedifshelikedrocks,too.
Hefinishedhiscoffeeandstretched.Thecatssatwatchinghim,puzzledathischangeofroutine.
“Icouldn’tsleep.Don’tyouhavebadnights?”heaskedthem.
Theyblinked.Foralltheworld,theyseemedtobelistening.Ofcourse,theyseemedtowatch
television,too.Obviously,hislackofsleepwasplayingtricksonhismind.
“I’mgoingtomarryViolet,”hetoldthem.“Andthere’sgoingtobealittletinyhumanbeinghereina
fewmonths.You’llbothhavetoadapt.”
Theyblinkedagain.Butthistimetheylookedateachotherandthenbackathim.
Heshookhishead.Hewasdoingitagain,talkingtothecats.Violetandthebabywouldbegoodfor
hismentalhealth.Anydaynow,hewasgoingtothinkthecatsactuallyunderstoodhim.

Hegotupandwenttothesink.Justasheputhiscoffeecupandplateundertherunningwater,
separatesetsofteethdugintoseparateankles.
“Eyoowch!”heburstout,andstartedcursing.
Thetwocatsmovedquicklyaway,indifferentdirections,withtheirearsbackandtheirtailsasrigid
asflags.Herubbedthemarks,glaringafterthem.
“Isaid,you’llhavetoadaptandImeantit!”heyelledafterthem.
Theywalkedfaster.
Hewasn’tgoingtotellVioletaboutthis,hedecidedashedoctoredthesmallincisions.She’dhave
himlockedupbeforethewedding!

WhenBlakewenttopickVioletupatDuke’shouseforlunch,neitherDukenorhiswifeandsonwere
around.
“Hassheleft?”heaskedVioletcovertly.
Sheshookherhead.“Theywerestiffandpoliteatfirst.Now,they’rewalkingaroundeachotherlike
wrestlerslookingforagoodhold.”
Hesighedashetuckedherhandintohisandtheyheadedtowardhiscar.“Iwasafraiditmightgolike
that.Peopledon’treallychange,youknow,”headdedthoughtfully.“Theyhidetraitsthatbother
potentialmates,butbadhabitsalwaysshowupeventually.”
Shestoppedwalkingandlookedupathimwithtwinklingeyes.“Dotell?Andwhathideoustraitsare
youhidingfromme?”
Hisowneyestwinkled.Hebentdown.“I’marockfanatic.”
Hereyebrowsleveredup.“Youlikerockmusic?”
Heshookhishead.“Ilikerocks.Meteorites.Fossils.Crystals.Rightnow,I’mkeenonironmeteorites.
Igooutlookingforthemwithametaldetectoronweekends.”
Shebegantosmile.“I’vegotaboxofprojectilepointsinmycloset,”shesaid.“Ipickedthemupon
mygrandfather ’sfarmwhenIwasalittlegirl.Somearebigandsomearelittle.Idon’tevenknow
muchaboutthem,butItreasurethemjustthesame.AndI’vegotquartzcrystalsofallsorts,from
amethysttorosequartz…!”
Hehuggedherclose,laughing.“Ofallthecoincidences,”heburstout.
Shehuggedhimback.“Icanseeusnow,hikingupamountainwiththebabyinabackpackanda
metaldetector,”shechuckled.
Hedrewawaysothathecouldseeherface.“We’lltaketurnscarryinghim,”hemused.“Orher.”
“Hefeelslikeaboy,”shesaid.“Idon’tknowwhy.”
Hebentandkissedhernosetenderly.“We’lllovewhateverweget.Maybehe’lllikerocks,too.And
astronomy.”
Hetookherhandagainandledhertowardthecar.Hefavoredhisleftlegalittleandwincedashe
moved.
“What’swrong?”sheaskedimmediately.“Didyouhurtyourself?”
Hepausedbythepassengerdoorofhiscarandstudiedher.
“Don’tyouwanttotellme?”shepersistedwhenhehesitated.
“YoumightwantmelockedupwhenItellyou,”hemused.
“Bedaring.”
Helaughed.“Itoldthecatsweweregettingmarriedandexpectinganadditiontothefamily.They

lookedateachother,andatme.Onegotoneithersideofmeandtheybitbothanklesatonceand
flouncedoffinahuff.”
Shedidn’tsayanything.Shegavehimanoddlook.
Heshrugged.“Itoldyouyou’dwantmelockedup.”
“Dotheyliketuna?”
Heshookhishead.“Salmon.They’recrazyforit.”
“Iknowwherewecangetsomefreshsalmon,”shemurmureddryly.
Hepursedhislipsthoughtfully.“Itmightjustwork.”
“Let’ssee!”
“Firstthingafterlunch,”hepromised,puttingherinthecar.

ChiefGrierwasinBarbara’sCaféwhentheygotthere,sittingwithasomberLeoHart.Theyboth
lookedupwhenKempwalkedin.Griermotionedtohim.HeleftVioletinlinetokeephisplaceand
pausedbytheirbooth.
“Something’sgoingon,Igather?”heasked.
“Somethingbig,”Grieragreed.“Leo’sbrotherSimongotsomenewsaboutJulieMerrill.Remember
thedruglordwhotriedtosetupshopherebeforeIcametoworkontheforce?”
“Ido,”Blakereplied.“Hewasbadnews.”
“Well,afemaledruglordhasreplacedhim,andwethinkJulieMerrillisherlieutenant.I’vebeen
watchingahouseoutoftownontheVictoriaroadwheredrugsmugglershadahideoutthattheDEA
busted.There’ssomenewactivity.IthinkJulie’sinvolved,alongwithsomeprominentlocal
politicians.”
Kempwhistled.“Gotherincustody?”
“Chancewouldbeafinething,”Grierreplied.“Shemadebailandgotout,butacoupleofdayslater,
shemadebushbond.”Inotherwords,Blaketranslated,sheskippedtown.
“Ifyouneedhelptrackingherdown,IknowagoodP.I.”
Griergrinned.“Thanks.ButIthinkmycontactsareevenbetterthanyours.WhatI’dliketoknow
fromyouissomethingthatmaybepainful,”headded,andthesmilefaded.
“YouwanttoknowaboutShannonCulbertson,”Blakesaidperceptibly.“Julieputsomethinginher
drinkandshedied.ButIcouldneverproveit.Itried,believeme!”
“Ifyouhaveanynotesonthecase,I’dappreciatealookatthem,ifitisn’taconfidentialitymatter,”he
added.
“Notatthislatedate,”Blakerepliedsolemnly.“DropbymyofficeinthemorningandI’llhavethem
foryou.I’dlovenothingbetterthantoseeJulieMerrillinstripes.”
“Thatmakestwoofus,”Grieragreed.HeglancedatViolet,whowaslookingatBlakewithwide,
soft,lovingeyes.Hegrinned.“You’vegotgoodtasteinwomen,Imightsay,”hetoldtheotherman.
“Ido,don’tI?”Blakesaidcomplacently,smilingatViolet,whoblushed.
“Ihearshe’stakingprenatalvitamins,”Griermurmuredwickedly.
Blakedidn’tfirefromthehip.Heactuallylaughed.“Abundantly,”heagreed,“orshegoestosleepin
herplate.”HeglancedfromGriertoLeoHart,whowasalsogrinning.“Youcanbothcometothe
wedding,ifyou’dlike.WedecidedontheMethodistchurch.We’reannouncingitinthepaper.No
timeforinvitations.Mrs.Hardyhasloadedhershotgunandmadesignificantthreats.”
“Asifthatwouldmattertoyou,”Leochuckled.

Blakesmiled.“IneverthoughtI’dgetmarried,muchlessbeaparent.Butitallseemstobefalling
intoplacenaturally.”HeeyedGrier.“Ihearyou’realreadytakingTippy’sbrotherfishingwithyou.”
“He’squiteaboy,Roryis,”Grieragreed.“Ilikehavinghimaround.Ilikehavingheraround,too.”
“So?”Blakeprompted.
Grierjustshrugged.“We’rewaitingforamajorcomplicationtoresolveitself.”
“Iheardthekidnapperwasstillontheloose,”Blaketoldhim.“Youdon’tthinkhe’dbecrazyenough
toshowuphereintown?”
Griermethiseyesevenly.“WithoutTippy,there’snocase.Kidnappingisafederaloffense.Itmeans
hardtime.Theguyisaprofessionalcontractkiller.Idon’thaveanyillusionsaboutTippybeingsafe
justbecauseshe’sinmyhouse.Isleeplightthesedays.”
Blakenodded.“Ihopeitworksout.”
“Itwill,onewayoranother,”Griersaidgrimly.
“Whataboutyourcats?”Leoaskedcuriously.
Blakeblinked.“What?”
“We’veheardsomestrangestoriesfrompeoplewhovisitedyouathome,”Leorepliedwitha
chuckle.“Theysaymostallofthemcameoutrunning.”
“Andbleeding,”Grieraddedwickedly.
“Afewscratcheshereandthere,that’sall.”
“Yes,butVioletwillbelivingwiththem.”
“Shehassomeideasthatinvolvefreshsalmon,”Blakereplied,grinning.“Theydotakebribes.”
“Goodluck,”Griersaid.
“Amen,”Leoadded.
BlakejustsmiledandwentbacktoViolet.

HetoldheronthewayoutoftownaboutJulieMerrilljumpingbail,andabouttheevidenceGrier
wantedtosee.
Shelookedathimwithsoftcompassion.“It’shardforyoutolookback,isn’tit?”sheaskedgently.
“Shannonmeantalottoyou.”
Henoddedsolemnly.“Shedid.”Hisheadturnedtowardher.“Butthepastisgone,Violet.I’vemade
mistakes,tryingtoliveinit.Shewasakindwoman.Shewouldn’thavewantedmetobebitter.”
Shesmiled.“Youwerejusthurt,”shesaid.“Ittakesalotoftimetogetoverlosingpeople.Iknow.I
stillmissDaddy.”
“Imissbothofmyparents,”hesaidunexpectedly.“MyfatherdiedwhenIwaslittle.Itookcareofmy
motherallthewaythroughschool.ShediedofastroketheweekafterIgraduatedfromlawschool.
Shannonwasthere,withfoodandcomfort,kindness.Iwasalmostoutofmymindwithgriefalready.
Then,justafewmonthslater,IlostShannon,too.”HeglancedatViolet.“I’vebeenhiding,Isuppose.”
“Itisn’thardtoseewhy.”Sheleanedbackagainsttheseat.“Leolooksdifferent.”
“He’smarried,”hesaid,laughing.“He’sdefinitelymellowed.AlltheHartboyshave.It’sjust
amazing.I’dhavebetrealmoneythatthey’dendupcrustyoldbachelors.”
“TheysaidthesamethingabouttheTremaynebrothers,”shepointedout.“Andlookatthem!”
Hesmiled.“MarcBrannon,JuddDunn,therearetwootherbachelorsI’dhavebetonstayingsingle.”
Heshookhishead.“NowCashGrier ’sabouttofall.”
“YouthinkTippycouldsettledowninasmalltown?”sheasked,aghast.

“You’veseenthemtogether.Whatdoyouthink?”
Shesighed.“Ithinkthey’recrazyabouteachother,butneitherofthemiswillingtoadmitit.She’s
beenthroughalot,includingthemiscarriage.Thatmusthavebeentough.Whatifthetabloidsfindout
she’shereandstartonheragain?”
Hiseyestwinkled.“Oh,IthinkCashcanhandlethepress.”
“MattCaldwellcertainlydid,theysay,whenareportertargetedhisLesliesomeyearsago,before
theyweremarried.”
“Thisisnotagoodplaceforoutsidersiftheyrufflefeelings,”Blakeremindedher.
“I’mglad.Ilikelivinghere.”Shesighedworriedly.“Blake,theywon’ttrytomakesomebignews
storyoutofJanetCollinswhenhertrialcomesup,willthey?ShepoisonedDaddyandwassuspected
instillanothermurderinanursinghome.Therearen’tthatmanywomenserialkillers.Whatifthe
presscomesinhereandstartsmakingsnacksoutofmeandMama?”
“Notachance,”hepromised.
Histonewascurious.Sheglancedupathim.“DoyouknowsomethingIdon’t?”sheaskedslowly.
“Let’sjustsay,I’mworkingonsomething,”hereplied.Hestoppedatthetown’sonlyfishmarketand
parkedthecar.“Freshsalmon,”hesaidasheturnedofftheenginewithagrin.“Let’shopetheytake
bribes!”

Thecatswerebothsittinginthefrontwindowwhenthecardroveup.
“That’sodd,”Blakeremarked.“Theyneverwaitformelikethatunlessit’sgroceryday.”
“Maybetheysmellthesalmon!”sheteased.
Hemadeaface.“Fatchance.”
Violetpickedupthefishandtheybothwentinthefrontdoortogether.
“Hi,guys,”Violetsaid,waftingthebrown-wrappedfishabovetheirheads.“Hungry?”
Theybothstartedyowling,soundingforalltheworldlikecryingbabiesastheystoodontheirhind
legstryingtoswatthepackageoutofherhands.
“Thathastobeagoodsign,”Violettoldhim.
“We’llsee.Comeon,girls,”hecalledtothem,leadingVioletthroughthelivingroomandintothe
spaciouskitchen.“I’llgettheirbowls.”
Hepulledthemoutofthedishwasherandsettledthemonthecounter.Violetopenedthebrown
packageandsplitthesalmondownthemiddle.Thecatswereallbutclimbingthecabinet.
“Hereyougo,babies,”shesaidsoftly,andputthefishdown.
Theybothglancedatherwithbigblueeyes,butonlyforaminute.Theystartedeatingandgrowling
atthesametime,determinedthateachwasgoingtogetherownfairsharewithouthavingherbowl
raided.
BlakeandVioletmovedawaywhiletheyate,watchingthem.Itdidn’ttakelong.Thecatslickedtheir
bowlscleanandthenstartedbathingthemselves.Theyignoredthehumanscompletely.
“Ungratefulwretches.”Blakelaughed.Hepickedupthebowlsandputtheminthesink,shakinghis
head.
ButViolethadmoreconfidencethanbefore,andshesquatteddownnexttothemonthefloor.
“Beautifulbabies,”shesaidsoftly,smiling.“I’llmakesureyouhavesalmonanytimeyouwantit.”
Theystoppedbathingandlookedatherwiththosepiercingblueeyes.
“Honest,”sheadded.

Meecalledtoher,gotup,andrubbedagainstherknees.Yowblinked,hesitated,thenmovedcloser,
too,butstoppedatonebriefhead-buttagainstherthigh.
ShelookedupatBlake.“It’sastart,”shesaidoptimistically.
Hegrinnedfromeartoear.

TheywenttogethertoLibbyCollins’swedding.ShemarriedJordanPowellinabeautifulchurch
service,withmostoftheleadingcitizensofJacobsvilleforwitnesses.AsherbrotherCurtledher
downtheaisle,sheglancedatViolet,sittingsoclosebesideBlakeKemp,andgrinned.Theygrinned
back.
Itwasaniceceremony,briefbutpoignant,andareceptionwasheldafterwardsinBarbara’sCafé.
TippyandCashwavedtothemfromacrosstheroom.SodidtheBallengers.Calhounwaseuphoric
afterhavingsoundlybeatenoldSenatorMerrillfortheDemocraticnominationforstatesenateinhis
district.Hiswife,Abby,wasthere,too,clingingtoherhusband’sarm.Afterthreechildren,allboys,
theywerestillveryclose.JustinBallengerattendedaswell,withhisShelby.LikeCalhounandAbby,
theyhadthreesonsoftheirown.ShelbywasadirectdescendantofBigJohnJacobs,who’dfounded
JacobsvilleandJacobsCounty.
Violethadfeltuncomfortablearoundallthebigwigsatfirst,butshelearnedveryquicklythatthey
werejustordinarypeople,andtheydidn’tputonairs.Shelikedthem.Itwasn’tgoingtobehardtofit
inhere.
ButsheworriedaboutthecaseagainstJanetCollins.TherewasDNAevidence,ofcourse,butthere
werewaysagooddefenseattorneycouldtwistthetruth.Shedidn’twantthewomantogetawaywith
whatshe’ddonetoViolet’sfather.
Blakenoticedherdistractedexpression.“Cheerup,”hewhispered.“Peoplewillthinkit’sawake
insteadofawedding!”
Shemoved,andsmiledupathim,clutchinghersmallcupofpunch.“Sorry.IwasthinkingaboutMrs.
Collins.”
Hemovedcloser,tiltingherchinuptohisbluegrayeyes.“Letmeworryaboutit,”hesaidsoftly.“I
promiseyou,she’snotgoingtogetawaywithit.”
Shesighed.“Okay,bossman,”shesaid.Shestoodontiptoeandtouchedherlipstohishardmouth.
“Whateveryousay.”
Hesmiled,pullingherclosetokissherback,veryemphatically.Whenhedrewawayhewasawareof
afaintsilencearoundthem.
Helookedaroundanddiscoveredthateveryonewaswatchingtheminsteadofthenewlyweds.
“Bettergetaringonherfingerbysundown,”CashGrierwhisperedashewalkedby.“Oryoumaybe
thenexttabloidcenterpiece.”
Blakegrinnedathim.“Thewedding’snextweek,”hetoldthepolicechief.“You’reinvited.”
“I’llbringmywholedepartment,”Cashpromised.
Blake’seyebrowsarched.“Allofit?”
Cashnoddedthoughtfully.“AndI’llhavesomethingveryniceplannedforyourweddingday,”he
added.
MarcBrannonoverheardhimanddrewhisverypregnantwife,Josie,closer.“Runfortheborder,”he
advisedBlakeandViolet.“Hewaswaitingforusatmyranchafterourwedding,withhalfthecounty
lawenforcementpersonnel,andIhadtothreatenhimwithashotguntogetridofhim!”

Grierglaredathim.“Ididnothavehalfofthem.”Heshifted.“SomepeopleIcalledrefusedtocome.
Theydidn’twanttoimposeonnewlyweds,canyoubelievethat?”
“We’releavingtownrightafterourwedding,”BlakepromisedVioletatonce.
Grierreallyglaredthen,atBlakeandtheBrannons.“Hmmmph!”hemuttered.“Somepeoplehaveno
senseofhumor.”
“Somepeoplehavenosenseofprivacy,”Marcshotrightback.
GrierglancedatJosieandgrinned.“Didn’tIwarnyouabouthim?”hepointedatMarc.“Andyou
didn’tlisten!”
Josieleanedclosertoherhusband’stallframe.“Oh,he’snotsobad,”shesaidcomplacently.“Infact,
neitherareyou,”sheaddedtoCash,“despiteyourfar-reachingreputation.”
“Whatreputation?”TippyMooreaskedwithasoftlaughasshewalkedtoCashandwasgathered
againsthimgently.“He’saspureasthedrivensnow,”shedrawledwithamischievousflashofgreen
eyes.
Cashbentandkissedthetipofhernose.“Pest.”
Shesmiledbackathimanditwaslikefireworks.“AndIplannedtomakeyoubeefStroganoff
tonight,”shesaid.“Buthereyouarecallingmenames…”
“Nicepest,”Cashqualified.
Sheshrugged.“Okay.IguessIcanlivewiththat.Goodtoseeyou,”sheaddedtotheothersasshelet
Cashleadherawaytothepunch.Shestillhadplentyofcutsonherprettyface,andsomebruises,and
shewasalittleshaky.Butwhatshe’dlivedthroughinNewYorkhadgainedheralotofsympathy
aroundJacobsville.ItwasprettymuchanopensecrethowCashfeltabouther,andviceversa.
“Theregoesaprospectivebrideandgroom,orImissmyguess,”MarcBrannonmused.
“Samehere,”Blakereplied.HecurledViolet’sfingersintohis.“Isupposeit’scontagious,”headded,
lookingwarmlyintohereyes.
“Whataboutyourcatharem?”Marcasked.
“Theytakebribes,”VioletsaidbeforeBlakecouldspeak.“Freshsalmon.”
“Waytogo,Violet,”Josiechuckled.“Leaveittoawomantofindawayaroundadifficultsituation.”
“She’dknow,”Marcreplied,smilingathiswife.“She’sjustjoinedthelocalD.A.’sofficeasa
prosecutor.Afterthebabycomes,thatis.”
“Whatdoyouwant?”Blakeaskedcuriously.
“Well,wealreadyhavealittleboy.I’dloveadaughternext.Butwe’llsettleforwhateverweget,”
Josiesaidwarmly,smilingupatherhusband,whoreadilyagreed.“Icanhardlywait.”
BlakelookeddownatVioletwithasoftnessinhiseyesthatmadeherheartfloat.“NeithercanI,”he
saidgently.
Violetblushedscarletandnuzzledhercheekagainsthischest.
“We’reexpecting,too,”BlaketoldtheBrannonswithaquietsmile.“It’sgoingtobeawonderful
year.”
“Youcansaythatagain,”Marcreplied.“Congratulations.”
“You,too.”
Violetclosedhereyesastheconversationdriftedaway.Shewonderedifshecoulddieofhappiness.

Twelve

Violetwasnervouslywaitinginthehallfortheorgantosound.Hermotherwasinthefrontpew.Half
ofJacobsvillewasseatedintherestofthepews.ShenoticedthatbigCagHartwasactingasbestman
forherhusband-to-be.Shehadnobodytogiveheraway.Butitwassomethingofanarchaiccustom,
shetriedtoremindherself.Shewasn’tbeinggivenorsoldtoanyman,regardlessofhowmuchshe
lovedhim.
Shepluckednervouslyatthewaistlineofherbeautifulwhitesatingown,hopingtheslightswelldidn’t
showtoomuch.Itwouldn’tmatteralot.Mostpeoplealreadyknewshewaspregnant.Shesmiled.She
andBlakewouldlovetheirchild.Shehadnomoredoubtsabouthim,orherself.Itwouldworkout.
Theorgansoundedandshejerkedhermindbacktotheoccasion,tighteninghergriponherbouquet
ofbaby’sbreath,whiteroses,andlilyofthevalley.Shetookadeepbreathandsteppedoutonher
rightfoot,justasabig,gentlehandcaughtherlefthandandtuckeditintohiselbow.
Shelookedup,startled,intotwinklinggreeneyes.
“I’mnotquiteoldenoughtobeyourfather,”CyParkssaidinaloudwhisper,“butBlakesaidyou
wouldn’tmind.”
Shegrinnedupathim.“Iwon’tmindatall,Mr.Parks.Thankyou!”
“That’sokay.Youcandothesameformeoneday,”hesaid,tongue-in-cheek.
Shestartedgigglingandonlystoppedwhen“TheWeddingMarch”wasbeltedoutonthepiano.
“Straightfaces,now,”Cymurmured.
“Youbet!”sheagreed.
Theywalkeddowntheaisle,towhereBlakewaswaitingwithhisheartinhiseyeswhenhesawViolet
inthatvisionofwhitelaceandsatin,theveildelicatelycoveringherprettyface.Hethoughthisheart
mightburst.
Theceremonywasbrief,poignant,andunforgettable.Blakeliftedtheveiltokisshisbride,and
Violet’sblueeyesbrimmedoverwithtearsasshereturnedthekisswithpurejoy.
Theywalkedoutofthechurchintoasoftrainofcongratulations,confettiandrice.
“Thericeisforfertility,”LibbyCollinswhisperedloudly.
“Itworked!”Blakeexclaimedinastagewhisper,withwickedeyes.
VioletwhackedhimwithherbouquetandwinkedatLibby.
TheyclimbedintothewaitinglimousineandspedawaytoBlake’shouse,tochangeclothesbeforethe
reception.

“Whatagoodthingthereceptionisn’tforanotherhour,”BlakegroanedashekissedViolethungrily
inthebigking-sizebed.
“Andyouthinkwe’llstillmakeitintime?Optimist!”Violetpanted,liftinguptothehard,measured
thrustofhisbody.
Helaughed,butthesensationscaughthimunawareandhearched,groaningwithpleasuresodeepit
feltlikepain.
Violetwentwithhim,flyingupintotheskylikearocket,explodinginsudden,fiercedelight.
Heincreasedtherhythm,andthepressure,andsecondslater,hewasrighttherewithher,burningup
inafierysatisfactionthatwasvaguelyshockinginitslength.Itseemedtogoonforever.
Whenhewasfinallyabletobreatheagain,hewaswetwithsweatandshakingallover.SowasViolet.

“Wow,”shewhisperedreverentlyasshemethiseyes.
Henodded,bendingtokissherdelicately.“Seewhataweekofabstinencedoestoanormalman?”he
murmuredagainstherswollenlips.
“Wantmetolockthebedroomdoorforaweektomakeitbetter…?”Shejumpedandcriedoutashe
pinchedherbottom.
Hewrinkledhisnoseather.“Youlockit,I’llbreakitdown,”hechallenged.“Ihateabstinence!”
Shewreathedherarmsaroundhisneckandsmiledcontentedly,althoughherheartbeatwasstill
shakingher.Shewaswetwithsweat,too,andworkingjusttobreathe.
“It’sbettereverytime,”shesaid,dazed.
“Iimprovewithpractice,”heinformedher.
Shegrinnedandslidherlegsaroundhis.“Doyou,really?Let’ssee…!”

Theyknewthepartywasalreadyunderwaybeforetheygotoutoftheshower.Theydressedquicklyin
theclothingthey’dlaidoutforthereception,alacypinkdressforVioletandslackswithawhiteshirt,
tie,andsportscoatforBlake.
Theywerebarelydressed,stillsmilingateachotherinadazeofpleasure,whentherewasaloudrap
onthefrontdoor.
Theystaredateachother.“Areweexpectinganybody?”Blakeaskedcuriously.
“Idon’tthinkso.”
Theywenttogethertothefrontdoorandopenedit.
OutsidewasmostoftheJacobsvillePoliceDepartment,withChiefCashGrier,inuniform,leading
therest.Hehadapaperinhishandandhewasgrinningmischievously.
“Ladyandgentleman,”hebegan,“yourfriendsintheJacobsvillePoliceDepartmentwouldliketo
congratulateyouonyourrecentnuptialsandremindyouthatifyouareeverinneedofassistance,we
areonlyasfarawayasyourtelephone.Wehave…”
“I’llcallthegovernor!”Blakebegan,interruptingthespeech.
Grierglaredathim.“Ihavesixpagestogo.”
“Ihavetenpages,”AssistantChiefJuddDunnannounced,displayingthem.
“Ihavealoadedshotgun,”Blaketoldhim.
JuddandCashlookedateachotherspeculatively.“Howmanyyearscouldhegetifhepointeditat
us?”Juddwonderedaloud.
“Thatwouldn’tbenice,onhisweddingday,”Cashagreed,buthegaveBlakearakishgrin.
Blake’seyesnarrowed.“Trespassingonprivateproperty,”hebegan,“creatingapublicnuisance,
terroristicthreatsandacts…”
“Iamnotaterrorist!”Cashinformedhim.
“Butyouareapublicnuisance,”JuddtoldCash.
“Me?”Cashexclaimed.
OfficerDanaHallclearedherthroatandelbowedbothsuperiorofficersoutofherway.Shewas
holdingacake.
“Thisistheweddingcakefromthereception,”shetoldthem,givingittoViolet.“I’mreallysorry,
butitwasallwewereabletosave.”
Violetwasstaringatherblankly.
OfficerHallclearedherthroat.“Somebodyspikedthepunch.HardenandEvanTremaynedrankit

beforetheyrealized.Oneofthelocalcattlemenalsodranksomeandmadeaveryloud,unpleasant
remarkaboutlunaticswhoraisedorganiccattlejustasCyParkswalkedinwithJ.D.Langley.”
Cashclearedhisthroat.“JuddandIhadto,sortof,shutdownyourweddingreceptionandlockupa
fewofyourguests.Butwesavedyourcake.Therewassomepunch,too,butOfficerPalmerthere,”
henotedatall,handsomeblondofficerwithodd-coloredhighlightsinhishair,“iswearingit.”
Blakeburstoutlaughing.OnlyinJacobsville,hewasthinking.
“Anyway,you’releavingrightawayonyourhoneymoon,right?”Juddaskedthem.“Soyoucanget
allthesandwichesandpunchyouwantwhereyou’regoing.”
“Yourjailisfull,Iguess?”Violetteased.
“Uh,yesitis,andhe—”CashindicatedBlake“—representsCyParksandtheTremaynes.Theywant
himtocomedownandgetthemout.”
“Thatexplainsthecake,”BlaketoldViolet.
Shegrinnedathim.“Wecandetourthroughtownonthewaytotheairport,can’twe?Afterall,Mr.
Parksdidgivemeaway.”
“Goodpoint.”Hesighed.“Okay,tellthemI’montheway.And,thanksforthecake.”
“Andthepunch,”VioletsaidwithaglanceatPalmer,whogrinnedback.
Thepoliceforcegotintoitscarsandleft.Violetputthecakeinthefreezer.Thehousewasquiet
withoutMeeandYow,whowerebeingboardedforthehoneymoon.Mrs.Hardywasstayingather
housewithanurse.
“Wouldyoulikeyourweddingpresentnow?”Blakeaskedastheywereturningoffthelights.
Sheturnedandlookedathim.“Whatisit?”sheasked,surprised.
Hepulledhercloseandkissedher.“JanetCollinscutadealwiththeSanAntonioD.A.Shepledguilty
forareducedsentence,sotherewon’tbeatrial.Youandyourmotherwon’thavethestressofacourt
trial.”
“Oh,Blake!”Shekissedhimhungrily.“Youhadsomethingtodowiththat,didn’tyou?”
Henodded,smiling.“I’vebeenworkingonitfortwoweeks.Itcamethroughyesterday.Isavedthe
newsfortoday.”
“Thankyou,”shesaid,andmeantitfervently.She’ddreadedtheideaofdredgingthepainfulepisode
inpublic.
“Ihavetotakecareofmybestgirl,”hewhispered.“Andthemotherofmychild.”Hisbighandrested
softlyonherslightlyswollenbelly.“Youwerethemostbeautifulbridewhoeverwalkeddownan
aisle.”
“Andyouwerethehandsomestgroom.”Shekissedhimback.“Well,shallwegoandrescuesome
prominentlocalcitizensonourwayoutoftown?”
“Worksforme,”hechuckled.
Theywalkedtothecarhandinhand.
“Todayisthefirstdayoftherestofourlives,”Blakemused.
“Therestofthosedayswillbewonderful,”shesaidsoftly.
Theywere.

TableofContents

Long,TallTexansBooksbyDianaPalmer
ABOUTTHEAUTHOR
AlsobyDianaPalmer
BossMan(11-2005)SD
One
Two
Three
Four
Five
Six
Seven
Eight
Nine
Ten
Eleven
Twelve