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him that I'll be back and will explain everything to him as soon as I can?
What the fuck is she doing?  Kasey 
 We got 'em, Quinn, she said, her voice sounding just a little bit scratchy.  Job's over. Time to get
our lives back to normal. I'm sure you want that as much as I do. She grabbed her purse off an old-
fashioned coat rack by the front door and slung it over her shoulder.  Lock up when you leave, okay?
Thanks.
She squeezed her way past two men in uniform and moved out of sight in seconds, leaving Canin
there staring down questions in the eyes of Rhone, Adam, and Logan, for none of whom did he have
any answers.
What in the hell just happened?
 Mr. Quinn? a feminine voice cut across the apartment, drawing Canin's attention. Detective
Gordon leaned against the table with ease, but her face and voice bespoke all business.  Whenever
you're ready& 
One thing at a time, man.  I'll be right there. He needed to take care of this case first, and at the
same time give Kasey a minute to take care of her brother and catch her breath. But that didn't mean
they were going back to  normal.
Not by a long shot.
Chapter Twenty-Two
 I don't understand any of this. Moisture brimmed in Tara's eyes, reminding Kasey of how she had
thought this woman still a girl so many times since meeting her.  Someone came to the house and told
me Jonathan had been arrested, and that assault charges, and possibly much more, would be filed
against him. His lawyer called me before I could even think what to do, and told me to stay put and
not say anything. Her teary gaze moved from Kasey to Lindsey, who sat at Kasey's side, right across
from where Tara sat.  What can I say, even if I wanted to? I didn't know what he was doing. I can't
believe I lived with him for all this time and didn't even suspect something. I'm so stupid.
 Honey, Lindsey responded quickly,  you're not stupid. Who the hell goes around thinking, 'Hey, I
need to keep my eyes open for suspicious behavior because my spouse might be a rapist'? Reaching
across the small space, she squeezed Tara's hand.  It just doesn't happen that way. You couldn't have
known.
 He was always so violent, Tara said. A small shudder went through the tall woman, who was so
much more fragile than her frame led people to believe.  Brett too, when they got together. I always
thought it was part of my training. Jonathan told me that it was, and he showed me sites that backed up
the things he was teaching me and doing to me.
 Maybe the actual things he did to you were part of the process, Lindsey answered.  But I suspect
how he went about them is not the way a master is supposed to teach and care for his slave.
 And certainly not the way a man is supposed to love his wife, Kasey added. She didn't care
about the Dom/sub, master/slave part; the love should still be there and come through, no matter the
roles they chose to play.  You need to start thinking about yourself now, Tara, which is just one of the
reasons why I brought Lindsey with me tonight. Well, actually, it was darn near morning by now.
Waking Lindsey up and telling her that she would explain everything later, down to the smallest
detail, after they helped Tara, had intrigued Lindsey enough to get dressed and join Kasey. Kasey just
hoped Lindsey's interest held true when they didn't have Tara as a buffer to present a strong, unified
front.  She wants to offer you another opportunity to go live with her aunt in Florida.
 Yes. Lindsey scooted forward until she perched at the edge of the couch. Grasping both of Tara's
hands, she closed them within an embrace of hers.  My Aunt Mea would still love some help on her
farm. I woke her up just a little bit ago, and you are welcome there whenever you take care of what
needs to get done here first. They couldn't take Tara to the airport right this minute, much as they both
wanted to do just that. She would have to stick around for a bit and answer some questions for
Detective Gordon, as well as deal with a handful of other things in relation to her marriage.  Are you
willing to take her up on her offer, now that things have changed?
 Why would she even want me? Tara's voice wavered.  Especially now.
 Because you've got a good, strong back, and she needs a little bit of help now that she's getting up
in age, Lindsey answered.  As long as you're willing to work to earn your room and board, she
would love the help and the company. You'd be doing me a favor too. Bringing her purse up from the
floor, Lindsey stuck her hand inside and came out with a handful of photographs.  Here's a picture of
her, and of the property and house. She handed them over to Tara.  Aunt Mea's health and stamina
aren't what they used to be, but she refuses to move away from her home and land. I respect that, but I
also worry about her. If I knew you were there to help in case something ever happened, I would feel
a lot better about the whole situation. What do you say?
The doorbell gonged loud and deep just then, the sound reverberating through the cavernous home.
 Let me. Kasey got up, putting a hand on Tara's shoulder to keep her in her seat.  I bet that's Hugh.
And if it's not, I'll take care of it. On the ride over, Kasey and Lindsey decided that Tara needed her
own lawyer, not one being paid with Jonathan's dime. Lindsey assured Kasey that Hugh Chalmers
was one of the best, and since Kasey sensed the man's keen intelligence whenever they spoke at the
club, she hadn't fought Lindsey making the call.  I'll be right back.
Kasey pulled open the giant doors on the wave of a second gong, smiling when she saw the
reassuring, sharp face of Hugh Chalmers. He had a briefcase in hand, and a cell phone attached to his
ear.  Hi, she said softly.
 Thank you. I'll be in contact with you again soon. Hugh's smooth, deep voice lent authority and
put Kasey in a place of calm at least where Tara Pickering was concerned.  Yes, that sounds
good. Hugh finished his call and slid the phone in his jacket pocket.
His face very serious, he transferred his focus to Kasey.  Good morning. How is Tara doing?
 We'll see. Lindsey's talking to her right now. Kasey stepped aside and allowed Hugh entry.
Closing the door, she led him back to the sunroom.  Thanks for answering our call and agreeing to
help. She slowed down and eased into a walk at his side, so that she could see him.  We really felt
like she needed someone representing her interests and not someone potentially in conflict with
whatever happens with Jonathan.
 And that was very smart on both of your parts, Hugh answered. Again, as they reached the
sunroom, Hugh's demeanor changed, and he became someone completely approachable in face and
body language. Someone Tara could trust.
 How are you doing today, Tara? He put his briefcase down and pulled a wing chair right up to [ Pobierz całość w formacie PDF ]