"Spindler, Erica - In Silence" - читать интересную книгу автора (Spindler Erica)

"I do see," Avery agreed, playing along. "It's outrageous."

"That it is." Lilah waved them toward the living room. "Matt should be here any moment. All I have left to do is whip the potatoes and heat the French bread. Then we can eat."

"Can I help?" Avery asked.

As she had known it would be, the woman's answer was a definitive no. Buddy and Cherry led her to the living room. Avery sank onto the overstuffed couch, acknowledging exhaustion. She wished she could lean her head back, close her eyes and sleep for a week.

"You've barely changed," Buddy said softly, tone wistful. "Same pretty, bright-eyed girl you were the day you left Cypress Springs." She'd been so damn young back then. So ridiculously naive. She had yearned for something bigger than Cypress Springs, something better. Had sensed something important waited for her outside this small town. She supposed she had found it: a prestigious job; writing awards and professional respect; an enviable salary.

What was it all worth now? If those twelve years hadn't been, if all her choices still lay before her, what would she do differently? Everything. Anything to have him with her. She met Buddy's eyes. "You'd be surprised how much I've changed." She lightened her words with a smile. "What about you? Besides being as devastatingly handsome as ever, still the most feared and respected lawman in the parish?"

"I don't know about that," he murmured. "Seems to me, these days that honor belongs to Matt."

"West Feliciana Parish's sheriff is retiring next year," Cherry chimed in. "Mart's planning to run for the job." There was no mistaking the pride in her voice. "Those in the know expect him to win the election by a landslide."

Buddy nodded, looking as pleased as punch. "My son, the parish's top cop. Imagine that."

"A regular crime-fighting family dynasty," Avery murmured. "Not for long." Buddy settled into his easy chair. "Retirement's right around the corner. Probably should have retired already. If I'd had a grandchild to spoil, I—"

"Dad," Cherry warned, "don't go there."

"Three children," he groused, "all disappointments. Friends of mine have a half-dozen of the little critters already. I don't think that's right." He looked at Avery. "Do you?"

Avery held up her hands, laughing. "Oh, no, I'm not getting involved in this one."

Cherry mouthed a "Thank you," Buddy pouted and Avery changed the subject. "I can't imagine you not being the chief of police. Cypress Springs won't be the same."

"Comes a time one generation needs to make room for the next. Much as I hate the thought, my time has come and gone."

With a derisive snort, Cherry started toward the kitchen. "I'm having a glass of wine. Want one, Avery?"

"Love one."

"Red or white?"

"Whatever you're having." Avery let out a long breath and leaned her head against the sofa back, tension easing from her. She closed her eyes. Images played on the backs of her eyelids, ones from her past: her, Matt and Hunter playing while their parents barbecued in the backyard. Buddy and Lilah snapping pictures as she and Matt headed off to the prom. The two families caroling at Christmastime.

Sweet memories. Comforting ones.

"Good to be back, isn't it?" Buddy murmured as if reading her thoughts.

She opened her eyes and looked at him. "Despite everything, yes." She glanced away a moment, then back. "I wish I'd come home sooner. After Mom... I should have stayed. If I had—"

The unfinished thought hung heavily between them anyway. If she had, maybe her dad would he alive today.

Cherry returned with the wine. She crossed to Avery; handed her a glass of the pale gold liquid. "What are your plans?"

"First order of business is a service for Dad. I called Danny Gallagher this afternoon. We're meeting tomorrow after lunch."