Page 88 of Under Fire

She remembered the confrontation in the lawyer’s office and the ball of ice in her stomach melted. Delilah didn’t like conflict, but she wasn’t a teenager without help. She had obligations. No one, including Evan, would stop her from carrying out her mother’s wishes. Handing Evan his payout also meant she wouldn’t have to deal with her cousin again after today.

Matt rang the doorbell. A minute later, he followed up with a hard knock and another punch to the doorbell.

“Hold your horses,” a female voice called.

Delilah groaned. Evan had female company. He didn’t care if the busybodies in Harmony knew about his flavor of the week. Delilah, however, didn’t want to see irrefutable proof of his dalliances.

Someone fumbled with the locks and the door swung open to reveal a redhead with rumpled hair. She was dressed in a short, kimono-style robe in peacock blue, legs and feet bare.

“We need to speak to Evan,” Matt said.

“He’s still in bed. Come back later.” Red started to close the door, but Matt shoved the door open.

“Hey!”

“Tell him Delilah is here to see him.”

A scowl. “I’m not telling him some bimbo is here to see him. Evan’s mine. I’m not into sharing. Buzz off.”

“I’m his cousin.” Delilah threaded her fingers through Matt’s when she saw the muscles in his jaw twitch. “He’ll want to see me.”

“Cousin?” Red looked suspicious. “Well, all right. Just don’t take long.” Her lips curved. “I have plans for him that don’t include visitors.” Her gaze trailed over Matt. “Unless you want to join us. Could be fun.”

“Get Evan up or I’ll do it myself,” Matt said. “He won’t be a happy man if I drag him out of bed

With a huff, Red spun on her heel and stomped from the entryway, leaving the door wide open.

“I’ll take that as an invitation.” Delilah walked inside with Matt on her heels. She veered to the right to the living room. Glancing around, she spotted her mother’s signature Bonsai tree.

“Your mother’s handiwork?” Matt stayed by Delilah’s side.

“Bonsai tree and her balance of design, color, and comfort. Her work improved after I left Harmony.”

Heavy footsteps heralded Evan’s approach. Delilah’s cousin strode into the room dressed in boxers, an angry scowl on his face. “What do you want, Dee?”

“We need to talk.”

“Later. I’m busy.”

“If you want your payout before this time next year, you’ll talk to me now.”

Evan glowered and, hands fisted, stalked toward her.

Matt eased Delilah behind him.

“Hiding behind your boyfriend?” Her cousin sneered at Matt. “This is my turf, Rainer. You barged in here. I have a right to defend myself against intruders.”

“Delilah, looks like your cousin isn’t interested in money or your mother’s murder. Let’s not waste our time.”

“Wait.” Evan caught Matt’s arm to prevent them from leaving. “Murder? What are you talking about?”

“Autopsy results are in on Michelle. She was suffocated.”

“That’s ridiculous. She would have croaked within a day or two at most. Why kill a dying woman?”

“You tell me,” Delilah said.

“How should I know? You’re the one holding the purse strings.”

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