Page 144 of Things Left Unsaid

Zee: There you go. Call Tracy

Carson: Didn’t you read what I said?

Zee: You’re speaking that language again. The one I don’t use…

Colby: Who’s going to tell Colt?

Calder: I will. Carson almost shot him and you caught him in the lasso. That means he owes me a favor.

Zee: Your logic is terrifying.

Calder: ^^

Zee

THE FOLLOWING DAY

“Hello. Susanne McAllister speaking.”

“Isn’t that Susanne Korhonen?”

When Clyde’s voice registers, I shudder with distaste.

I thought it’d be a work call. Instead, it’shim.

“It wasn’t specified in the contract that I change my last name.” There, that sounded calm enough.

His low chuckle rattles in my ear, prompting me to shift the call onto speaker. It’s too creepy hearing it up close and personal.

“I see that you’re the type of woman that needs to be hemmed in.” Um, nope. “You McAllisters always were rowdy.”

“Is there a reason for this call, Clyde?”

“Can’t a father-in-law check up on the newest addition to his family?”

If he were any other man, then sure.

“What would you like to know?” I inquire, tone polite. Distant. Better to dissociate than to panic.

“I wondered if you’d had a chance to consider my proposition.”

It takes me too long to figure out what that proposition was. Then, I remember Colt saying he’d brought this up with him and I realize his audaciousness knows no bounds.

“I’m not interested.”

“I told you that I’ll make it worth your while.”

“Not only would I make a terrible spy, I have no desire to. I don’t know why you’re approaching me?—”

“It’s a father’s right to know what’s going on with his children.”

“I agree—if they’re under the age of sixteen. But all your boys are old enough to be fathers themselves,” I say dryly. “The argument isn’t as strong when you take that into consideration.”

“I think you’re not taking my suggestion seriously.”

“Ithink thatyouaren’t listening. To me. Or to Colt.”

“No, Susanne.You’renot listening. I’ve tried to ask you nicely. Politely. Keep this friendly. But you’ve gone behind my back and discussed this with my son. This is no longer a suggestion?—”

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