Page 20 of Cold Threat

Beth was sitting at the large table with an attractive young woman who was clearly related to Tony. She had the same dark curly hair, which was pulled back from her face. She had inquisitive blue eyes framed by dark lashes.

She stood up and came over to River. She had a slight build like Tony, but River sensed that, also like her brother, she could handle herself just fine if she needed to.

She reached out and took River’s hand. “It’s about time I got to meet you. I’ve heard about you for years. According to Tony, you’re a combination of Wonder Woman, Supergirl, and a female Sherlock Holmes.”

River laughed. “I’m not sure anyone could live up to that. I certainly can’t.”

Aimee’s eyes seemed to search hers. What was she seeing?

She let go of River’s hand. “I look forward to getting to know you. I’m sure I’ll come away impressed.”

“I’m afraid your brother hasn’t mentioned my many faults. Hopefully, I won’t let you down.”

“I’m sure you won’t. So, are you two ready to go?”

“Where are we headed?” Tony asked.

“Why would you even ask her that?” Beth asked. She looked at River. “We have quite a few lovely restaurants in Burlington, but my children don’t know that. They always go to the Drake. It’s one of our most popular restaurants.”

“Don’t listen to her,” Aimee said. “The Drake rules, right, Smooshy?”

“Okay,” Tony said. “I’ll pay for lunch if you’ll stop calling me Smooshy.”

Aimee clapped her hands together. “You’ve got a deal.” She leaned up next to River. “It works every time,” she said in an exaggerated whisper. “Just call him ... you know ... and you can get him to do anything you want.”

“I’ll have to remember that,” River said, winking at Tony.

“I’m being persecuted by the women in my life,” Tony said dramatically. “It’s my cross to bear.”

Aimee went over and put her arms around her brother. “And you bear it well. I’ve missed you, brother.”

“I’ve missed you too,” Tony said.

River heard the slight break in his voice. His closeness to his sister was something special. She thought about Dan. Was it too late for them? Was there a way to bridge the gap that had grown between them? Without accepting her father, she wasn’t certain it could happen. She knew God wanted her to forgive him for walking out on them, but how could she? Wasn’t that asking too much? She hadn’t talked much to Dan since he’d told her he’d taken their father in to live with him and his family.

“Hey, are you with us?”

Tony’s voice broke her out of her reverie. “Sorry. Did you say something?”

“Yeah,” Tony said. “I said, let’s go before I change my mind about paying for lunch.”

“You all have fun,” Beth said. She came over and put her armaround River. “And don’t let them talk you into the grilled mac and cheese with brisket. You order whatever you want. I like the fajita salad.”

Aimee put her arm through River’s. “Don’t listen to her. We’ll introduce you to the Drake’s best dishes. You can trust us. You’ll love the raw eel.”

“Aimee!” Tony shook his head. “They don’t serve raw eel. Just stay close to me, River. I’ll keep you safe.”

Her children’s antics made Beth laugh. River got a lump in her throat. So, this was what a family was supposed to be? She’d never had this. Even before he left, her father had been a judgmental, harsh man. Nothing was ever good enough for him. Their mother hadn’t been much better. Quiet and unassuming. Trying hard to please her husband. The woman her father ran away with was just the opposite. Flashy. Loud. Bleached blonde hair. After he left, Rose became not much more than a shadow, there in body, but not in mind or spirit. River and Dan were left to raise themselves.

Tony put his hand on River’s back and guided her toward the front door, where she slipped her coat on again.

“We really don’t have to go to the Drake if there’s someplace else you’d rather go,” Aimee said as they went down the stairs toward the car. “You’re our guest. You pick.”

River smiled at her. “Thanks, but I don’t know anything about the restaurants in Burlington. I trust you. The Drake sounds perfect.”

“I like this girl,” Aimee said to Tony. “You sure know how to pick ’em.”

River looked up at Tony and saw his jaw tighten. Did Aimee think they were more than business partners? Friends?

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