Page 110 of Cold Case, Warm Hearts

“That’s enough,” Deborah said.

But Dean ignored her. “After everybody and his cousin thought I was involved, I quit school. I never went back.”

Garrett expected Aspen to apologize for dredging up old, painful memories. But she didn’t.

Garrett said, “I’m sure she didn’t mean anything by it.”

Dean glared at Aspen another moment, then grabbed his slice of bread.

“Having you here,” Deborah said, “it’s a little disconcerting for us.”

“I understand,” Aspen said. “The thing is, I came to Coventry to figure out what happened to my mother. What do you think happened?”

Deborah and Dean shared a look.

Dean answered. “She blew up that building, and then she took off. No idea where she went. To tell you the truth, I always figured she realized she killed somebody and lost it. I wouldn’t be surprised to find out she’s been alive all this time, one of the millions of nutcase homeless people wandering around.”

“Uncle!” Garrett’s gut twisted at the unkind words. What was happening here?

“You think she’s alive?” Aspen asked.

“Not necessarily.” He shrugged as if the whereabouts of Aspen’s mother didn’t matter at all. “There was no body. What did your father think?”

“He thought she was dead.” Aspen’s attitude was just as puzzling. She didn’t seem hurt or shocked by Dean’s words. It was as if she’d come prepared for a confrontation. “He said that she wouldn’t have been able to survive and stay hidden in her state of mind.”

Dean nodded. “Wherever she is, she’s not here. So if you’re looking for her, you’re looking in the wrong place. You probably ought to move along.”

“There’s no need to be rude.” This meal had not gone the way Garrett hoped. He wasn’t sure who he blamed more for that. Aspen had started it, but Dean was doing his best to finish it with a win.

Aspen turned to Garrett with that same forced smile he’d seen more than once that night. “It’s okay, Garrett. It’s goodto know where I stand.” Her tone was light, but he heard the undercurrent of anger.

“Let’s change the subject,” Deborah said. “How’s the house coming along?”

It wasn’t easy, but Garrett shifted gears. They managed to get through the rest of dinner and dessert without talking about Jane Kincaid or the bombing or anything else unpleasant. Even Dean engaged in the conversation, giving Garrett hope that maybe his uncle could accept their relationship.

When the last bite of pastry was finished, Deborah started clearing the table. Aspen stood to help, and Garrett did the same.

Dean pushed his chair back. “Son, I could use your help with something in the shop.”

“Okay.” He looked at Aspen. “I’ll be back in a few minutes.” Only at her nod did he follow his uncle down the stairs.

Garrett steppedinto the workshop behind his uncle. He’d been polite long enough. Now, he needed answers. “What was that about?”

It was clear when Dean turned to face him that he hadn’t asked Garrett to follow him because he needed help.

“You told her about me? That I studied chemistry?”

“What difference?—?”

“You don’t understand anything.” Dean’s skin was red and mottled. His hands were clenched at his sides.

Garrett flashed back to the episode Dean had had the week before—the shortness of breath, the weakness. He reached toward him. “Why don’t you sit?—?”

“I’m fine.” He yanked his arm away. “I don’t trust her. You were supposed to keep an eye on her, let me know what she’sbeen up to. And now I find out you’ve been telling her aboutme, aboutus. Where’s your loyalty?”

Garrett stepped back, shocked. “I’ve always been loyal to you. I didn’t know your college major was a state secret.”

“It’s none of her business.” Garrett had never heard his uncle speak with such venom. “She’s bad news. I’m telling you, she’s here to ruin lives, and if you aren’t careful, yours will be the first.” Dean took a deep breath and blew it out. “I know you like her, or you think you do. But she’s not who you think she is. Sane or not, she’s not the woman for you. She’s here to stir up trouble, and she’s pulling you right in with her.”

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