Page 32 of Special Agent Isabella

Leslie’s face tightened. “Then you know about my drinking and rehab?”

“Both times. And the money you kept for yourself from the estate after your mother’s death, money that should have been Hank’s.”

“It’s all gone, if that’s what you’re worried about. By the time I paid off the creditors, and her bills, there was only a pitifully small amount left. ”

“I don’t care. I have enough of my own. I don’t want you here, Leslie.”

“Please, Stacy. I come in peace. I want to make up for past mistakes.”

Stacy couldn’t tell if the woman beseeching her was faking her tears or if they were real. Usually, she’d get a sense of what the other person was feeling, but Hank had always said his sister and mother were like two peas in a pod… great actresses when warranted.

Disgusted with the whole scenario, not needing this extra pressure right now, she sighed. “We’ll see. You can stay tonight. I’m sure you’d prefer dinner served in your room after your long trip.”

She called for Nan to show Leslie to a guest room. Then sucking in a refreshing breath, and slowly releasing it, wanting to let go of all the negative energy, she went to find her suddenly blonde-haired daughter. She needed to hold Abbie. That little minx gave the best hugs of anyone… and right now, she needed one of her specialties badly.

ChapterTwenty-Seven

Bella met up with Nan in the kitchen where she gossiped just a little with the agitated housekeeper. “I’m glad she stayed upstairs. Silly twat wanted me to run her a bath. Where does she figure she’s at? Some fancy bed and breakfast in London?”

“So, what did you tell her?”

Nan leaned close to Bella; her round face filled with glee. “I saidNo Graciasand left before her royalness could answer.” Nan straightened her shoulders; her rounded figure of a middle-aged Hispanic woman grew by inches. “I’m not here to serve her ladyship. The only people I take care of are the Governor, her precious baby, and her invited guests.”

“Good for you, Nan. If you need me to shoot the duchess for you, I have my weapon.”

Laughing at their jokes, Nan took her hand and held it close. “For you, mi amiga, I’m happy to do whatever you wish. I know you protect us, and I feel safer with you and Señor Tanner nearby.”

“Gracias, Nan.” Bella squeezed the hand holding hers and headed for the dining room with an extra spring in her step.

Dinner turned out to be a scrumptious roasted chicken entrée, a multi vegetable casserole, and garnished small potatoes. Bella half expected Leslie to appear and finding out she’d had a tray brought to her room made her silently question Stacy’s reasoning for letting her stay.

That left only the three adults and Abbie, who chattered non-stop through most of the meal. Of course, Tanner encouraged her with his remarks upon seeing her for the first time with her new hairpiece.

His pretense of shock had been hilarious. “Who’s this gorgeous beauty with all the blonde curls?”

Abbie, delighted with his nonsense, yelled excitedly. “It’s me Uncle Tanner. It’s Abbie.” She twirled so fast; the wig shifted and hid half her face. Struggling to set it right, she giggled with joy. “I fooled you.”

“Yes you did, little miss. I thought my heart would burst right out of my chest; I was that worried about missing our sweet potato.”

Chortling with glee, Abbie turned to Bella, “I told you Uncle Tanner wouldn’t know it was me. I’m a movie star now.”

Bella, unable to squash her laughter agreed. “Yep. A regular Shirley Temple.”

When Tanner and Stacy laughed, Abbie laughed along with them, although Bella knew the child didn’t understand the reference.

Stacy finally spoke up to bring order. “Honey, it’s time to eat. Maybe put the wig away for now.”

Shocked, Abbie swung to her mother, refusal written all over her stubborn expression, and Bella waited for the explosion.

Knowing what a little bomb Abbie could be, Stacy had smartly stepped back her remark, saying, “Wait. I know what we could do. How about we tie it away from your face, and you’ll be able to eat without it getting into the food and ruining it? Do you think that would work, honey?”

Letting Abbie be the decider had turned out to be the reason they all had a peaceful meal. A hairband had been fetched and happiness restored. Purposely, no mention was made about the topics seething in every adult’s mind. Instead, they kept the discussion for a general audience, and all sighed their relief when blondie carried the conversation.

Everything went smoothly until Abbie stated her truth that erased the pleasantness. “Mommy, that lady isn’t going to stay here, is she? Is she really my auntie? Her breath smells bad.”

Bella had to hide her agreement. The woman’s clothes reeked like the cigarettes she smoked, and Abbie had obviously got a whiff of that stench when Leslie had bent toward her. Being a sweet kid who liked most people, Abbie still had a mind of her own. Bella couldn’t help agreeing with the six-year-old.

Ignoring the sudden switch in their conversation, Stacy wiped her lips with her napkin and stood. “Time for bed munchkin. I’ll take you up tonight.”

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