supervised while
you’re there.”
He laughed. “Allison, think about it. We do what we do because
of a man who respects history as holy ground. We’ve worked in some of the most
historic and fragile and secretive places in this country. You’re welcome to
come back with me and see where I’ve set up,” he told her.
Evidently, that suggestion didn’t please her at all. She
ignored the question and pointed to his menu.
“You should try their shepherd’s pie,” she said. “It’s
excellent.”
He did; they ordered and their food was served ten minutes
later. He was surprised that she seemed nervous as the meal came to a close. “I
was hoping you’d be around during the day. You loved the house when you were a
child, you’ve worked there as a guide, and you can supervise everything that
goes on.”
“Maybe,” she said. “How do you know I loved the house when I
was young? Oh, of course, you have information on me, as well.”
“Of course.”
“That’s not really fair, is it?”
“I’m the investigator. I think that means it’s fair.”
“But what about you? Did ghosts talk to you as a kid?” she
asked teasingly.
“Nope. I grew up in San Antonio, went into the service, got
out, went to the University of Maryland for criminal law and became a Texas
Ranger.”
“How was high school for you? ” she
asked him. “Wait, don’t tell me. You were a linebacker on the football team.
Cheerleaders were entertainment for you, and you somehow managed to keep your
grades up enough to stay on the team and get scholarships, but you were bred
with Texas machismo and therefore it was necessary to join the army before going
for your education. That sounds terrible—I’m sorry. I’m grateful to our armed
forces.”
“I joined the navy.”
“And the rest?”
“I don’t really remember the cheerleaders as
entertainment.”
“You dated one, though, right?”
He laughed. “No, never. I dated the same girl through high
school. She’s gone on to work for the Centers for Disease Control in Atlanta.
We’re still friends.”
“Hmm,” was all the response he received.
He asked the waitress for their check, only to find out that
Evan had picked it up and wouldn’t back down, even when Tyler tried to explain
that as a law enforcement officer, he could be cited for accepting a free meal.
“But Ally isn’t a law enforcement officer, and she’s the one I’m taking care of.
Besides, you’re her guest. And I won’t tell if you don’t. Come back with friends
and spend more money,” he told them cheerfully, waving away their thanks.
Tyler realized he was never going to get that check; he thanked
Evan, assured him they’d return soon and left their waitress a generous tip.
It was while they were on their way out that a slim woman in
very high heels and a tight skirt came breezing through the doorway. She almost
passed them, but then she noticed Allison and started to say something but saw
Tyler, as well, and stopped dead.
“Hello, Cherry,” Allison said.
“Hello, Ally.” She glanced at Allison briefly, staring at
Tyler, and then shaking her head as she looked at Allison again. “Oh, my dear,
it’s good to see you out and about. I’m so, so sorry about that charming young
man, Julian.” She didn’t wait for Allison to reply, but turned to Tyler,
extending a hand. “You must be with Adam Harrison’s people.”
“Yes, ma’am. Tyler Montague.”
“Cherry. Cherry Addison. You’re very welcome here. We adore the
house and want any…difficulties resolved. I must admit I didn’t think the idea
of bringing your team in to stay was the best, but we made the decision as a
group. And you certainly look as if you’ll be capable of managing any
situation.”
“I hope so, ma’am,” he told her. So this was the
Tarleton-Dandridge descendent. She was an attractive woman, determined to retain
the appearance of youth. Her hair was carefully cut at an angle, and her face
was smooth.
you’re there.”
He laughed. “Allison, think about it. We do what we do because
of a man who respects history as holy ground. We’ve worked in some of the most
historic and fragile and secretive places in this country. You’re welcome to
come back with me and see where I’ve set up,” he told her.
Evidently, that suggestion didn’t please her at all. She
ignored the question and pointed to his menu.
“You should try their shepherd’s pie,” she said. “It’s
excellent.”
He did; they ordered and their food was served ten minutes
later. He was surprised that she seemed nervous as the meal came to a close. “I
was hoping you’d be around during the day. You loved the house when you were a
child, you’ve worked there as a guide, and you can supervise everything that
goes on.”
“Maybe,” she said. “How do you know I loved the house when I
was young? Oh, of course, you have information on me, as well.”
“Of course.”
“That’s not really fair, is it?”
“I’m the investigator. I think that means it’s fair.”
“But what about you? Did ghosts talk to you as a kid?” she
asked teasingly.
“Nope. I grew up in San Antonio, went into the service, got
out, went to the University of Maryland for criminal law and became a Texas
Ranger.”
“How was high school for you? ” she
asked him. “Wait, don’t tell me. You were a linebacker on the football team.
Cheerleaders were entertainment for you, and you somehow managed to keep your
grades up enough to stay on the team and get scholarships, but you were bred
with Texas machismo and therefore it was necessary to join the army before going
for your education. That sounds terrible—I’m sorry. I’m grateful to our armed
forces.”
“I joined the navy.”
“And the rest?”
“I don’t really remember the cheerleaders as
entertainment.”
“You dated one, though, right?”
He laughed. “No, never. I dated the same girl through high
school. She’s gone on to work for the Centers for Disease Control in Atlanta.
We’re still friends.”
“Hmm,” was all the response he received.
He asked the waitress for their check, only to find out that
Evan had picked it up and wouldn’t back down, even when Tyler tried to explain
that as a law enforcement officer, he could be cited for accepting a free meal.
“But Ally isn’t a law enforcement officer, and she’s the one I’m taking care of.
Besides, you’re her guest. And I won’t tell if you don’t. Come back with friends
and spend more money,” he told them cheerfully, waving away their thanks.
Tyler realized he was never going to get that check; he thanked
Evan, assured him they’d return soon and left their waitress a generous tip.
It was while they were on their way out that a slim woman in
very high heels and a tight skirt came breezing through the doorway. She almost
passed them, but then she noticed Allison and started to say something but saw
Tyler, as well, and stopped dead.
“Hello, Cherry,” Allison said.
“Hello, Ally.” She glanced at Allison briefly, staring at
Tyler, and then shaking her head as she looked at Allison again. “Oh, my dear,
it’s good to see you out and about. I’m so, so sorry about that charming young
man, Julian.” She didn’t wait for Allison to reply, but turned to Tyler,
extending a hand. “You must be with Adam Harrison’s people.”
“Yes, ma’am. Tyler Montague.”
“Cherry. Cherry Addison. You’re very welcome here. We adore the
house and want any…difficulties resolved. I must admit I didn’t think the idea
of bringing your team in to stay was the best, but we made the decision as a
group. And you certainly look as if you’ll be capable of managing any
situation.”
“I hope so, ma’am,” he told her. So this was the
Tarleton-Dandridge descendent. She was an attractive woman, determined to retain
the appearance of youth. Her hair was carefully cut at an angle, and her face
was smooth.
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