Shades of Desire by Virna Depaul

her swollen belly resting against him, as well. “I was glad she moved on, but I wonder what happened to her? She seemed to be getting along so well at the church… .”
    “We knew she had a family somewhere. Maybe she went back to them. That would be wonderful.”
    “Only assuming her family was a good one. Which reminds me. I don’t think I ever told you, but I saw something on the news. Something about a girl from Sacramento being murdered. They showed a picture of her. She had long blond hair instead of a black pixie cut, and she didn’t wear all that makeup Lauren did, but for a second I thought it was her.”
    “Who’s this?” Clemmons asked, feigning distraction. He glanced at his watch.
    Sighing, she backed away and slapped his shoulder. “Lauren, silly. The girl we were talking about.”
    “Hmm?” He looked up. Shook his head. “I’m sorry, hon. I’m just keeping track of time. I want to make sure we get to the bus to greet all the participants. That’s horrible about the girl who was murdered, but like you said, she was a blonde. I’m sure wherever she is, Lauren is fine.” Only she wasn’t. Clemmons knew that. But it was too late to change, and revealing what he’d seen would only result in further disaster.
    “I pray you’re right. I wouldn’t want her as a daughter-in-law, but I wouldn’t want any parent to suffer the murder of one of their children. If anything ever happened to one of the boys or to—” She put a protective hand against her belly and Clemmons quickly covered it with his own.
    “Now, don’t go getting all frazzled, little lady. The boys are going to be with me all week, enjoying nature and getting closer to God. They’re blessed, just as we are.”
    “You’re right. You’re right. I know you’re right.” She hugged him tight, then leaned back and smiled. “The kids—and I don’t mean just ours—are so lucky to have you. It’s a shame your brother didn’t have you as an example when he was growing up. Things would have fared so much better for him with you to guide him. Have you heard from him lately?”
    Clemmons leaned down and gave her a peck on her adorable nose. Closing his eyes, he leaned his forehead against hers, praying for her strength and goodness to infuse him. To infuse both him and the younger brother he hadn’t even known about until last year. He and Alex had finally been reunited, and his brother had proven how devoted he was to family and church. It didn’t erase his sins, but to Clemmons it showed he was on the right path. “Not for a few days. But he’s doing good. Definitely staying close to God.”
    “Wonderful.”
    He turned toward the bedroom door, freezing when she spoke again.
    “I’ll keep an ear out for him while you’re gone.”
    Panic pulsed inside him, swift and all-encompassing. “No,” he snapped, turning toward her and dropping the duffel on the floor. He grabbed her by the arms and shook her slightly. “I’ve told you before. You stay away from him when I’m not here.”
    “I know, but it’s been almost a year,” she said with wide eyes. “Don’t you think—”
    “You will obey me in this, Allison. My brother has found God, but a year of faith doesn’t erase a lifetime of violence. I don’t want you anywhere near him while I’m gone. If he comes by, don’t answer the door. If he calls, don’t pick up. If you don’t promise me this, then I won’t be going on this retreat. There are things that—”
    “Hush now,” she said, laying her palm on his chest. “Lord, your heart is beating so fast. You really are worried about me, aren’t you? I didn’t mean I’d seek him out, just that I’d keep an eye out. But I promise to do as you say. You’re the man of the house. My man.”
    He kissed her, reassured by her promise. Allison never broke promises. She was a kind, God-fearing woman.
    “Thank you.” He caressed her hair, then cupped her cheek. “You mean everything to me, Allison. You. The