The Whisperers: A Three Book Box Set Read online

  “Oh, sorry.” He realized Jed had spoken his name twice. “Yes, I did hear you and yes, we’ll be there.”

  Carly turned to look at him at those words. He just smiled at her then told Jed goodbye. “Teddy and Mik are going to see Alex today and unless you object, they’re taking all those papers with them to see if they can get anything else about Mik’s parents.”

  “She’s pretty keen on finding them, isn’t she?”

  “Well… yeah, I guess. But you can’t blame her. She never knew them so she’s bound to be –“ He stopped short. Carly had never met her biological father either and yet she didn’t seem one bit interested in finding him or knowing more about him.

  “Sorry.” He finally continued. “I didn’t mean to imply that you shouldn’t be curious, I just meant—“

  “I know. It’s okay.” She took the damp towel to the bathroom and placed it in the laundry hamper then started combing her hair. “I guess I don’t really understand her need. I mean, she grew up with parents – adoptive ones, but still they were her parents in every way that counts. What difference does it make what your biology is?”

  He shrugged and looked around for his pants. "Where are my clothes?

  “I threw everything in the wash when we got back this morning. They’re probably ready to go in the dryer.”

  “So, I’m gonna head home in this?” He gestured to the towel draped around his waist.

  “As tempting a picture as that presents, no, I don’t want you wasting that on your brothers. I figured the clothes will be dry by the time we finish breakfast.”

  “You cook?”

  “I’ve been known to. So what are you in the mood for?”

  He couldn’t stop the grin from taking charge of his face. Looking at her standing naked in the doorway to the bathroom raised a hunger for something completely outside the realm of food.

  Carly laughed. “Whoa Trigger. This gal’s feeling a little saddle sore, if you know what I mean. I think I might need a little breather.”

  Jesse was surprised that her words didn’t upset him or make him feel rebuffed. Instead, he found her honesty refreshing and it made him love her more. Truth be told, he was feeling a tad sensitive himself. It had been a while since he’d made love all night.

  “In that case, what’re my chances of steak and eggs with a side of hash browns and some biscuits?”

  “I’d say your chances are real good.”

  “Well damn, sugar, you’re gonna spoil me.”

  She smiled and crossed the room to loop her arms around his neck. “There’s nothing I’d like more.”

  “Me either.”

  The kiss she bestowed on him had him rethinking his breakfast order. Damn if she couldn’t get him worked up in nothing flat.

  “Okay, I’m gonna get dressed, get those clothes in the dryer and start breakfast. Oh, and put coffee on. Come on down when you’re ready and I’ll pour you a cup.”

  “Will do.”

  She set about dressing and he headed into the bathroom. “Can I use your comb?”

  “Use whatever you need.”

  Jesse combed his hair, finger brushed his teeth and used her disposable razor to shave. He wrapped the towel around his hips again and headed downstairs.

  “Coffee on the table,” Carly said over her shoulder as she turned two steaks on the grill surface of the stove.

  “That’s a damn cool stove,” Jesse commented.

  “Yeah, I love it. Not as good as steak cooked with charcoal but decent. So what did Jed want except to tell you about the girls going to see Alex?”

  “He wanted us to come for dinner so we could hear what they found out.”

  “Us?”

  “Yeah, as in you and me. And I think he was asking Colton and Memory.”

  She turned to look at him. “Jesse your family always seems to get stuck feeding everyone. How about we ask them here? I’ll get Memory and Colton to help. It only seems fair.”

  “You sure?”

  “Yes.”

  “Well, I’ll mention it to them and let you know. Damn that steak smells good.”

  She laughed and turned her attention back to cooking. “Hopefully it will make up for store bought biscuits.”

  “Mik makes those a lot – they’re not half bad. Miss Ellen makes biscuits that’ll make a hound dog break its chain but there’s so many of us now that we don’t pester her as much to do it.”

  “Who’s Miss Ellen? Where was she last time we were there?”

  “Oh, right you didn’t know. Miss Ellen’s been with us since – damn, long as I can remember. But we sent her on a vacation. She’s always dreamed of going to Hawaii and a lady she goes to church with wanted to go, so we all chipped in and sent her. She’ll be back in a week.”

  “Well maybe I can get her to teach me to make biscuits.”

  “You learn to make biscuits like Miss Ellen and I’m your slave for life.”

  “So that’s what it’ll take?” She cut him a teasing smile over her shoulder.

  “I’m a simple man, sugar.”

  “Uh huh. Sure you are. Okay, time for eggs.”

  Jesse sat there, smiling and watching as she cooked and thought to himself that starting every day like this would be as close to perfect as a man could want.

  Chapter Seven

  Carly mentally kicked herself for agreeing to go with Mik, Teddy, and Eldric to see Alex. It had been Mik’s idea. After all, it was through Carly that they had discovered the truth about Mik’s biological parents, and besides if the information was true then Carly was family.

  The family part had hooked Carly. She was starting to warm to the idea of having Mik as a sister. So here she was, walking into Alex’s hospital room.

  Alex lit up like a Christmas tree when she saw Eldric. Carly wondered if anyone had figured out yet that Alex was in love with Eldric. Not that she was going to say such a thing aloud, but you’d have to be blind not to see it.

  She waited in the background while everyone else greeted Alex and chatted. Finally, Alex looked her way. “So, you’re Carly?”

  “Yes.”

  Alex smiled at her. “It’s nice to meet you.”

  “Same here. I’m glad you’re – awake.”

  Alex laughed and reached for Eldric’s hand. “Thanks to this one”

  Carly smiled and nodded and a moment later, Mik launched into the reason they were there. Alex had already been told about what they’d discovered from the information Carly had provided.

  “Okay,” she said when Mik finished. “Carly, what in this stuff is the most personal to your mother?”

  “Her letter, I guess.”

  “Okay, start with that Teddy. Here sit beside me and take my free hand.”

  Teddy looked at Alex and Eldric’s joined hands. “You think that’s wise?”

  “It will be fine,” he answered.

  “I want him with us.” Alex said.

  Carly noticed that her statement put an end to any questioning. Mik got the letter from the box and handed it to Teddy. She held it in her left hand, sat beside Alex and clasped hands with her and then closed her eyes.

  Alex didn’t close her eyes.

  For a long time there was silence in the room. Teddy suddenly stiffened and a moment later, her eyes opened. She opened her mouth but Alex shushed her. “Someone’s here.”

  “Who?” Mik asked.

  “Your mother.”

  “My –“

  “She’s dark haired like you, Mik and really beautiful. But sad. Sad that she wasn’t able to really be your mother. She says it’s like a family curse. Her mother was given for adoption as well, and in turn she lost you. Not that she would have given you up if she’d lived.”

  “Tell her it’s okay,” Mik said. “I was loved.”

  “She knows. But she says you need to know that her family has been connected to you more than you know. Her grandmother – you know her and through her you have more family.”

  “What? Who is
she?”

  Alex reached forward toward the empty space in the room. “Wait, please, don’t go. Why can’t you tell us?”

  Her hand fell and she continued to stare across the room for several seconds then looked at Mik. “She said she can’t tell you, there are others who won’t let her.”

  “Shit on a stick.” Mik muttered then looked at Teddy. “So, did you get anything?”

  “Just that Carly’s mother fell in love with a man who fathered Colton and later Carly and that same man had a daughter with Millicent, your mother. In other words, the information Carly’s mom gave her is true. You, she, and Colton have the same father.”

  Mik shook her head and looked across the room at Carly. “Having Carly for a sister is a plus and I’m grateful for that. So, hey, at least we have this much. So…” She looked at Alex again. “I have one more question.”

  “What?”

  “When are you coming home?”

  Alex looked at Eldric and he smiled and nodded. She returned her attention to Mik. “Actually, I’m not.”

  “Not what?” Teddy asked.

  “Going home.”

  “Why? Surely they’re not going to keep you here any longer.”

  Alex cut another look at Eldric before answering and Carly saw the way their clasped hands tightened on one another. “I’m being released in the morning and I’m going over to Colton’s with Eldric.”

  “Why?” Teddy asked. “Mik would let you stay at the ranch or Jake and I could make room in the lake house. You don’t have –“

  “I know, Teddy. But I want to. I’ve asked Dalton Manning to meet me the day after tomorrow about my partnership, and I have a realtor who is coming over to talk about selling the condo.”

  “But why?” Teddy asked and Carly could see the tears gathering in her eyes.

  “Because I’m going to Florida with Eldric.”

  “Say what?” Mik blurted and cut Eldric a look. “No offense, but you’ve known each other what, a few weeks?”

  “Mik trust me.” Alex said softly.

  The expression on Mik’s face made it clear, at least to Carly that the discussion was far from over even though she said “fine.”

  There was several long awkward moments of silence. Being the odd man out, Carly figured she had nothing much to lose by opening her mouth. “I have a question.”

  “Shoot.” Mik said.

  “It’s actually for Teddy and Alex.”

  Teddy got up from the bed to face Carly. “Okay.”

  Carly looked at her and then Alex. “Are you okay with what you found out about Mik and I having the same father?”

  “You mean that you’re sisters?” Alex asked.

  “Yes.”

  “I don’t have a problem with it.”

  “Me either,” Teddy said.

  “You’re sure?”

  “Of course we are, silly.” Teddy crossed the room to her. “It isn’t going to change how we feel about Mik or how she feels about us. It just makes our family bigger. Besides, the way you and Jesse are – oh shit.” She whirled around and looked at Alex. “I—I—oh shoot."

  “Oh you and Jesse?” Alex asked with her eyes turning to Carly. “How long has this been going on?”

  "Uh, it’s not – I mean we’re not – we just—"

  Alex laughed. “It’s okay.Alex said. “Like I tried to tell Teddy all along, there was nothing between me and Jesse. We’re just friends. And girl, as Mik likes to say, Jesse Nash is five kinds of fine.”

  Carly smiled at her. “Make that an even dozen and we agree.”

  Everyone else chuckled and suddenly Carly didn’t feel so much like the odd man out.

  *****

  Dalton was ushered into Deidre’s parlor by her butler. He was shocked to find his aunt Henrietta there. She sat in chair adjacent to the antique settee where Deidre lounged like the queen of the court. Henrietta’s back was ramrod straight and the expression on her face clearly spelled her displeasure at being there.

  She couldn’t hate it any worse than he did. Deidre hadn’t so much invited as summoned, saying only that his presence was required and refusal to comply would result in unfavorable results for him and his beloved Aunt.

  “Well?” He asked when the butler had left the room. “What is it you want, Deidre?”

  She gestured toward the empty chair beside Henrietta. He took a seat, gave Henrietta’s arm a gentle pat, and then looked at Deidre. “Now what?”

  “Now you watch this.” She picked up a television remote, turned on the flat screen mounted above the fireplace and then set the remote aside and picked up her phone from the end table. A few seconds later the television screen displayed the video being streamed from her phone.

  Dalton’s first reaction was annoyance. He’d hired someone to make sure Alex nor any of her family was under surveillance. Obviously, his money had been ill spent. This footage had been shot in her hospital room, which meant it was at least a month old. She’d been released almost 30 days ago and had been staying at Colton Marsh’s ranch. He visited her there on several occasions.

  Annoyance turned to surprise and then curiosity laced with dread. What significance did this hold for Deidre? It made no difference who Mik Morgan’s and Carly Marsh’s biological father was, so what benefit could this possibly be for her.

  He cut his eyes to his Aunt and was immediately alarmed. Her face was pale and her hands were gripping the carved arms of the chair so hard her knuckles were white. She stared straight ahead, blinking rapidly.

  “Aunt Henrietta? Are you alright?”

  “I doubt it.” Deidre was the one to answer. “Old bat is probably in the onset of a fucking coronary.”

  “You bitch,” Dalton growled and worked one of his Aunt’s hands loose from the chair. “Aunt Henrietta, look at me. Shall I call an ambulance?”

  She turned her head and he could see the fear in her eyes. “No,” she said in a voice that sounded strained and weak. “No. I want to hear what she wants.”

  “What she …” Dalton looked at Deidre. “What is this all about?”

  “Her.” Deidre pointed to Henrietta.

  Dalton was completely confused. “Have you totally lost your mind? That has nothing to do with—“

  “Oh but it does. Doesn’t it Henrietta?”

  Dalton looked at his Aunt. There were two spots of color on her cheeks and her eyes were now blazing with hatred as she stared at Deidre.

  “What’s going on?” Dalton asked.

  “Yes, tell him, Henrietta. He has a right to know.”

  “A right to know what?” he asked.

  “Tell him you miserable old bitch or I will.” Deidre jumped to her feet as she screamed at Henrietta.

  Dalton sprang to his feet as well. “Get away from her.” He pushed Deidre back and stood protectively in front of Henrietta.

  “Touch me again and I’ll have you arrested.”

  Dalton turned and reached for Henrietta’s arm. “Come, Aunt Henrietta, let’s get out-“

  “Before you hear who your self-righteous aunt really is? What she’s done?” Deidre’s voice was shrill and loud.

  Dalton saw his Aunt’s eyes move up to meet his and the fear on her face. “Aunt Henrietta?” He asked.

  Henrietta raised her hands to cover her face. A moment later, her shoulder began to shake and then came the first quiet sob. Dalton whirled to face Deidre. “What kind of sick joke is this, you horrible bitch?”

  “Joke?” She laughed and sashayed across the room to the bar, poured herself a vodka and then looked back at him. “She wishes it was a joke.”

  “Just spit it out, Deidre.”

  “Fine. Deidre laughed again and swallowed half of her drink. “She had a child, a daughter. And she gave her up for adoption.”

  Dalton reclaimed his seat and turned his attention to his aunt. “Is this true?”

  She lowered her hands from her face, sucked in a deep breath and stood. “I will see you dead.” She directed her words a
t Deidre in a shaky voice.

  Deidre let out a wild cackle that made the hair on the back of Dalton’s neck stand on end. He took his aunt’s arm, hurried her out of the room, and then out of the house. No words were exchanged until he had her seated in the back of her car with the driver waiting to leave.

  “I’m going to follow you home.”

  She nodded and he closed the door. Dalton watched the car pull away then glanced back at the house. Was this another of Deidre’s ugly tricks, something she’d manufactured to try to blackmail Henrietta or force her from her position on the board of Manning Enterprises?

  Or was there truth is this latest of her wickedness? Something told him that this time there was at least a measure of truth in the evil and he needed to get to the bottom of it because if it interested Deidre, it was surely going to mean trouble for him as well as his aunt.

  Wasting no more time, he hurried to his car.

  *****

  Jesse was just headed out to start his day when there was a knock at the front door. He hurried to open it and found Alex Morgan and Eldric standing on the front porch.

  “Hey! What’re you two doing out so early?”

  “There’s something we need to tell the family.” Alex said

  “Sounds serious. There’s still coffee if you want.”

  “That’d be nice.” Alex entered as Jesse stepped out of the way and Eldric followed.

  “Help yourself, you know where everything is,” Jesse said. “Jed and Mik are in the breeding barn and I don’t know about Jake and Teddy but you can call down to the lake house and roust them. I’ll go get Jed and Mik.

  “Okay, thanks, Jesse.”

  “Sure thing.

  He headed out of the house through the back door and made his way to the breeding barn. Jed and Mik were talking with one of the hands. He walked up and waited until they finished then gestured his head toward the door. “Alex and Eldric are here.”

  “This early?” Mik asked. “Why?”

  “Something they want to tell the family.”

  “Well why didn’t they call?” Jed asked at the same moment Mik said, “What’s wrong?”