Forgotten Lullaby

“I will,” Emma said quietly.

“And you’ll let us know what you find out?” Grant asked.

“Of course,” Warner said. “And send me that list ASAP.”

Grant nodded, then showed the officer to the door.

THE TENSION GREW THICK as Emma listened to the heated whispers between Grant and the detective at the door. Kate lay Carly in the small bassinet beside the couch and put her arm around Emma. “It’s going to be all right, sis. They’ll find the creep who did this.”

Grant appeared in the doorway holding a manila envelope. “What’s that?” Emma asked.

“Some of your personal things the police found in the car.”

The paper rattled as Grant pulled out a small wallet-size purse. Dry-cleaning receipts. A tube of lipstick. “I can’t believe it,” he said, sounding irritated. “I was hoping they’d find your locket.”

Kate picked up the lipstick. “That’s odd. I’ve never seen you wear red before, Emma.”

Emma narrowed her eyes, instinctively touching her lips. “I usually wear plum shades. Or at least I used to.”

“You still do,” Kate said, giving Grant an accusatory glare. “Do you know who this lipstick belongs to?”

Grant shook his head. “How would I know? I don’t buy lipstick or use it.”

“Perhaps one of your business associates wears red,” Kate said in a snide voice.

“I told you I don’t know whose it is,” Grant said. “Besides, it was in Emma’s car. I haven’t driven the Honda in weeks.”

“You two, please don’t argue.” Emma massaged her head again, wondering about Kate’s suggestion, but the air stilled, hot and stale, and the room spun.

Grant and Kate both quieted as Grant hurried to help her sit down. “I’m sorry, Emma,” Grant said immediately. “I don’t know what got into us.”

“I guess we’re a little on edge,” Kate added hastily.

Emma sighed, letting out a shaky breath. “It’s okay. This is hard for all of us. Could we just relax, please? I’m really tired.”

“Sure. I’ll fix you some tea with dinner,” Kate offered.

Grant pulled his keys from his pockets, the metal jangling. “Since you’re here now, Kate, I need to go to the office for a while. I have to pick up some work to bring home. I won’t be gone long.”

“Sure.” Kate patted Emma’s shoulder. “I won’t leave Emma.”

“I’m not leaving her,” Grant said through clenched teeth. “But I’ve fallen behind at work the past few days. I want to bring some files home to finish while I help with Carly.”

“Stay as long as you like,” Kate said, patting Emma’s back. “Emma and I are going to reminisce about old times, anyway.”

“I’ll be back soon.” He gently brushed the side of Emma’s face with his fingertips. His thumb stroked the sensitive skin at the base of her throat, and for the longest moment he looked down at her, caressing her with his eyes. “Are you all right, sweetheart?”

Emma nodded, her throat clogged with emotion. “I’m tired. I think I’ll rest a bit.”

Grant wove a strand of her hair around one finger. She thought he was going to say something else, but instead he leaned over and dropped a kiss on her temple, then kissed Carly on the cheek. “I’ll be back in a little while, girls.”

Kate cleared her throat. “I’ll make up the guest room for you, Grant.”

Grant faced Kate, anger evident in his glittering blue eyes. “Maybe you should go home when I get back, Kate. I think I can take care of my wife.”

“I told you I’m not leaving.”

“But—”

“I want her to stay,” Emma said, cutting off Grant’s next words.

If possible, Grant’s rigid posture stiffened even more. He gave her a hard, almost hurt look, then left without saying another word. Whereupon Kate mumbled something about not trusting men, and Emma wondered if she was talking about Grant.

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