For the Sake of His Child

When she returned a few minutes later, with the tea, Andrea was still stroking the dog.

“Shamus usually won’t settle down for more than two minutes.” Brynn placed the tray on the round coffee table, trying to keep her hands from shaking. “He must like you, Andrea.”

The child looked up at Brynn with such pain-filled eyes it tore again at her heart. Jake McKenzie hadn’t exaggerated.

“He’s nice,” Andrea said finally, her voice soft.

Brynn continued studying the child. “Yes, he is. Do you like dogs?”

Andrea shrugged.

It wasn’t an eloquent response, but Brynn recognized a slim crack in her apathy. She remembered how Sarah had used the same gesture when words just wouldn’t do or were difficult to summon.

Andrea reminded her so much of Sarah, who’d been so shaken by what life had dealt her. As she had hundreds of times since, Brynn wondered how differently things might have turned out if she’d been more aware then.

But her earlier suspicions couldn’t be ignored. What if the child was simply a terribly effective prop McKenzie was using?

Brynn turned to him. “Sweet tea or plain?”

“Plain, thanks.”

She handed him a glass. “And you, Andrea?”

“Sweet, I guess.”

As she poured the tea, Brynn studied the girl, wanting to connect with her. “What do you like best about school?”

Andrea didn’t look up from the dog. “Nothing.”

Jake caught Brynn’s gaze, his expression pointedly reminding her of his earlier words.

She placed Andrea’s glass on the table. But the girl didn’t reach for the tea. Like her dull eyes, the vacant expression could be the result of drugs. Her skin was unnaturally pale, her eyes shadowed with dark circles. Brynn looked from the girl to Jake McKenzie. There was a definite resemblance, especially in their hair coloring. More telling, every time Jake’s glance fell on his daughter, it filled with genuine concern. His love for Andrea was a nearly palpable thing stretching between the wounded pair. Apparently he was who he said he was. And his daughter clearly needed help. She looked fragile enough to break.

Brynn remembered Jake’s dire prediction—that Andrea was running out of time. What if he was right? Could she turn her back on the girl and risk the worst? Despite her fatigue, Brynn knew the answer. She wouldn’t, couldn’t allow that to happen.

The old, weathered grandfather clock chimed, reminding Brynn of the time. “Andrea, would you take Shamus outside, please?”

The girl hesitated, her hand still on the dog. She glanced up at her father, who nodded. “I guess so.”

Brynn pointed to the terrace doors. “You can go that way. The other dogs may follow.”

Andrea and Shamus walked outside. The two terriers trailed them, but the Border collie remained at Brynn’s side.

As soon as Andrea was out of hearing, Jake leaned forward, urgency etched in his features. “Well?”

“I can see that Andrea needs help.”

“Your help.”

“Andrea’s case is different from the children I’ve dealt with so far. I’ve had no professional training, other than psychology classes in college. Giving children time away from their day-to-day lives, from the stress even well-meaning parents can put on their children, is how I help. But in Andrea’s case…” Brynn paused, swallowing back the memories pushing at her. “Are you certain the relationship with her mother is beyond repair?”

He frowned. “My ex-wife only agreed to have Andrea in return for marriage and a guaranteed financial arrangement. But she’d had all she could take—her words, not mine. When she filed for divorce, she wanted more money, but nothing to do with Andrea.” He stood suddenly and turned toward the windows. “I never guessed a woman could have absolutely no maternal feelings. But Val thought she’d wasted enough time, said she hadn’t signed up for a life sentence. I felt Andrea was better off with no mother than one who resented her. Forcing Val into motherhood was doing no favors for Andrea. I always thought Val would come to love her. How could she not?” Shaking his head, he pivoted back toward Brynn. “This conversation isn’t helping Andrea.”

“If I’m going to help her, I’ll need to know everything.”

Light flashed in his eyes. “You’re going to take on Andrea’s case?”

“I’ll let you know by Monday. My circumstances haven’t changed, but I’ll try to work around them.”

“I’m still prepared to pay you more than—”

“No. As I told you, I do not, will not, accept money for helping a child.”

He stared at her curiously. With just one question, she had managed to pry more from him than he had confided to anyone else in years. And although he’d received a sterling recommendation regarding Brynn, he wished he knew more. Her personal life was a mystery.

Brynn glanced toward the terrace. “In the event that I’m able to work with Andrea, let’s take care of a few preliminaries. While you make out your contact list, I’ll write a list of suggested things for Andrea to pack. She’s free to bring along some personal items as well, but I ask that you eliminate anything noisy, such as CDs. The quiet here forces discussion.”

There was a time when Andrea could laugh and talk over anything, no matter how loud or distracting. Back then, on his return from work-related travel, it was as though his daughter had saved up everything that had happened while he was gone, filling him in on each detail. Val hadn’t cared. She was glad when he was away, discontented when he was home. But not his Annie.

Now, though, it worried him to travel. Every time he returned, it seemed he’d lost another piece of his daughter. Thin and pale, she looked as though she’d gone through a long illness. It was emotional, not physiological, but the result was the same. Andrea was fading away. “We’ll comply with your rules.”

Brynn studied him. “I hope you mean that.”

He drew his eyebrows together. “You doubt it?”

“My methods aren’t completely conventional. Each child dictates his or her treatment.”

“As long as it doesn’t hurt Andrea, I’m on board.”

“Good.” Brynn paused. “Because my priority will be Andrea.”

“That’s what I would expect.”

“I hope you mean that.”

“One hundred percent.” Jake studied her, wondering what prompted this woman to sacrifice so much of her time. He also wanted to know about the other members of the household before entrusting his daughter to Brynn. “Your husband must be a very understanding man.”

“My husband is dead.” Brynn’s voice was matter-of-fact, but her eyes betrayed her pain.

“You live here alone?”

Wariness stiffened her expression and stance. She reached for her dog’s collar. “Not completely.”

Unwilling to frighten or put her off even more, Jake didn’t persist. There would be plenty of time to ask his other questions, if she accepted Andrea.

CHAPTER TWO

AFTER A SLEEPLESS NIGHT, Brynn phoned the Cranstons early the next morning to check on Jake McKenzie’s story. Unable to reach them, she left a message. Although young Andrea had touched her deeply, Brynn couldn’t ignore the possible danger. Having moved twice in the past year, she also couldn’t compromise this last safe place she’d come to call home.

Brynn thought of the moves that had brought her here. First from the home she’d shared with Kirk, then from the last home she’d shared with her daughter.

She stood, pacing as she remembered Kirk’s car accident, the call telling her that he was dead. Then that terrible numbness.

Her valiant daughter had stood beside her as they’d buried him, both unable to believe he was really gone. On their return home they’d discovered that the house had been broken into. The police told Brynn there were criminals who read the obituaries, then used the gruesome opportunity to burgle the deceased’s home. But nothing of much value other than Kirk’s cameras had been stolen.

Brynn had also begun receiving many hang-up calls. But then, she’d been solicited for everything from cemetery plots to cruises after Kirk’s death. However, after one of the calls, she realized someone had been in the house again while she and Sarah were out. It was more subtle that second time, but she saw the signs.

The police took her concerns seriously, but they questioned whether Kirk could have been involved in something unsavory. Although Brynn had vehemently denied that suggestion, she had agreed to allow them to search her home, and later, Kirk’s studio.

Not finding anything, the police also examined Kirk’s photos, which had been placed in storage. Detectives spent a good deal of time examining the collection, but could see no connection between the pictures and the break-in. There seemed to be no clandestine or accidental shot that would compel someone to try to steal the evidence.

Worried about her daughter’s safety, Brynn had moved to a new neighborhood, hoping that whatever the intruders wanted would be forgotten once she and Sarah disappeared.

But then Sarah had died, a tragic incident that had all but shattered Brynn’s own interest in life. There’d been another break-in, but she hadn’t cared. Her family and friends had, however. At Julia’s insistence, she’d moved to the ranch. And now she needed to learn as much as she could about the McKenzies.

Andrea’s school wouldn’t divulge any information. Brynn could certainly understand why, but it didn’t get her any closer to establishing McKenzie’s credibility.

A call to his employer was equally disappointing. They had a strict policy. Nothing could be revealed unless requested in writing, accompanied by the employee’s signed release.

Frustrated, Brynn phoned her friend and confidante, Julia, outlining the situation.

Julia was immediately protective. “I’m not sure I like the sound of this. It could be perfectly innocent, but then again… Listen, why don’t I come out? Stay the weekend? I have some mail for you.”

Brynn didn’t hesitate; the prospect of an ally was immensely comforting. “That would be great if you really don’t have any plans.”

Julia sighed with mock drama. “Zip. I’d have better luck meeting the right man in the middle of the Sahara.”

Brynn chuckled unexpectedly. No matter how down she felt, Julia had a way of making her smile. “Jules, you turn down more men than most women ever meet.”

“I’m glad you’re convinced one of these frogs will turn out to be Prince Charming. I’ve stopped believing he exists.”

Brynn had a sudden image of her late husband, the man she had planned to spend her life with, her prince in every way that counted.

“Brynn, sorry. I didn’t think—”

“No, no!” she said dismissively. “You’re right. I did my fair share of ‘dissecting’ frogs until I met Kirk.” She pushed back the thick hair that fell across her forehead. “And you can’t keep monitoring every word when you talk to me. Some things will always remind me of Kirk…and Sarah. And that’s not always bad, you know.”

“Yeah, I know,” Julia replied in a gentle tone. “I’m going to grab a few things and get rolling. Anything you need from civilization?”

Everything and nothing. Sometimes it was difficult to believe that she’d once lived only a few miles from the heart of the city. “Just your company.”

“You got it, kid. I’ll make a few quick stops and then I’ll be on my way.”

Brynn hung up, already feeling better. It helped to have someone to share her concerns with. Always independent, she had tried to remain so during her marriage, but it had been easy to become accustomed to having someone to lean on, to talk things over with. So much had changed with Kirk’s death.

Virgil pushed his muzzle into her hand and she petted her loyal friend. “We’re going to have company, Virg. Julia’s coming.”

The dog wagged his tail, recognizing Julia’s name. Before she’d lost her husband and daughter, Brynn’s life had been filled with friends and family. Although her father had passed away and she had no siblings, Brynn had never felt short of family. She was close to her mother and had an array of aunts, uncles and cousins. Although they got together more rarely as she and her cousins had started families of their own, they were a supportive bunch. But when her life was threatened, Brynn hadn’t wanted to expose the people she cared about to danger. Most of her friends and family accepted her wish to be left alone.

Julia, however, had refused to be shut out. Her offer had proved to be a godsend, enabling Brynn to assure her mother that she would be safe. Now she and her mother talked a few times a week. Their phone calls, along with Julia’s visits, kept her connected.

Feeling a little less worried, Brynn freshened up Julia’s bedroom and then headed to her studio. Once absorbed in her work, she didn’t notice that the hours passed, until a clatter at the back door startled her. Her heart pounded as the dogs barked. It took her a few moments to recognize that their noise wasn’t a warning. Brynn placed a hand to her chest, trying to steady her irregular breathing. Then, realizing it must be Julia, she grabbed a towel, hurriedly wiping off her hands as she dashed toward the back door.

Surrounded by adoring animals, including her own dog, Lobo, Julia lifted a hand in greeting. “It’s hard to believe I started this menagerie.” Virgil waited patiently for his pat and Julia didn’t disappoint him. “You’re keeping Brynn safe, aren’t you, boy?”

“My shadow,” Brynn agreed, stepping through the exuberant mass of dogs to hug her friend. It’s good to see you. Thanks for coming.”

“It’s a great excuse to get me out of the madness. I start winding down about fifty miles outside the city. I forget how stressed I am until some of it eases.”

“That’s why this is a good place to escape, for both of us.” Brynn’s smile widened. “But you’d be bored beyond belief if you lived here.”

Julia sighed. “I suppose so. I’m used to getting whatever I want whenever I want it. Speaking of which, I brought goodies!”

Even the dogs looked intrigued when Brynn and Julia reached the car. The back of the SUV was open and Julia picked up an overflowing box. “Everything we need for a weekend in the country, city-style!”

Brynn reached for the carton. “Let me help.”

Handing it to her, Julia picked up a cooler. “Okay. This needs to go in the fridge.”

They opened the box and cooler in the kitchen. The goodies included bottles of Brynn’s favorite wine, Godiva chocolates, Häagen-Dazs ice cream and an assortment of treats from the most exclusive deli in San Antonio.

“I nearly forgot the best thing!”

Brynn groaned. “You don’t think we can possibly eat more than this?”

Julia unearthed one more package and held it up like a trophy. “Shipley’s doughnuts!”

“The world’s best,” Brynn agreed, lifting the lid to eye the contents almost reverently. “We’ll have to walk twenty miles to burn these off.”

“I’m game.”

Brynn filched a chocolate-filled doughnut. “Me, too.”

“I brought milk, but we can have coffee if you want.”

Looking at the empty pot, Brynn frowned. “I meant to make some, but—”

“You got caught up in your work. Good.” Julia’s smile was knowing and kind. “It’s been too long since you’ve been able to do that.”

After she’d lost her family, potting had been both a blessing and a curse. At times Brynn couldn’t get past mixing fresh clay. Inspiration seemed beyond her. Instead it was as though she fought a fog that distorted her artistic vision. Yet at other times, pottery was the only thing that took her out of the endless cycle of self-blame and pain. When she awoke each day, she never knew whether she’d be able to work or not.

Julia measured out the coffee. “While this brews, I’ll bring in the other coolers. I thought the freezer might need filling.”

In order to keep a low profile, Brynn rarely ventured into the small nearby town of Walburg. Instead, the huge walk-in freezer was well stocked. The butler’s pantry and commercial freezer had been installed by Julia’s grandfather, whose hunting trips often ran into weeks or months. And Julia’s father had continued the tradition. Although some of the equipment had been updated, including the addition of a commercial refrigerator, they served the same purpose. A person could remain at the ranch house for months without venturing out for supplies.

As they unloaded the coolers, Brynn felt her throat catch. Julia had done so much for her.

Her friend panted as she pushed a box of steaks onto the top shelf of the freezer. “Whew!” She rubbed cold hands together, then glanced up at Brynn, her face sobering. “What is it?”

Brynn swallowed the rush of emotion. “Wondering where I’d be if you hadn’t stepped in with your offer. Your haven has become mine.”

Julia took her arm. “It can’t be said enough—that’s what friends are for. Brynn, you’ve always been there for me when I’ve slipped, fallen or just plain skidded. I’m glad the house is here—that it’s safe. Come on, let’s dig into those doughnuts and you can tell me more about this guy who’s trying to push his daughter on you.”

Somehow it didn’t seem that sinister in the light of Julia’s practical optimism. Still, over doughnuts and fresh coffee, Brynn told all she knew about Jake McKenzie.

“Have the Cranstons called you back?”

Brynn frowned. “No. And that’s the biggest hitch. They were so grateful that I helped Susan I can’t understand why they would disregard my wishes.”

“Just guessing, I’d say if they did tell McKenzie about you, they didn’t realize the seriousness of compromising your privacy.”

Reluctantly, Brynn nodded. “I suppose you’re right.”

Julia added cream to her coffee. “And I can’t help wondering how McKenzie came up with Susan’s name if he’s not the real deal.”

“Good point.” Brynn abandoned her doughnut. “Unless I’m being watched.”

“Maybe we shouldn’t take that leap quite so fast.”

“I’ll try the Cranstons again.” Brynn paused. “Or maybe it would be best to speak with their doctor first.”

Leaving the table, she put in a call to the psychiatrist who had referred the Cranstons. He was with a patient, but the receptionist assured Brynn she would pass along the message.

“So we still know nothing for sure,” Julia concluded as Brynn clicked off the phone.

“Yep.”

“Brynn, what aren’t you telling me?”

She closed her eyes briefly, the words difficult to summon. “The girl, McKenzie’s daughter. Her pain…I recognized it. Even though I didn’t realize it at the time, I see now that it’s like Sarah’s was. I can’t help thinking this could be a second chance for me.”

“You sure that’s not wishful thinking?” Julia asked gently.

“I suppose it sounds that way.” Brynn exhaled. “And I can see how it appears from your perspective. Doesn’t seem credible, does it?”

Julia’s mouth lifted in a wry half smile. “I’m not making any judgments. I haven’t walked in your shoes.”

Familiar pain filled her. “Don’t.”

Julia linked her arm with Brynn’s. “How ’bout getting a start on those twenty miles?”

Taking a healing stroll through the soothing countryside sounded like a very good idea. She pocketed the cell phone. “Just what the doctor ordered.”

Julia grabbed another doughnut with her free hand. “We might have to make that thirty miles.”

BY SUNDAY EVENING, Brynn knew little more than she had before Julia arrived. Her friend provided a stabilizing, calming effect. But Brynn needed to know more about Jake McKenzie, especially since his daughter remained in her thoughts.

Sipping a glass of pleasingly tart blush wine, Brynn stared at the phone, willing it to ring.

“The Cranstons might have gone out of town for the weekend,” Julia suggested.

“I thought of that. But it irks me that the doctor hasn’t phoned.”

“A doctor on the weekend? You’d have a better chance of getting through to the White House.”

“So what do I tell McKenzie tomorrow?”

Julia met her gaze. “I didn’t meet him, so I can’t give an opinion. But my gut instinct says protect this place.”

“Hmm.”

“It’s more than just McKenzie, isn’t it?”

Brynn placed her glass on the table, restlessness overtaking her. “I can’t run forever, especially since I don’t know what I’m running from.”

“The unknown’s damn scary,” Julia advised gently. “But if the police couldn’t discover a motive for the break-ins, how can you expect to? You know they scanned Kirk’s photos, compared them with the national data bank. And they admitted the photos were exactly what they appeared to be. No covert snap of anyone famous or infamous.”

“The second set of detectives believed that was because photography was supposed to be Kirk’s cover.” Even now, the bile rose in her throat as she remembered their insinuations. They felt he must have been involved in something shady and ultimately lethal.

“But you know the truth.”

Did she? In her darkest moments, Brynn wondered if she could have somehow been wrong—horribly, terribly wrong. The man she knew had loved his family and put them first. Yet she had no explanation for what had happened after his death. “I’m probably overreacting.”

“You have to be concerned about your safety, not only for yourself but for your work. Think of the children you’ve already had here. Where would they be without your help?”

As true as that might be, Brynn also knew that she couldn’t live with herself if, out of fear, she turned Andrea McKenzie away and the child took her own life.

The phone rang. It was Dr. Halliwell, the psychiatrist who had referred Susan Cranston. He admitted that he’d passed Brynn’s number along to Jake McKenzie. The men had been roommates in college. And he’d also thought it helpful for Jake to speak with the Cranstons, because Susan’s experience had been so positive. Since the doctor had only Brynn’s cell number to pass along, there was nothing to reproach the man for. He didn’t know about Brynn’s special circumstances.

After he hung up, Brynn related his end of the conversation to Julia. “And I suppose the Cranstons saw no harm in giving out my location to their doctor’s friend.” Deflated by the rush of conflicting emotions, Brynn collapsed in one of the comfortable chairs. “Do you think the threat could possibly be past?”

Julia’s eyes filled with worry. “How can you know for sure without exposing yourself?”

“You’re right. And I don’t think I could face another move—even if I had a place to run to.”

CHAPTER THREE

SOMETHING HAD CHANGED in Brynn Alder. Jake didn’t know why, but he wasn’t questioning their good fortune.

True to her word, Brynn had called him first thing that morning. Without hesitation, she had agreed to start working with Andrea. And she’d willingly answered all his queries, leading him to believe his daughter would be safe with her.

In return, he had complied with Brynn’s wish to speak to the psychiatrist about easing Andrea off her medications.

Jake then wasted no time collecting Andrea and her belongings. Now, turning in at the unmarked road that led to Brynn’s house, he squeezed Annie’s hand, offering reassurance. But she didn’t respond. God, he wished he could repair all the damage his ex-wife had inflicted.

He’d been an idiot to become involved with a woman who cared for nothing but herself. And naive to believe that motherhood would somehow change that. Still, Val’s presence had meant a great deal to Annie, since he was gone so frequently.

He was as riddled with guilt as with worry. His career had provided all the material benefits his family needed. And since he was dissatisfied with his marriage, it had also provided an escape. But there hadn’t been one for Annie.

Jake glanced over at her. “We’re almost there.”

No response.

He withheld a sigh as the ranch came into sight. It sat on sloping land at the base of a sheltering hill. The stone house looked as though it could stand for many more generations.

Driving into the wide yard, he parked beneath one of the many shade trees. As he got out of the car, the front door opened and Brynn appeared. Apparently she had been watching for them.