Suite 606 by J. D. Robb

Author:J. D. Robb [Robb, J. D.]
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
Tags: Fiction, Mystery, Library
Publisher: Penguin Group US
Published: 2010-03-01T05:00:00+00:00

Two

Sam had to work hard to swallow back his disappointment. It was obvious that he wasn’t welcome in Hoag Slade’s home, but there seemed to be nothing to do but accept the inevitable. He was stuck here until morning.

He kept his features perfectly bland as he turned to Mary Catherine. “Thank you. I appreciate your hospitality. I’d be grateful for the room off the kitchen.”

“It’s no trouble.” She looked over at her sister. “After supper, would you mind fetching Mr. Hunter a set of sheets for the bed, and that afghan from the parlor?”

Her stepfather turned on her with a fierce glare. “You can take care of it yourself, girl. I need Anna’s help in the barn.”

“Of course.” Mary Catherine exchanged a sympathetic look with the girl who would be forced to leave the warmth and comfort of the house for the chill of the barn. “You’ll need warm gloves, Anna.”

“I won’t forget.”

They finished their meal in silence. As soon as Hoag mopped up his gravy with the last of the rolls, he shoved away from the table and got to his feet.

Without a word Anna followed him from the room.

When the door closed behind them, Mary Catherine visibly relaxed. “More tea, Sam?”

“Thank you.” He held out his cup and watched as she poured. “That was a fine meal.”

She flushed. “Such praise. I’m not accustomed to compliments.”

“Really? You ought to be.” He glanced around the tidy room. “Your house sparkles. It’s obvious that you’ve put a lot of love into it.”

“I do love keeping house. Like my mother, I enjoy cooking and cleaning. And baking. Oh, I do love baking. Cakes and pies and fancy cookies.” She glanced away. “Listen to me going on. According to Hoag, that’s nothing but vanity, and we have no right to indulge in it.”

“There’s nothing wrong with taking pride in your work.”

“What is it you do, Sam?”

“Police work. Or rather, I did. At the moment I’m not sure just what I’ll be doing next.” He shrugged, clearly uncomfortable talking about himself. “I’m taking some time to . . . sort through things.”

If Mary Catherine recognized his discomfort, she gave no indication as she began gathering the dishes. She poured hot water from a kettle into a basin and began to wash.

Sam enjoyed watching her. The economy of movement. The way her hair curled damply around her cheeks as she dipped her hands into the basin. The obvious enjoyment she took in her work. Without a word he picked up a towel and joined her.

She was clearly surprised and pleased by his help. “You’ve no need to do this.”

“You cooked. The least I can do is lend a hand with the cleanup. Especially since you’re forced to work with no power. Lucky you have an old woodstove and some lanterns.”

“Doesn’t everybody?”

Her question had him chuckling as he reached over her head to hang a cup, and then another.

Up close she smelled of soap and water, with just a trace of cinnamon.

She teased his memory, and he found himself thinking about the recurring dream he’d told Dr.

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