12 Christmas Romances To Melt Your Heart (21 page)

L
aura couldn’t believe
her eyes, but her intuition screamed that her father was up to something. She didn’t know what, but she’d get to the bottom of the situation or else.

Thinking back, she thought Hanna had been overly dramatic, but they were under the impression that she’d just been robbed. It was a setup and if her guess was right, Alex knew about it and was playing the front man.

She whirled on him, pointing an accusing finger. “You,” she hissed, her eyes narrowing. “You’re in on this, aren’t you?”

Alex straightened his shoulders and stared out the large picture window. She didn’t know why, all he could see were afternoon clouds. After all, they were eighteen floors up.

“I’m not sure what you’re talking about.”

“The hell you aren’t.” She pressed her lips together tightly. The sleazeball. “My father put you up to this. Admit it. At least be man enough to cough it up when you’re caught red-handed.”

He narrowed his eyes and took a serious stepped forward, forcing her to back away. “Don’t you accuse me of being involved in this.” Damn it, he now pointed the damning finger. “I haven’t done a thing but come to the office, on my day off, I might add. Whatever else is going on, I have nothing to do with.”

By now all her sisters were crammed into Cory’s small office listening intently. They were used to her and Alex arguing because they did so often, but this was different.

“But you knew,” she said.

He looked away.

“You knew, damn you. You knew from the beginning Father was up to something.”

Kandice stepped forward and placed herself between them, facing her. “What did Father do?”

“I’m not sure,” Laura said. “But Hanna wasn’t robbed.”

Cynthia moved to sit on the corner of Cory’s desk, much to the IT guy’s annoyance. “Like a scavenger hunt?”

“No,” Alex answered sharply. “Not that.”

“Then what,” Laura insisted. “You spend every day with him. What’s in his crazy mind today?”

“You shouldn’t speak about your father like that. The man’s brilliant.”

“Maybe, but not when it comes to his daughters. To us he’s eccentric, mysterious and nefarious.” She waved her hand at her sisters. “Like now. We have no idea what he’s up to. But you do.”

“I’m not getting into this.”

“Maybe Father wants us to solve a case,” Madelyn said. “We’ve always known he wants us to take over his business.”

Laura turned with little patience. “There is no case. Don’t you see? He’s more anxious to see if we’ll give up. Walk away. Admit defeat.”

“Honestly,” Jacklyn said. “Do you think he’s that devious?”

“No,” Cynthia said, with a shrug. “It’s a test.”

Kandice crossed her arms and tapped her foot. “One we obviously can’t pass. How can we solve a crime that didn’t happen? And to think, I cancelled a hair appointment for nothing.”

Laura paced the small confines, her eyes taking in everything in the room. Was her father testing them? Did he think they’d give up that easily? And what would he do if they walked through the door empty-handed?

Satisfaction settled in her chest and teased her lips into a smile as she realized they’d gone at least one step further than expected. They now knew there had been no robbery, the presents weren’t taken and Hanna was a bad actress.

Now what? Go home and confront her father, or really teach him a lesson. He’d done silly things before and they’d come to expect all kinds of surprises, but nothing like this. Today’s little gig was different. Laura had a strong desire to show her father exactly what they were made of.

Laura stopped and put her hands on her hips. “Let’s go, ladies. It’s time we give Father a taste of his own shenanigans.”

“What?” Jacklyn asked.

“I don’t care what we do, but I want to eat,” Cynthia said. When they all stared at her, she lowered her brows. “Hey, I didn’t have lunch and the vending machine only had yogurt left.”

“Okay, we’ll stop for fast food,” Laura said, motioning her sisters out of the room. “We have a real crime to solve.”

“What,” Alex said, moving closer. “Don’t be foolish. That’s a good way for someone to get hurt.”

She cocked her head and their eyes met. “You and my father should’ve thought of that earlier. A good time would’ve been before coming up with this scheme.”

“Stop it,” Alex demanded. “I had no part of this. I was against it from the onset and I expressed my opinion clearly to Thomas.” He shook that damn finger at her again. “Why do you keep insisting I’d do something this insane?”

“If you’re not in on it, then you can hang with us for a while.”

He shook his head. “What are you talking about?”

“We’re going to find those two in the parking garage and bring them to justice.”

His eyes seemed to search for a safe place to land. “No, no, no.” He clutched his fists. “This is crazy. And the most foolish idea you’ve ever come up with.”

“No, for once I’m going to set my father back on his heels. He’s going to know once and for all that we’re a force to be reckoned with. We won’t back down anymore. We’re adults and he should realize that by now.”

Marching behind her, Laura’s sisters cheered as if she’d just given a moving political speech. Knowing her sisters agreed made her feel better. At least they were behind her.

Alex’s head was about to explode. What could he say to bring Laura to her senses? If they were to get hurt, he could never forgive himself and neither would his boss. He had to protect them no matter what.

“I can’t let you do this alone,” he said. “My job is to protect people. This is foolish and I can think of a hundred ways to deal with Thomas, other than putting your lives in danger.” She opened her mouth, but he held up his hand. “I understand why you’re upset with him, so you can count on me.”

Her right eye twitched. “Can I trust you to not tell my father?”

“You mean am I willing to hang my boss out to dry?”

She nodded. “Yeah.”

He rubbed the back of his neck and wanted to be kissing her instead. “I am.”

“Yay,” Shouts came from the outer office.

“We’re going to get serious,” Jacklyn yelled. “New York style.”

“No, no,” Alex said raising his hands. “Not crazy or stupid.”

Jacklyn cut him a sharp glance. “You think New York is crazy and stupid?” She put her hand on her hip. “If I had my gun, I think I’d shoot you.”

“Don’t worry, I’m sure you’ll have plenty of opportunities before this is over.”

“Let’s kick some butt,” Kandice said. “I always wanted to be a badass.”

Madelyn stared at Kandice. “No you didn’t. You wanted to be a model from the day you were born.”

“Well,” Kandice said, waving around her expensive purse. “That’s true, but I wouldn’t mind being Wonder Woman for a day or two either.”

“Let’s go,” Laura said. “Time to rock and roll.”

Alex wanted to bang all their heads together.

Cynthia walked over to Cory. “Get up. Let’s go kick some butt.”

“Me,” he said, clutching his chest, his eyes the size of his monitor. “I’m an IT guy. I don’t fight.”

Cynthia crooked her index finger at him. “Come on, boss’s orders.”

“No, there is no boss here,” Cory insisted. “Except Alex.”

She stopped and stared at him. “Are you afraid?”

“No, no.” he stammered. “It’s just not what I do.”

Alex felt sorry for Cory being under the younger Avery’s command.

She put her hands on her hips and leaned toward him. “Well, Alex has agreed to help. That means you too. Get off your ass and follow us.”

“What,” Cory said in a panic. “Alex, tell them I’m just the IT guy.”

Alex took him by the arm. “Best you come with us. I might need you for moral support.”

“Oh, God. Don’t say that.”

T
homas didn’t
like the fact that neither his wife nor the housekeeper would speak to him at dinner. They were positively angry at him to the point he might as well be eating in the garage. “Everything will be fine. Alex is with them.” He tried to reassure Amanda.

His wife sliced into her roast beef and took a delicate bite. Nothing hurt him more than when she refused to communicate with him. They’d been a loving, caring couple since the day they met and the last thing he wanted was to argue. Amanda was better at than he was. She could be so heartless, like now.

“I’m sure,” Thomas said, trying to thaw out his wife’s demeanor, “the girls will be coming home, empty-handed and starving.”

Amanda looked pointedly at each place setting on the table. Five were empty, reminding Thomas of his fool-hearted attempt at teaching the girls to be persistent. At the moment they had no idea where the girls were because none would answer their phones, including Alex. They were teaching him a lesson, it would appear.

“By now they know you’ve deceived them, Thomas.”

While he was relieved Amanda was talking to him, he didn’t like what she said. “I’m sure they do. So why aren’t they home?”

“If I were them I’d stay away tonight to make you worry about my whereabouts.”

“That’s a rather cruel thing to do to their father.”

Amanda sent him a scorching look that nearly singed his eyebrows. “Serves you right, if you ask me.”

“I’m not asking, my dear,” he replied politely. “I’ve certainly learned my lesson.”

“That’s a good start.”

He put his fork down. “What do you mean?”

“I think it’s time you consider doing something else with your business besides leaving it to our daughters who don’t want a thing to do with that albatross.”

If he’d had food in his mouth, Thomas might have choked to death. “Albatross?”

“Yes, it’s rather a pain, don’t you think?”

Thomas reached down, snatched the linen napkin from his lap and tossed it on the table. “No, I do not think my company is burden to anyone. Especially you.”

“Thomas, I...”

“Not another word,” he bellowed, coming to his feet. “Allow me to remind you that everything you wear, eat and are surrounded by was provided by that business. I refuse to sit here and allow you to pass judgement on the very thing that’s sustained you and our children for forty years.”

“I think you misunderstand, Thomas.”

“I have not. You, my dear, have become quite the snob.” He lifted his chin. “I also blame that on my very successful business.”

He turned and left the room. While he would allow Amanda certain liberties to criticize him, Avery Security Service was off-limits. That business had provided this family with a damn good life, and it deserved the respect and admiration of the entire family.

At the door he put on his winter coat. Amanda came into the foyer. “Where are you going? It’s forecasted to snow.”

“I’m going to the club. No one here appreciates me.” He walked out and slammed the door, only to realize he had no way to open the garage door and get to his car. When he turned, Amanda stood smiling as she held the door open. Cocking his head, he nodded and headed for the garage.

Backing out his wife’s Mercedes, Thomas wondered if he’d been a little harsh. Perhaps, but it was time Avery Security Service stopped being taken for granted. He was proud of the company he’d started from nothing. They had no idea the money he made or the money they spent. He’d dedicated a large part of his life the company and he wasn’t about to let his hard work and diligence be insulted.

At the club he went to the bar and ordered bourbon straight up. Relaxing, he took a sip and allowed the smooth liquor to slid down his throat and spread warmth across his chest. He needed that.

Looking around at the Christmas decorations and hearing the holiday music playing softly over the PA system captured his attention, and guilt gnawed at his chest.

It was Christmas after all. And here he’d ruined everything. The girls weren’t home and they obviously refused to take his calls. They’d sent a clear message. It appeared they knew about his little scheme and were punishing him for trying to manipulate them and being deceptive.

“How’s it going, Mr. Avery,” Sam the bartender said, as he wiped down the counter. The young man with an excellent head of red hair was a friendly sort of fellow that knew when to start a conversation and when to be scarce. “I expected to see you last night.”

Thomas chuckled. “The girls were a day later than usual.”

Sam shook his head. “I have one child. I can’t imagine five.” He whistled softly. “And girls, no way. My wife and I would be insane by now.”

“Oh, it’s been an exciting life.”

“I bet they used to keep you and Mrs. Avery on your toes.”

“They still do.” Damn them. He wanted to shake them silly for making him worry so much. And why in the hell wasn’t Alex picking up his phone? They probably had him tied up somewhere, planning to hold him for ransom.

“You ready for Christmas? All the shopping done?”

“Everything’s wrapped up neatly and stashed underneath the tree.”

With the holidays, the club was nearly empty. People were home with friends and family while he sat there feeling miserable.

Sam waved to a departing customer and began washing glasses. “I bet you have a lot of memories of this time of year.”

He chuckled. “Way too many. I could have you laughing on the floor in a matter of minutes. You don’t have five daughters without drama, accidents and pranks. It comes with the territory.”

“My son is only three and already he’s excited about Santa coming.”

“Times before the teen years are magical. Then they hit puberty and your life changes...dramatically.”

“I’m not looking forward to that.”

Best he didn’t. Their whole house exploded into a nightmare as the girls grew older. They were all so different, and yet similar in strange ways. Aw well, he wouldn’t have missed it for anything. But he did worry about them.

Standing, he tossed a handsome tip on the bar and turned to leave. “Merry Christmas,” he called out. “And a Happy New Year.”

“Same to you and your family, Mr. Avery.”

Thomas got back in his car and headed home. He had fences to mend and apologies to make. Two things he wasn’t good at.