A Dozen Deadly Roses Read Online Free Page B

faux-suede sofa.  “Whatever happened to Bert and Ernie, or Captain Kangaroo?”  she asked, sitting next to Angus on the tan faux-suede sofa.
    Jade shook her head.  “Times have changed.  You never know where danger lurks.  That’s why it’s important to be aware of your surroundings and be prepared.”  Her thoughts flashed to the foil box hidden in the back of her truck.  Pretty sanctimonious speech, considering you’ve got some nut sending you dead flowers every day, and now he’s even bringing them to the police station .
    Angus shifted on the couch.  “Ah, lassie, you’ve always been head-strong and self-reliant; it’s your Irish pride. I suspect that’s why you haven’t found a husband to take care of you and be a daddy for the wee one.”
    “I don’t need a man to take care of me, and I’m perfectly capable of taking care of Donnie.”  Jade’s heart lurched thinking of Donnie’s father and how he was anything but daddy material.
    “Don’t get your feathers all ruffled,” said Angus.  “I’m just sayin’ sometimes it’s nice to have a safe place to fall.”  He focused his gaze to Mona, who returned his look of adoration.
    “Well, I like things the way they are,” Jade said, turning her attention to her son.  “Donnie, let’s get your backpack and head on home.  I’m hungry.”
    “Okay, Mama.”  He gathered his crayons and coloring books and stuffed them into a worn canvas backpack.
    “Dad, I got a subpoena for court on the twenty-fifth.  I know I told you I wouldn’t need you to watch Donnie that day, but would you be able to baby-sit?  I probably won’t be long.”
    The elder Donovan shook his head.  “I thought you were off that day.  You know I don’t mind watching the boy, but when do you get a day to rest?”
    I never get to rest, thought Jade.  First, I’m bombarded with dead flowers, and then Mac Stryker turns up at work.
    Jade forced a smile for her father as she helped Donnie zip his jacket.  “Going to court comes with the job, even if it is my day off.”
    “Well, Mona and I will be here.”  Angus peered over his bifocals at the refined woman sitting next to him.  “You will be here, won’t you?” he asked.
    “Angus, my love, where else would I be?” she said, patting his hand.  She turned to Jade.  “Who would have thought the terrible disease of alcoholism would bring two people together?”
    “Yeah, yeah, yeah,” Angus grumbled.  “She just likes to come over and boss me around.”
    Jade laughed.  “I can see that you suffer.  Donnie tells me all about the “nummy” lunches Mona makes for you guys.”  Jade scooped the little boy into her arms and grabbed his backpack.  “See you tomorrow, Dad.  And thanks again.  Both of you.  I don’t know what I’d do without you.”
    “Bye, Grandpa.  Bye, Mona.”  Donnie waved his plump hand as Jade carried him out to her truck.  “Did you have a good day or a bad day, Mommy?” Donnie asked while Jade strapped him in his car seat.
    Jade’s mind returned to the stressful day working with Mac, the screaming drunk, and then the shiny box covered by a blanket in the cargo area of her truck.
    “Well, hon, I’d have to say this was kind of a bad day.  But it’s much better since I came to get you.”
    The little boy favored her with a wide grin.  “Can we have macaroni and cheese for dinner?  Please?”
    “Someday you’re going to turn into macaroni and cheese,” she replied, maneuvering her SUV towards their apartment.
    Once they got home, Donnie helped Jade make the requested pasta.  While he stirred the powdered cheese into the macaroni, Jade noticed the red flashing light on her telephone answering machine.  Pressing the button, she was surprised to hear a male’s voice.
    “Hey, Jade, it’s Malcolm Toombs.  I know we haven’t talked in a while, but I was hoping we might get together for dinner or something.  Give me a call when you get a chance.”  After