Erica Spindler Read Online Free Page A

you? Besides being as devastatingly handsome as ever, still the most feared and respected lawman in the parish?”
    â€œI don’t know about that,” he murmured. “Seems to me, these days that honor belongs to Matt.”
    â€œWest Feliciana Parish’s sheriff is retiring next year,” Cherry chimed in. “Matt’s planning to run for the job.” There was no mistaking the pride in her voice. “Those in the know expect him to win the election by a landslide.”
    Buddy nodded, looking as pleased as punch. “My son, the parish’s top cop. Imagine that.”
    â€œA regular crime-fighting family dynasty,” Avery murmured.
    â€œNot for long.” Buddy settled into his easy chair. “Retirement’s right around the corner. Probably should have retired already. If I’d had a grandchild to spoil, I—”
    â€œDad,” Cherry warned, “don’t go there.”
    â€œThree children,” he groused, “all disappointments. Friends of mine have a half-dozen of the little critters already. I don’t think that’s right.” He looked at Avery. “Do you?”
    Avery held up her hands, laughing. “Oh, no, I’m not getting involved in this one.”
    Cherry mouthed a “Thank you,” Buddy pouted and Avery changed the subject. “I can’t imagine you not being the chief of police. Cypress Springs won’t be the same.”
    â€œComes a time one generation needs to make room for the next. Much as I hate the thought, my time has come and gone.”
    With a derisive snort, Cherry started toward the kitchen. “I’m having a glass of wine. Want one, Avery?”
    â€œLove one.”
    â€œRed or white?”
    â€œWhatever you’re having.” Avery let out a long breath and leaned her head against the sofa back, tension easing from her. She closed her eyes. Images played on the backs of her eyelids, ones from her past: her, Matt and Hunter playing while their parents barbecued in the backyard. Buddy and Lilah snapping pictures as she and Matt headed off to the prom. The two families caroling at Christmastime.
    Sweet memories. Comforting ones.
    â€œGood to be back, isn’t it?” Buddy murmured as if reading her thoughts.
    She opened her eyes and looked at him. “Despite everything, yes.” She glanced away a moment, then back. “I wish I’d come home sooner. After Mom…I should have stayed. If I had—”
    The unfinished thought hung heavily between them anyway. If she had, maybe her dad would be alive today .
    Cherry returned with the wine. She crossed to Avery; handed her a glass of the pale gold liquid. “What are your plans?”
    â€œFirst order of business is a service for Dad. I called Danny Gallagher this afternoon. We’re meeting tomorrow after lunch.”
    â€œHow long are you staying?” Cherry sat on the other end of the couch, curling her legs under her.
    â€œI took a leave of absence from the Post , because I just don’t know,” she answered honestly. “I haven’t a clue how long it will take to go through Dad’s things, get the house ready to sell.”
    â€œSorry I’m late.”
    At Matt’s voice, Avery looked up. He stood in the doorway to the living room, head cocked as he gazed at her, expression amused. He’d exchanged his uniform for blue jeans and a soft chambray shirt. He held a bouquet of fresh flowers.
    â€œBrought Mom some posies,” he said. “She in the kitchen?”
    â€œYou know Mom.” Cherry crossed to him and kissed his cheek. “Dad’s already complained about the dearth of grandchildren around here. Remind me to be late next time.”
    Matt met Avery’s eyes and grinned. “Glad I missed it. Though I’ll no doubt catch the rerun later.”
    Buddy scowled at his two children. “No grandbabies and no respect.” He looked toward the