Forbidden Entry Read Online Free

want to worry you. Two days ago he decided to be a hero and chase after that silly old dog. I thought we were going to have to cancel our trip.”
    My brother chimed in, “Dad took one hell of a header on a patch of ice trying to keep Bozwell from getting flattened by the garbage truck.”
    â€œQuit talking about me like I’m not here. I can speak for myself,” my dad griped, eyeing them both with irritation. “I fractured my ankle not my mouth.” Wow. They all seemed a bit grouchy today. Sean’s reaction to my dad’s outburst was to give him an indifferent shrug and insert his ear buds, effectively tuning him out while my mother fussed needlessly with her coat. Turning back to me, my dad explained, “Poor old thing is almost deaf and blind now. I wasn’t going to just stand there and do nothing.”
    Nope, that was not his style. I leveled him a look of sheer adoration. “Way to go, Dad!” Laughing, we exchanged a high five and then I asked, “How long do you have to wear that thing?” I nodded at his booted foot while linking my elbow through his, feeling grateful to once again be included in the give and take banter of my much-missed family circle. “It looks uncomfortable.”
    â€œIt is. Doctor said another six weeks or so, but I wasn’t about to let this stop me from seeing you.”
    â€œOh, boy. I’m guessing the walking tours and the trail ride I had planned for you are out of the question.”
    â€œNot at all,” he firmly insisted. “It’s just a fracture. I’m up for just about anything unless you have hiking the Grand Canyon as part of our itinerary.”
    I matched his conspiratorial grin, but caught his grimace when he put weight on his foot. “Dad, are you in a lot of pain? Do you want me to get a wheelchair for you? It might make it easier to get to the car. It’s a pretty long walk to baggage claim.”
    He shook his head. “I don’t want to be babied. I’m not going to let this get me down. Lead the way.” He clomped along faster, but couldn’t quite hide the look of discomfort in his eyes. Yep. He was just as stubborn as me and I knew he’d tough it out even if he was in screaming agony.
    I caught my mother’s glance of resignation and gave my brother a wink. Nothing much had changed. At least that’s what I thought at that moment.
    By the time we reached the baggage claim area, my dad’s face was brick red and beads of sweat glistened on his forehead. I didn’t want to hurt his pride, but insisted that he sit down and rest while I went to get the Jeep and drive it to the closest exit. It kind of worried me that he didn’t protest too much and I experienced a twinge of guilt knowing he’d just flown 3000 miles to see me when he probably should have stayed at home to recuperate. My heart also ached a little to notice that both my parents seemed to have suddenly aged. The lines on my mother’s oval face appeared deeper, my dad’s red hair looked thinner and a touch more faded than I remembered.
    I pulled the car keys from my purse and turned to leave when my brother stepped to my side. “Wait up. I’ll go with you.”
    â€œWhat?” My mother slid him a withering glare. “You’re going to leave me here to handle all this luggage by myself? That’s so typical of your selfish, irresponsible behavior.”
    His lips hardened and I could tell he was stifling a rude retort. “I’ll be back to get it. Just lay off me for a few minutes, will you?”
    Whoa. What the hell was going on between these two? Puzzled, my gaze flitted between them until my mother turned her back to him. “Let’s go.” Sean’s tone was clipped.
    I hesitated in the ensuing silence. Neither of them offered an explanation for their ultra-touchy exchange. I was tempted to demand an explanation right then and there, but decided