Diamond in the Rough (Precious Gems) Read Online Free Page B

cell number and I want you to call me anytime you need to,” he said as he handed her the card.  He felt torn leaving her here, but he knew he needed to keep a professional distance.  After exchanging good nights, he left and Cheyenne trudged inside only to be met at the door by Maria. 
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
    Chapter Three
     
    “Did the nice detective leave already?” she asked as though she did not already know the answer.  Cheyenne suddenly felt the need to justify her conversation with Brian.   Knowing that Maria had been eavesdropping unnerved her.
    “ Yes, he is gone.  I don’t mean to sound ungrateful for your hospitality, but why were you eavesdropping?”  Cheyenne said as she walked past the small women and sat in the living room.  Maria came to sit beside her.  Placing her hand on the young woman’s knee she started,
    “I know this cannot be easy but you always have a home here.  Your father would have loved nothing more than for you to be under this roof.”  Cheyenne interrupted,
    “Then why did he die without ever meeting me.  I was his flesh and blood but yet he didn’t even know me.  I don’t mean to be rude but I don’t feel comfortable here and I’m not sure that I ever will.  This was his world and he never care to include me in it while he was alive.  Now, I feel like an intruder since he is dead.”
    She instantly regretted being so harsh with the older woman, but she felt it necessary.  “You still have not answered my question.  Why were you eavesdropping?”
    “Cheyenne, the walls in this house are thin and I have heard many things I should not have.  I wouldn’t call it eavesdropping; I have always felt it was my job to know what goes on here.”  Maria’s simple statement did nothing to comfort Cheyenne. 
    “It is uncomfortable for me to know that you are doing your job so well.  In the future, when I need privacy, please make sure that I get it.  I think I need to go to bed.  Maybe a good night’s sleep is what I need.”  She rose from the couch and began walking toward the stairs without knowing where she was going.  Maria scrambled ahead of her to lead the way. 
    Maria showed her the room she would sleep in.  “I should have told you this earlier, but tomorrow morning Mr. Crowley along with Jason Turner will arrive around nine for the reading of your fathers will,” Maria stated as she pulled back the covers on the large rustic bed. 
    “Who are Mr. Crowley and Jason Turner?”  Cheyenne asked. 
    “Mr. Crowley was a life-long friend of your fathers as well as his attorney and Jason Turner was a young man your father took under his wing about twelve years ago,” she answered.  Cheyenne returned from the bathroom after changing clothes and climbed into bed. Obviously without thinking, Maria began tucking her into bed as though she was a young child.  Cheyenne noticed, but said nothing. 
    “Why are they reading the will so quickly?  The autopsy will not even be finished until tomorrow,” Cheyenne said. 
    “Well Mr. Crowley is the executor of Charles’s estate and he felt as though your father would have wanted everything to be wrapped up quickly.  He never was one to doddle around,” She patted Cheyenne’s leg, signaling her to move over in the bed.  Maria climbed up and sat on the edge with her feet dangling over the side.  Cheyenne offered her a pillow to prop herself on while she spoke. 
    “ I would like to explain a few things to you about your father.  The first is why he didn’t meet you.  Charles made an agreement with your mother that he would not contact you until you turned eighteen.  Unfortunately, two days before your 18 th birthday your mother passed away.  He did not feel as though you would believe that he stayed away for all those years at your mom’s request, especially without her there to explain why she asked him to.  Charles was grief stricken when he made the