Strictly Confidential. Terri Reed

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СКАЧАТЬ her chin. “I’ve heard that Italian men are dreadful flirts. You are very accomplished, indeed.”

      He chuckled, a deep sound that penetrated all the way to her heart. “What a delight you are, Colleen.”

      Unaccountably pleased by his words, she sought to bring some reality to the situation. “I doubt my brothers would agree with you,” she replied as she caught sight of her two brothers standing side by side, glaring at them.

      She smiled. They both shook their heads, clearly indicating they didn’t approve of the person she was talking to.

      Alessandro followed her gaze with his own. “Ah, the protective Montgomery brothers.”

      “What can I say? Do you have family besides your aunt Lidia?” she asked, needing to turn the conversation back to him.

      There was a story here. She wanted to unravel the mystery of this intriguing man so he’d no longer hold any appeal for her. Besides, she’d promised Holly.

      “What is family? Only those whose blood you share? Or those who stand by you in time of need?”

      She wasn’t sure how to respond to that, but she saw something flicker in his eyes, something dark and painful, and she fought the urge to reach out to him. She had no experience in offering comfort to anyone, let alone to a man who was not family.

      “Family can be both of those things. Family comes through connection. Whether through blood or friendship. Or through the bond of faith.”

      His expression softened. “Ah, sì . Faith. You believe deeply in God, no?”

      “Yes. Very deeply.”

      “Because you were raised to believe.”

      “I was raised to believe, but that’s not why I believe.”

      “Tell me, then, why do you believe?”

      “Because without faith in God there is no hope.”

      “So is that what keeps you going, even when you investigate the travesties of the world? When you report about an abused wife whose life has become a nightmare at the hands of the one man she should trust? When you report on the drugs and the crimes perpetuated by evil men? Is it hoped that God will deliver justice? Where is the justice for the victims?”

      Surprised by his passionate words, Colleen laid a hand on his arm. “God is faithful all the time,” she said simply. “I don’t understand God, can’t fathom why the bad things in life are allowed to happen. All I can do is put my faith in the only One who does know.”

      Alessandro covered her hand with his. The warmth of his palm against the back of her hand made her toes curl inside her pointed black sandals. “I admire your steadfastness,” he said.

      His admiration was pleasing, not to mention the tender expression in his dark eyes. If she weren’t careful, she could get used to having him around.

      A commotion near the entrance interrupted the moment and common sense rushed in. Colleen extracted her hand. Having him around? What was she thinking? Obviously, she wasn’t.

      She didn’t have time for such things. She needed to stay focused on her job.

      Raised voices drew her attention. She turned to see Fire Chief Neil O’Brien push past the burly doorman.

      “I’ve a right to be here, just as everyone else does,” Neil said, his words slightly slurred.

      “Not in this condition, you don’t,” the doorman replied and made a grab for Neil’s arm. Neil dodged and continued forward, his gaze scanning the crowd, obviously looking for someone.

      He looked even more haggard and worn than he had the last time Colleen had seen him, at the fire station when she’d confronted him about his gambling debts. His hair was mussed and his brown eyes bloodshot. A generous amount of weight had settled around his middle.

      Colleen guessed his gambling was getting to him. She felt bad for his pregnant wife, Mary, and thankful that she wasn’t here to witness the spectacle her husband was making of himself.

      Neil drew up short when he met Colleen’s gaze. He pointed a shaky finger at her. “You.”

      Not one ever to run from a challenge, she stepped forward. “Chief O’Brien.”

      “Because of you, people are saying I had something to do with the hospital fire. I told you I didn’t. But you couldn’t leave it alone.”

      “I don’t for a second believe Lucia was negligent that day. My instincts tell me you’re hiding something and I’m going to prove it. And if what I wrote in my article cast suspicion elsewhere, then so be it.”

      Colleen was aware that every person in the museum was watching, and she was even more conscious of the fact that Alessandro had come to stand behind her as if he were guarding her, protecting her.

      The thought should have annoyed her. She always hated it when her brothers took that he-man stance. But having Alessandro standing watch over her made her feel secure inside.

      “It didn’t cast suspicion elsewhere. It cast it on me and I have enough to deal with without your vigilante journalism destroying my life.” He swayed, but jerked away from Sam’s steadying hand.

      “It looks to me as if you’re destroying your life quite nicely all by yourself,” Colleen retorted, feeling sympathetic toward his wife and unborn child. “You need some help, Chief.”

      “I don’t need anything from you people.” He turned on his heel and stormed toward the entrance.

      At the archway he stopped and yelled, “You’ll get yours, missy. One of these days, you’ll get yours. I’ll see to it.” Then he banged out the door.

      His threat rang hollow, just like other threats she’d received before from those whom she’d upset with her candid and factual stories.

      Concerned that Neil would end up doing something stupid like driving while intoxicated, Colleen took a step forward to follow him, but Alessandro’s hand cupping her elbow stopped her.

      “No, bella . You must let him deal with his mistakes on his own.”

      “But he shouldn’t be allowed to wander the streets in his condition.” She stared up into Alessandro’s handsome face.

      “You have such a generous heart.” He released her elbow and stepped away. “Your family,” he said before melting into the crowd.

      Colleen took a steadying breath as her family gathered around her, making sure she was all right. After assuring everyone she was okay and that they should resume their evening, she looked around for Alessandro.

      She caught a glimpse of him as he disappeared down the corridor that led to the curator’s office. And the curator was nowhere in sight. Just what was the relationship between Alessandro and Dahlia Sainsbury?

      But more importantly, what was this funny ache in the middle of Colleen’s chest? It couldn’t be jealousy, could it? Absurd.

      Colleen walked over СКАЧАТЬ