Good Deed Bad Deed, Marcia Morgan [summer beach reads TXT] 📗

“With all of us talking at once I’m not surprised you were distracted. What I asked was whether you have everything you need. I know that you weren’t planning on an extended stay. I thought you might need some clean clothes, or to have Edith do some laundry for you. You’re welcome to anything I might have as well.”

“You’re very kind. Perhaps I can organize that in the morning.” She quickly changed the subject, turned toward Ben, and said, “Do you think we should tell your parents the whole thing about the dead rabbit?”

Ben looked at his parents and began to give more of an explanation. “Sir Freddie brought us an offering this afternoon. He was scuffling in the bushes and came out with a rabbit—shot clean through with a handgun. It definitely wasn’t a shotgun. The whole thing was very disturbing to Ana.

Ana chimed in, her face as sad as if she had been related to the creature, “How could anyone just use the little thing for target practice.”

Paris chose to answer her question and spoke very gently. “Dear, here in the country we find rabbits to be pests, cute as they are. They are prone to destroy gardens, help themselves to the vegetables, and they proliferate at an alarming rate. Someone may have thought they were doing us a favor.”

Ben tried to lighten the conversation, as well as bring it to an end. “True, it was an unpleasant sight, but it sure made Sir Freddie’s afternoon.”

Everyone chuckled at the thought of the dog prancing proudly to the kitchen door, an offering held softly in his mouth. Hugh got up, walked to the fireplace and put his drink on the mantle. “There are much more important things to talk about. Let’s get back to the matter at hand. It requires some organization. Paris now has instructions that she must be in the office tomorrow—that all will be revealed. She will stay in her office while I go into Lloyd’s for a meeting. That’s a better choice because I can’t be seen walking into the building where Interpol has its offices. I’ve arranged for two agents to meet with me at Lloyd’s.” Then he was quiet, for a moment deep in thought and tapping his fingers on the mantle. He turned to them and continued. “Hopefully, by the time of the meeting at Lloyd’s, Paris will have received the information about what is required of her.” He shook his head in disgust. “How did this family ever manage to get tied up in what looks like a ridiculous caper?” He picked up his drink and downed it in one gulp, placing the empty glass on the mantle rather loudly. He then returned to his chair and let himself all but fall into it, the fatigue of day suddenly hitting him.

“Hugh, I think you should tell them about your ‘arrangement.’ Otherwise they’re likely to call the police and report an intruder on the property.”

“I suppose you’re right,” he said, the fatigue showing in his voice. He turned toward Ben and Ana then sat forward, his hands folded, elbows resting on his knees. “I called in a favor. There’s someone watching the house and property— just as a precaution.”

Ana shared that when she sneaked a walk to the gate, she had seen a car parked across the road and a man leaning against a tree, talking on a mobile phone. For a moment she had been frightened and returned quickly to the house. When she went outside about an hour later the car was gone. She hadn’t mentioned it to Ben because she knew he’d be annoyed, and she feared that he might go out into the road and confront the man. She wasn’t taking any more chances with his safety. When she stopped talking, Paris gave her a tender and appreciative look, then glanced at her son to see his reaction. A different kind of smile crossed his face, one that she couldn’t remember seeing before. He rarely smiled while he was married to Valerie. There seemed to be a special brightness in his eyes and his cheeks were slightly flushed. She recognized the signs and was delighted.

Hugh asked for everyone’s attention, and when all eyes were on him, he said, “Tomorrow is the day we get answers. I think you, Ben, and of course Ana, should come with us to London. I can keep an eye on you, and we’ll all be together when we find out what’s coming.”

Paris chimed in immediately. “Yes, your father’s right. And I’ll feel more relaxed if we’re together.”

“I’ll have to leave for a while, to meet with the agents. Ben—listen to me. You and Ana absolutely must stay at your mother’s office, both for your own safety and for hers. I don’t like having her out of my sight, but plans have to be put in motion.”

Ben nodded his head in agreement, adding, “Good plan, Dad. But I have to say again how much I hate that you’re now involved in this. Besides, I want to have my eye on Ana too. We all need to stay together as much as possible.”

Paris interrupted. “I’m the one who’s gotten everyone involved. I’m the one who’s getting the calls— the threats— and I’m the one who’s being manipulated— undoubtedly to break the law. At least that’s what I’m expecting.”

The room was quiet for several minutes before Ben suggested that they try Olivia again. She was bad about answering her phone, or responding to texts and voicemail, but they needed to talk to her. He checked his pocket for his mobile, stood and pulled it out, and then went out into the hall. Not three minutes later he was back. “No joy… again.”

“In the morning we’ll call her boss.” Hugh paused, an expression of annoyance rather than concern on his face. “He should know what she’s up to. I’m sure he can cajole her into getting in touch.”

“I haven’t talked to her