His memory played a sweet lispy voice inside his head. Merry Christmas, Daddy. Did you get my bike?
I did. A purple one. Merry Christmas, baby.
He blinked, as if a physical jerk could shut off the nightmare of those last few moments of his daughters life. If he never said those words again, it would be too soon.
Clamping down on the bile of regret that rose in his throat, Edward acknowledged the man with a nod and walked out the sliding door, turning his face to the biting wind of a Missouri winter. He relished the icy crystals in the air, stinging his face and neck. Winter had come early to Kansas City this year. Snow had been on the ground for three weeks now, long enough to pack into drifts against buildings and trees and for grading salt and traffic to coat the pavement with a slick, slushy glop. The moisture beading on his charcoal sweater and the unzipped black coat he wore indicated another layer of this snowy mess was on the way. The dropping temperature that seemed to settle in his mended joints confirmed it.
Edward plunged the tip of his cane into the slush beside the curb, feeling even that tiny step down like the jab of a pin in his right ankle and knee. The twinges in his rebuilt body were tolerable most days. According to the doctors whod stitched him back together, he was as healed as he was going to get. Now it was just a matter of building strength and continuing with his physical therapy exercises to maintain flexibility. His youngest brother, Holden, had insisted on giving him his weight-training set when hed upgraded to newer equipment. Months of PT had made Edward fit. Dragging himself to the weight bench every time the need for a drink tried to take hold was getting him back into fighting shape. With the idea in mind that hed wind up an arthritic old man before his time if he didnt keep moving, Edward stretched his legs out to lengthen his stride and crossed the parking lot to his black SUV.
Hed just tossed the grocery sacks into the back seat of the Grand Cherokee when the cell phone on his belt hummed with an incoming call. He climbed in behind the wheel, tossed his cane over to the passenger side and started the vehicles powerful engine before unclipping the phone and checking the number. It was his youngest brother, Holden.
Edward cranked the defroster and opened the phone with a grin. What do you want?
Bah, humbug to you, too. Holdens deep-pitched voice was laced with equal parts teasing and reprimand. Where are you?
Watching the first crystalline flakes dot his windshield and then melt away, Edward arched a dark brow with knowing sarcasm. Baby Bro wanted something. Im sitting in the grocery store parking lot, trying to get comfortable in my new car. You know, I had my old Jeep all broken in before you borrowed it and returned it a totaled mess after your jaunt down to the Ozarks with your girlfriend. This new model the insurance paid for doesnt feel like home yet. It still has that new upholstery smell.
Um, hello? Witness protection? Bullets flying? Youre lucky I didnt come back totaled.
Damn lucky. Despite Holdens sharpshooter and survival training with KCPDs S.W.A.T. teamand the loan of Edwards vehicle and expertise in hiding out from the worldhed barely managed to stay a step ahead of the assassin whod targeted the woman whod witnessed their fathers murder. Liza Parrish would probably be dead right now if Holden hadnt stepped up to volunteer as her personal bodyguard. Along with Sawyers discovery of a dangerous conspiracy, and evidence that provided motive and a list of suspects that Atticus had uncovered, Lizas testimony had given KCPD a good description of their fathers murderer or murderers.
Eight months had passed since John Kincaids beaten body had been found slain, execution-style, in an abandoned riverfront warehouse. Edwards years of experience on the force warned him that the longer it took to solve the case, the harder it would be to find the answers they needed. But soon, very soon, KCPD would put someone behind bars for the vicious crime and justice would finally be served.
If the Kincaid brothers had anything to do with it.
Three of them, at any rate. He was willing enough to help out where he could, but it had been a long time since Edward had picked up his gun and badge. If he could remain on the sidelines, it was probably just as well. His last few days as a fullfledged cop hadnt done the people he cared about any good.
Pushing aside a niggling thought that was part relief, part regret and all guilt, Edward turned his focus back to his brothers call. I guess Id rather have you around instead of that old Jeep.
You sweet talker, you.
Right. I love you came about as easily to his lips as Merry Christmas. Holden understood.
So, whats up? Edward asked, noting how the snow gathering in the clouds above had turned the afternoon into a hazy twilight.
I want you to come to Christmas Eve dinner at Moms house.
Little Brother didnt beat around the bush, did he.
Though the idea of a family get-together, with presents and ornaments and food and laughter and love, hit him like a blinding sucker punch, Edward buried his knee-jerk reaction beneath the sarcasm that laced his voice. Im busy on the twenty-fourth.
Bull
Watch your mouth, little brother.
When are you going to move on, Edward? Holden asked, managing to sound irritated and concerned at the same time.
Im working on it. Edward idly looked out the window to see people hunched down in their coats and scarves against the weather, their arms laden with sacks and packages, purses and briefcasesall going somewhere with a purpose. He used to be driven like that. Catch some bad guys, save the day. Hurry home to make love to his wife and play kickball or tag or read a book with his daughter. Since their deaths, it had taken him four months to get out of the hospital and learn to walk again, the rest of the year to move out of his house to a cabin in the countryside outside of K.C.to settle in a quiet place where the memories couldnt find him. It had taken longer still before a visit from his family or a trip to the store didnt drain every last ounce of his emotional energy. Im working on it, he repeated.
I know youve come a long way. Butplease. This will be Moms first Christmas without Dad. I think we should all be there for her. I think we all need to be together.
So, when did the youngest of Edwards brothers start to sound like the wise old man of the family?
I dont want to ruin anyones holiday with one of my moods. He groused a curse beneath his breath. Staying away might be the best gift I could give Mom.
Nobody believes that but you, big brother. Holdens voice brightened, changing the tone if not the topic. Wed love it if youd come, even if its just for a little while. Liza and I have an announcement to make.
Surprise, surprise. Are you finally gonna make an honest woman of her?
Finally? Give me a break, Dr. Romance. I was in the hospital recovering from a sucking chest wound and a concussion after our run-in with Z Groups assassin, Mr. Smith. Holdens news didnt surprise him. With a hit man relentlessly trying to silence Lizas testimony about their fathers murder, falling in love had happened fast. But even Edwards cynical soul had been able to see the depth of what was between them. Then we had to find a new place for Liza that had room for three dogs after her house got all shot up. Those are all legitimate excuses for delaying wedding plans with the woman you love.