Free Dreams: Part One by Jayne Ann Krentz Page A

I asked the guy at the station across the street for directions to the house, he said you were in here.“
    “Yeah. Sure. Good to see you.“ Colby realized Diana was looking at him with obvious interest. He recovered quickly and made the introductions. “Diana, this is my son, Brandon. Brandon, this is Diana Prentice. She’s a, uh, friend of mine.“
    “How do you do, Miss Prentice?“ Brandon said, exhibiting the manners Colby had drummed into him after reading a book on the importance of children learning proper social skills.
    “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Brandon,“ Diana responded gently.
    Brandon glanced at his father. “Dad, this is a, uh, friend of mine. Robyn Lambert. Robyn, I’d like you to meet my father.“
    “I’m so excited to meet you, Mr. Savagar,“ Robyn said in a soft, shy voice. Her blue eyes were riveted on Colby. “I’
    ve read all your books. They’re fabulous.“
    Colby looked at her, aware of the peculiar expression of determination in his son’s eyes. His heart sank. A terrible premonition began to take shape. He fought it down. No need for panic. This was just another one of Brandon’s girlfriends. At least the kid had good taste in literature.
    “Hello, Robyn. I’m glad you like my books.“ He glanced at Diana and saw the laughter in her eyes.
    “Congratulations, Robyn, you said exactly the right thing,“ Diana remarked. “I’m afraid that when I first met Colby, I didn’t have the faintest idea who he was. I’d never read a horror novel in my life.“
    “She still hasn’t,“ Colby put in. “She can’t seem to get more than halfway through Shock Value.“
    Robyn looked astonished. “But that’s one of his best.“
    “That’s right,“ Brandon said seriously, his pride in his father very obvious. “Shock Value hit all the major bestseller lists. It was Dad’s big breakthrough book.“
    “Enough,“ Diana cried. “I surrender. I admit I’m culturally illiterate when it comes to horror tales. I swear I’ll finish the book, even if it scares me to death.“
    “Come on,“ Colby instructed, taking Diana’s arm. “Let’s get out of here. Brandon, you and Robyn can follow me out to Aunt Jesse’s place. I’ll be with you in a few minutes. I want to talk to Diana.“
    “Okay, Dad. I’ll be in the car.“ Brandon nodded toward the sleek little two-seater Mazda Colby had bought for him when he’d gone off to college.
    Colby frowned at Robyn Lambert’s dancing red ponytail as the girl walked toward the car with Brandon.
    “Only a nineteen-year-old looks that good in a pair of jeans,“ Diana said laconically. “But don’t get any ideas. She’
    s too young for you.“
    “You can say that again,“ Colby muttered. “Too young for Brandon, too. Or else he’s too young for her. I’m not sure which.“
    “They both look about the same age.“
    “That’s the whole problem. They’re just kids.“ He leaned against the door on the driver’s side of the Buick and wrapped his fingers lightly around Diana’s forearms. “Now about tonight.“
    Specter immediately began to grumble menacingly. The dog leaned over to stick his nose through the open window, which put his teeth very close to Colby’s thigh. Colby straightened quickly and stepped away from the car.
    “Stupid dog.“
    Specter growled again, pleased at having made Colby move.
    “Now don’t you two start calling each other names,“ Diana admonished.
    “Tell him that,“ Colby advised. “Listen, I wanted to invite myself over for dinner again tonight, but it looks like I’ve got company.“
    “Brandon looks a lot like you. Except for his eyes.“
    “He’s got his mother’s eyes,“ Colby said impatiently.
    Diana snapped her fingers. “I knew they looked familiar. Margaret Fulbrook has those eyes.“
    “Probably. Honey, I don’t want to talk about Brandon’s eyes. As I said, I was going to invite myself to your place for dinner…“
    “As usual?“
    “Right. As usual. But now