Free Shades of Honor by Wendy Lindstrom Page B

customer. Remember those delicious molasses cookies you used to sell every Saturday morning?”
    The barest hint of pleasure crossed Mrs. Brown’s face. “Why, I haven't baked them in ten years.”
    “I'm disappointed to hear that. I moved back to Fredonia just for your cookies.”
    A small laugh escaped her. “You just gave yourself away with that Grayson charm.”
    Evelyn was astonished by how much younger a simple smile made Mrs. Brown look. Why, if she tried, Agatha might even be pretty.
    Radford took Mrs. Brown’s hand. “Radford Grayson, at your service,” he said, bowing slightly, “and this is my daughter, Rebecca.”
      “Your mother must be thrilled to have you back home.”
    “She certainly is,” William said, as he thumped into the store. “How are you, Aggie?”
    Agatha’s gaze flew to William. “Since you've finally decided to grace my store, William Tucker, I'd like to know if I’m ever going to see your daughter in anything but britches.”
    Though Evelyn suspected Mrs. Brown was tweaking her father, she couldn’t let him be taken to task for her appearance. “I wear a dress every Sunday, Mrs. Brown.”
    William tapped his cane on Evelyn’s toe. “I'm old, but I'm still capable of fightin ' my own battles.” William gave Mrs. Brown a solicitous grin. “Besides, Aggie and I are old sparring partners, aren't we?”
    A flicker of amusement flashed in the woman's eyes before it was quickly disguised. “We are nothing of the sort.”
    He rubbed his jaw. “ Hmmmm ...I recall being threatened by a frying pan once.”
    “You hush your mouth in front of these children!”
    William hawed until he swayed on his cane. “I forgot how easy it was to get you in a pucker, Aggie.”
    “Let me wrap these for you,” Mrs. Brown said, ignoring Evelyn’s father as she took Evelyn’s items to the counter.
    William hobbled over and joined them. “You’re blushing, Aggie.”
    Mrs. Brown pursed her lips. Her eyes sparkled and a dimple marked her cheek. “It’s stuffy in here. Maybe I just need some fresh air.”
    William drew himself up as if greatly honored. “Are you asking me to stroll the boardwalk with you?”
    Mrs. Brown caught her laugh behind her hand. “Not likely.”
    Evelyn took her package and exchanged a curious look with Radford. As if he sensed her unease, Radford pointed to a jar on the counter. “I'll take four licorice sticks, please,” he said, placing the necessary coins on the counter.
    “It’s been too long, Aggie,” her father said, then gave her a bold wink before Evelyn guided him from the store.
    Evelyn climbed in the back while Radford helped her father onto the wagon seat then set Rebecca between them. “You too old to enjoy a good chew, William?”
    “Hell, no. It’s been years since I had one of these,” her father said, sticking it in his mouth with a happy grin.
    “What’s going on with you and Agatha Brown?” Evelyn asked, but he didn’t answer. She scooted forward and opened her mouth to pursue the question, but Radford filled it with a licorice stick. He wagged his own piece of candy in front of her nose as though shaking a warning finger, then gave Evelyn a knowing wink.
    Lord, his eyes were disconcerting at such proximity. It was like coming nose to nose with a tiger. Evelyn felt her whole body flush and wasn't sure if her mouth watered from the candy or the vision in front of her.
    Radford handed a licorice to his daughter, but directed his question to Evelyn. “I hope she wasn’t any trouble.”
    The reminder of Rebecca walking away from the doll without a peep rent Evelyn's heart. Blast it all! She'd been too caught up in her father's escapade to ask the price of the doll.
    “Wait! I forgot something,” she said, vaulting from the wagon then rushing back to Brown and Shepherd’s.
     

Chapter Seven
     
    Intrigued by the throaty, enchanting voice coming from the back of the livery, Radford stealthily crept toward the sound. He peered around the