Free Ryan's Return by Barbara Freethy Page A

so perhaps you don't understand the ramifications."
    Kara inwardly cringed at the word "outsider." She had been fighting that tag for six months. Her only saving grace was that she'd been born in Serenity Springs, thereby giving her an edge on those who had moved to the town when they were grown. But not everyone had accepted her, and certainly not everyone agreed with her progressive ideas.
    In the face of such animosity, a part of her wanted to back down, the way she had done so many times with her husband and her parents and anyone else who had intimidated her.
    Who did she think she was kidding, pretending to be a civic leader when she was trembling with nerves and feeling as if she was about to throw up?
    "Ryan Hunter killed Becky Lee Woodrich," Beverly added, seizing the moment. "The man should be hanged, not celebrated."
    The accusation was so stark, so horrifying, and so blatantly untrue that Kara forgot her nerves. She had no idea of all the things Ryan Hunter had done in the past, but she did know that he was not the man driving the car that took Becky Lee's life.
    "You're wrong," Kara said, cutting off Beverly as she attempted to elaborate. "Ryan Hunter was not anywhere near the scene of the accident."
    "But he called her," Margaret Woodrich said. "He told her to come. Tell them, Andrew. Tell them."
    Andrew sat up in his chair. He looked flustered and embarrassed. Kara felt sorry for him, but also a bit angry. Why the hell didn't he get up and tell them all the truth?
    Loretta stood up. "Tell them, Andrew. Tell them what you think."
    Kara watched Andrew's gaze shift to Loretta. She could see the battle raging within him. Finally he took a deep breath and stood up. "Ryan had nothing to do with Becky Lee's death. She was hit by a drunk driver. That driver was not my brother."
    "Well, hallelujah," Loretta muttered as she sat down in her seat, approval in her eyes.
    "I didn't want Ryan to come," Andrew continued. "Like most of you, I have reasons to dislike my brother. But I can't deny his success or the fact that he's here. Maybe Kara's right. Maybe the centennial is more important than one man."
    Kara smiled her thanks as he sat down. "Andrew is right. Mr. Hunter is here. The banquet is sold out. And every available room in town has been booked for this weekend. We're predicting an increase in sales receipts at our shops and restaurants of over two hundred and fifty percent during the next three days. We have already had requests for books and other literature on the town and the river," she added pointedly, looking directly at Mr. Woodrich as she did so. No one said a word.
    "There are some people in this room who are upset. I apologize. But I hope we can pull together as a town, a community. I've spoken to several developers over the past few days. Their presence at the centennial has nothing to do with Ryan Hunter, but has everything to do with our town, with the land that we have to offer. I don't think I need to remind you that we all have a lot at stake this weekend. Please, give us your..." Her voice faded away as she saw Jonas Hunter standing at the back of the room. She stumbled on. "As I said, the committee would very much appreciate your support. Please remember that Ryan Hunter's participation is only one small part of our celebration."
    The crowd looked toward Jonas, eager to see his reaction. He didn't move a muscle. But the stony expression on his face told her she would not have his support.
    "Never," Beverly Appleborne declared, taking the moment of quiet for her own. "If you want the centennial to be a success, you will ban Ryan Hunter from the dinner tomorrow night and all other events. As for the developers, that is another issue that we will continue to discuss. But on the Ryan Hunter issue, we will not compromise. We know the truth, no matter what Andrew says. Obviously his interest in you has clouded his judgment. Don't you agree, Jonas?"
    Kara felt her stomach twist into a knot. She could fight