Free Letting Go by Sloane Kennedy Page A

the stairs and his anger was impossible to miss.
    “This isn’t good for her! It just mixes her up.”
    Surprised by the emotion in his voice, Casey made her way down the stairs. A man and two women were squared off against Devlin, their backs to Casey. Mrs. Potter was standing near the front door.
    “Mr. Prescott, you will need to take this matter up with the court,” said the larger of the two women.
    Shaking his head, Devlin suddenly saw her and let out a muffled curse. The trio swung around to look at her. Casey was just reaching the last step when recognition slammed into her. As the breath left her body, she grabbed on to the banister for support. The older woman studied her for a long moment before shock registered on her face.
    “Casey?”
    “It can’t be,” said the man as he took a step towards her to get a better look.
    “What’s going on here? Who is this?” asked the other woman in confusion.
    “She’s our daughter,” responded the older woman, her gaze never leaving Casey’s.
    Casey gasped for breath but couldn’t take any air into her lungs. Devlin pushed past her mother and stepfather and stood directly in front of her. “Casey, look at me,” he said firmly. Since his body blocked her view, she was able to drag her eyes to meet his. She managed to draw in a long breath. He held her eyes and said, “Everything’s all right. Just go back upstairs and I will explain all this later.” Her brain heard him but refused to command her body to move.
    “My darling, we’ve been so worried about you,” exclaimed Caroline as she moved into Casey’s direct view. Devlin turned to see Caroline take a few steps towards her daughter. He felt Casey’s fingers bite into his arm with an unnatural strength as she moved behind his body.
    Caroline Carver Dane’s frown looked genuine as she watched her daughter with worry. Time had been kind to Caroline. Her natural blonde hair continued to shine with only a hint of silver that actually gave her a mysterious air. Her trim body was encased in a crisp pants suit with matching high-heeled shoes that few other women would have been brave enough to wear in the winter weather. Gold and silver jewelry glittered on her hands and neck but it was the huge diamond ring on her right hand that earned the most envious looks. It caught the light as she moved her hand to cover her husband’s hand as his arm slipped protectively around her.
    Not quite as tall as Devlin, Elliot Dane was still an imposing man but his elegant good looks and charismatic charm made him even more lethal. Worry and concern was etched in the lines of his face as his gaze traveled up and down the length of Casey’s body.
    “Where have you been Casey?” he asked softly.
    Devlin felt her hand tighten on his sleeve and realized the viselike grip was the only thing keeping her standing. Speech had completely escaped her.
    “Darling, are you all right?” asked Caroline.
    “She’s fine Caroline” Devlin replied coldly.
    “She’s not fine – look at her. What have you done to her?” she asked furiously. Devlin glanced at the other woman who was watching them with open curiosity. She was buying every bit of Caroline and Elliot’s act.
    “He’s turned her against us. Just like Amanda” observed Elliot. He took a step towards Casey. “Casey, honey, please” he implored as he took another step.
    “Devlin,” she whispered pleadingly as she moved behind him. He put his arm out to stop Elliot’s forward motion. Elliot stopped abruptly, the open challenge evident in his eyes. Tension crackled throughout the room.
    “Now let’s just settle down folks,” said the other woman diplomatically.
    “Daddy?” All eyes turned to see Ryan halfway down the stairs, a sleepy Isabel in tow.
    “It’s all right. Take Isabel up to her room.” He cast a glance at Mrs. Potter. “Would you go get Isabel ready?”
    “Of course sir,” she said as she hurried up the stairs, clearly relieved to be escaping