Free Audrey's Promise by Susan Sheehey Page A

with a sigh and weary smile.
    “You think it’s a good idea to be back here?” Her voice was like fingernails down Ethan’s spine, and not the good kind. At least for once the hatred wasn’t directed toward him. Amazingly, it was all for Audrey. “Let alone with this handsome fella to take the brunt of your schemes.”
    “Maria, this is Ethan Tanner, reporter from Dallas.” Audrey performed the obligatory introduction with little enthusiasm, but still wore her moderate peacemaker smile. “Ethan, Maria Gonzales. She and I went to high school together.”
    “Pleasure.” Ethan held out his hand, despite the sugary powder on his fingers.
    “It’s Maria Fuente, now.”
    “Congratulations,” Audrey replied without losing her smile, and without feeling.
    “You brought home a reporter? You ?”
    “Why does everyone keep asking that?” Adelaide interrupted no one in particular.
    Maria threw Adelaide a glance and shook her head at Audrey. “You really think this is the best example you want to set for your little sister?”
    “Addy is doing very well, thanks for asking.” Audrey replied. “Have a good Thanksgiving, Maria.”
    Ethan stood dumbfounded, but had at least dropped his unshaken hand. The Peacemaker wasn’t glad-handing a potential voter or squashing this woman’s direct attack on her family. What is wrong with her?
    He normally loved watching Audrey Allen refute arguments in the middle of a debate or news conference in glorious fashion. To the point where opponents backed down within two questions and journalists lined out the door to make sure they recorded the legendary confrontations. But here she wasn’t putting up a fight. In her hometown. With attacks on her sister, no less.
    “Eric, be sure to keep a safe distance from this… woman ,”Maria threw over her shoulder as Audrey walked away. “Lord knows what would happen to you given her history.”
    “Maria.” Adelaide gave her the perfect teenage scowl. “Go shove one of your hideous hair extensions up your butt and mind your business.”
    Ethan couldn’t help himself. The best way to “see the town” was get an inside look. “Maria, who will you vote for in the upcoming senate election?” He kept the best journalist tone in his voice, but could’ve guessed which way her answer leaned. Let’s see how the strong candidate handles this one.
    Maria studied Ethan, clearly confused. “Hadn’t thought about it.”
    Liar. She doesn’t have a clue there’s an election at all.
    “Well, Audrey is running for a Senate seat. Is it safe to say she has your vote? Or will you be too busy fixing your hair?” Ethan popped another mallow in his mouth.
    “Ethan.” The warning in Audrey’s voice was soft, but obvious.
    “I wouldn’t help her if she were laying dead in the street!” Maria hissed with eyes flared. She spun around and stormed off, extensions shedding as she huffed away.
    “That was uncalled for.” Audrey’s penitent eyes met his entertained gaze.
    “Me? She was the one throwing insults at you.” This wasn’t a funny situation, but why did he have a hard time containing the laughter building in his chest?
    “You baited her.”
    “Come on, she was asking for it. That ridiculous make-up and hair? She looked like Prostitute Barbie.”
    Adelaide laughed, her eyes almost gleaming. Audrey gave her an admonishing look and sighed.
    “Why didn’t you defend yourself?” It was about time to ask Audrey the question she clearly didn’t want to hear. The serious words hung in the air as Audrey stared at him, with eyebrows lowered and sad lips. Something shifted in her eyes and it went straight to his heart. Regret? Annoyance? Fear?
    But it slowly faded into a polite upturn of her mouth.
    “It’s time to go.” Audrey turned on her heel and marched to the checkout counter.
    Adelaide followed slowly, casting unsure glances between them.
    Peacemaker face was back in place. This weekend grew more odd with every minute. He needed to