Free Garden of Secrets by Barbara Freethy Page B

mark.“Family doesn’t describe our relationship. And whatever we were to each other was part of another life.” He paused. “I hope Theresa gets better. I’m sure she appreciates your visit, but you and I have nothing left to say to each other.”
    “You’re wrong, Andrew. I have a lot to say. And I have no intention of leaving Angel’s Bay until I’m ready. By the way, I saw Charlotte at the hospital.”
    His heart sank at her sly smile. The last thing he needed was Pamela messing up what little ground he’d made with Charlotte. “You need to leave her alone.”
    “That may be difficult, considering Robert thinks Charlotte stole Theresa’s jewelry and knocked her out.”
    “That’s ridiculous.”
    “Always to Charlotte’s defense. Some things never change. But I know things about you that Charlotte doesn’t.”
    He met her gaze head on. “I know things about you, too. So if that’s some kind of threat . . .”
    “I was just stating the facts. You’re awfully defensive, Andrew.”
    “Because I know you, Pamela. When you’re bored, you like to screw up other people’s lives just for fun.”
    “That’s true.” She stood up and looked around the office. “What does Charlotte think of you being in her daddy’s office, in her daddy’s house?”
    “Charlotte thinks I’m doing a good job.”
    “Are you trying to get her back?”
    He sighed. “What I’m trying to do right now islive my life the best way I know how, and I would hope you’re doing the same. Can we let the past stay in the past?”
    She thought for a moment. “I don’t know. I guess we’ll see.”
    And with that, she was gone, leaving him with a very bad feeling in his gut. He’d worked too hard to get his life together. He couldn’t let Pamela destroy it.
    Joe made it to Kara’s house halfway through the fourth quarter. As chief of police, he had to walk a fine line between being friends with his officers and being their boss. In the beginning, he’d kept a distance, but over time, he’d realized that wasn’t possible.
    His officers and their girlfriends or wives were constantly inviting him over for dinner, a barbecue, someone’s birthday party, or another’s anniversary. He’d grown tired of saying no, not to mention a little lonely—especially since his marriage had broken up. He had a job in Angel’s Bay, but now he needed to make it a life.
    When he entered the living room, he saw several of his off-duty officers and their significant others, as well as a half-dozen other people. He exchanged hellos, watched a few minutes of the game, and then decided to find some food.
    “Chief, you made it,” Kara said, coming through the swinging door of the kitchen with a tray of cookies. “I’m so glad.”
    “Those look good.”
    “They’re from Lauren’s bakery, so they’re definitely good. But if you want real food first, there’s chili and sandwiches in the kitchen. Charlotte will show you where everything is.”
    Judging by Kara’s smile, she’d either picked up on his interest in Charlotte, or Charlotte had said something. He’d rather not have anyone in his business, but Charlotte had a lot of friends in town. Anyone she dated would come under scrutiny.
    Moving through the doorway, he found Charlotte sitting by the island counter next to a baby seat holding Kara’s adorable daughter, Faith. Charlotte was spinning a mobile of zoo animals and seemed to be having as much fun as the baby.
    “Joe,” she said with a smile. “I thought you’d be here earlier.”
    “I had some things to do.”
    “Any news on Theresa?”
    He shook his head. “Not yet.” He glanced around the kitchen, noting the stack of empty plates in the sink. “Is the food gone?”
    “Not all. Kara made a killer chili. I’ll get you some, but you’ll have to take over entertainment duty. Kara told me to keep her daughter happy until she got back.”
    “I can handle that,” he said, sitting on the stool she vacated. He gave the