Free Midnight Kiss by Marcia Evanick

And your last comment was on Lillian’s new dress.”
    “You have been listening to this old man, haven’t you?” A tiny grin curved Paddy’s lips. “She did look ten years younger sitting there all in pink and smiling this morning.”
    Autumn turned away from her reflection and smoothed a wrinkle out of the blue bedspread. “Maybe someone has captured her eye.”
    “You think so?”
    “From what I hear, every female heart has been afluttering since the nocturnal Romeo started to leave his calling card.” Hearing her grandfather’s muttered curse, she impishly added, “I even heard they had to set Darlene’s pacemaker down a notch.”
    Paddy’s heated Irish oaths filled the room.
    “It’s a real shame you never taught me Gaelic.”
    “You’d be blushing if I did, lass.” He crossed his arms and demanded, “I want the rogue caught.”
    She busied herself fluffing his pillow and straightening the top of his bureau. “I’m sure Doc Clayborne is doing the best he can.”
    “What’s taking him so long?” He smacked his frail, weak legs. “Even with these useless things I could have cracked this case by now.”
    Autumn noticed his stubborn look. “Don’t even think about it.”
    He innocently asked, “About what?”
    “You know perfectly well what! If I find out you’re putting your nose where it doesn’t belong, I’ll move you out of here.”
    “Doc says I can’t go back home.”
    “I know that. But there’s an all-male home in Rawlings.”
    Paddy thundered. “You wouldn’t dare!”
    “Try me.”
    “Oh, lass.” Paddy mumbled sadly. “You would really put this old tired man in prison where he can’t get even a glimpse of a shapely ankle to carry with him to the grave?”
    Autumn knew a sham when she heard one. “Yes, I would. And if I hear you’re not behaving, I’ll even make sure you have male nurses.”
    Paddy crossed his arms and tried to stare down his granddaughter. He failed. “Your coldheartedness has to come from the Flannery blood running through your veins. An O’Neil would never threaten such a dire fate.”
    She gently pushed back a wisp of white hair that had fallen across his brow. “It’s only because I do love you and don’t want to see you get hurt that I’m bringing it up, Paddy.”
    A heavy groan sounded as he opened his arms and embraced Autumn. “I know, love.” He placed a kiss on her forehead. “You’re just like your grandmother. She always used to try to scare me with untold horrors too.”
    “What was the worst?”
    “Sleeping on the couch,” Paddy answered with a chuckle.
    Autumn laughed and shook her head. She stood up and straightened the plaid lap blanket covering Paddy’s legs. “I see we both knew your weakest point.”
    “I might be old and feeble, but I’m not pushing up daisies yet.”
    “Face it, Paddy, the good Lord just isn’t ready for the ruckus you would cause on the other side of those pearly gates.” She glanced at her watch. “I have to go, but first I want your word you won’t try anything foolish.”
    “Have I ever done anything foolish?” Seeing her look of amusement, he hastily said, “Don’t answer that.”
    “Paddy . . .”
    He crossed his fingers under the lap blanket. “Okay, I won’t do anything.”
    Autumn tilted her head and studied her grandfather, not sure if she should believe him or not. Knowing she couldn’t do anything about it right then, she allowed the subject to be dropped. “Behave yourself and I’ll see you this weekend.”

     
     
     
     

Chapter Five
     
    Autumn studied Thane’s enthralled expression as he watched Bela Lugosi claim another victim. She had probably seen Dracula half a dozen times, and it was more fascinating to see someone watch it for the first time than to view the movie itself. She could tell when the good parts started by the way Thane sat up straighter and inched forward on the couch. Right before the poor victim bit the dust, Thane’s hand stopped in midair as