Free Taking Tiffany by MK Harkins Page B

with tears. This was not going to happen. I would not cry. Todd took a step toward me, my dad gave him a back-the-hell-off stare, and he did. Smart guy. Dad took me in his arms and gave me a big, comforting hug.
    “Where’s Mom, anyway?” I asked.
    He didn’t answer right away, giving me a long look, waiting for me to figure it out.
    “She’s freaked out, and you took her home, didn’t you?” I surmised.
    “Yes. I told her it was probably a prank and not to worry.”
    “I know. I’m sure it is.” I nodded and wiped my eyes. “I’m just a little tired.”
    Dad, back in his overprotective mode, said, “You’re a little like me, working too hard.”
    Thankfully, the sound of sirens broke into anything else dad had to say.
    Todd was in my peripheral vision, observing the interactions between Dad and me. He wore a sad smile and appeared wistful. It occurred to me I didn’t know anything about Todd’s parents. Our conversations always seemed to steer clear of family. I wondered if that was intentional.
    Five police cars pulled up to the curb. Dad was right; they were taking this seriously. They shuffled us all farther away from the house. They’d called in the bomb squad and planned to do a sweep. Once we were in the all-clear area, one of them, a sergeant, pulled out a notebook.
    “I can see there was a scuffle here.” He asked me, “Were you assaulted?”
    Dad gave a snort. Todd stifled a grin.
    “Oh, this,” I answered, like it happened every day. “We had a little painting accident.” Now I was lying to the police. When would this day end?
    “A painting accident?” He did that one-eyebrow-raised-up thing.
    “Okay! I was angry with Todd.” I pointed at him. “And I used my, um, paintbrush on him.” I lifted my hand up and down following the line of paint on his torso. “So, I assumed he would return the favor.” I stopped for a minute. The edge of laughter started to creep up, similar to the giggles I’d get while at church. I hadn’t outgrown that particular affliction, and it was building. Deep breathing, I reminded myself. Do not laugh. “I tried to move away and I tripped on the paint tray,” I managed to get out with a straight face.
    “And I slipped trying to break her fall,” Todd added.
    “You didn’t look angry when I found you.” Dad crossed his arms.
    “Oh, for goodness’ sake! This …” I pointed between Todd and myself, “has nothing to do with this…” I gestured to the building and surrounding area.

Chapter Thirteen

    HE WATCHED CLOSELY from a good distance away, peering through his lens at the group. Focusing mainly on Tiffany and Todd, he saw they were both covered in green paint and appeared…closer. Damn. Was he too late? With an adjustment to the small telescope, he zoomed in and discovered the tell-tale signs of green paint on both their lips. This had to be stopped…now.
     He’d only heard about Todd’s impromptu visit to Tiffany’s worksite a few hours ago. His employer had Todd followed, which turned out to be a good idea. Working fast and using his valuable contacts, he obtained the needed phone number.
    Disappointment settled upon him, though, because Tiffany’s father hadn’t arrived in time to interfere with their kiss. It was hard to miss the physical attraction they shared. But, if her dad’s expression said anything, it was obvious disapproval of Todd. He knew Tiffany was a daddy’s girl, so his plan might work after all. An idea to fan the fire a little made him smile to himself. A new strategy was formed.

Chapter Fourteen
    Todd
     
    WAS SHE LAUGHING? With shaking shoulders, Tiffany turned away from her father and pretended to look at the house.
    “Are you laughing?” I asked. “Because I think your father hates me a little, and it’s not funny.”
    She whispered, “Sshh. I laugh when I get nervous or tired, and I’m both right now. I don’t need my dad to become angrier than he already is. This is serious.” And with that, she