Free A Crouton Murder by J. M. Griffin Page B

hasn’t been willing to make time for me, at work or at home, so this will be perfect. Besides, he might need protection from the likes of you two.”
    “So, what brings you by, then?” I asked with a heaping measure of curiosity. I’d managed to get a few batches of dough ready, and knew Aidan’s arrival time was close. I still had to change clothes.
    He opened his mouth, but abruptly closed it when BettyJo and her father entered my kitchen. I wiped my hands on a towel, covered the bowls, and invited everyone upstairs to my apartment.
    Mr. Seever looked affronted, and about to refuse, when BettyJo took his arm and ushered him forward. Porter followed me as I followed them. We’d taken seats, though Porter remained standing, when BettyJo blurted, “What the hell are you thinking by setting a stalker on me, Dad?”
    “What are you talking about? Has Melina been filling your head with nonsense?”
    His mean-eyed stare landed on me. Unwilling to let anger drive me, I remarked drily, “I saw him get into your car earlier today. After describing him to BettyJo, she confirmed he was the man who’s been following her everywhere. Really, Mr. Seever, you should be ashamed.”
    His mouth hung open for a second. “Is that why you’ve called the police? Because I gave someone a ride?” he blustered as he glanced at each of us.
    “You really should move home, away from this woman and these other people who rent shops here. Such riff-raff, BettyJo, I brought you up better than this,” Seever directed at his daughter.
    Her face filled with anger, BettyJo stood up, paced the room for a moment, and then said, “You didn’t though, did you? Bring me up, that is. Instead, you shuffled me off to a boarding school. Melina is the best friend I’ve ever had, the shop owners are good folks, and you owe me an explanation. Now give it up.”
    His attitude belligerent, Franklin Seever pressed his lips together. That’s when Porter stepped forward.
    “You’ll give her that explanation or I’ll haul you to the station and you can give it there. Do you have any idea how frightened your daughter has been? Melina’s right, Mr. Seever, you should be ashamed of yourself.”
    He jumped from his seat and swung in a circle, taking in the room and us. Seever ran a hand through his hair. “BettyJo, it was never my intention to harm you. I want what’s best for you, and that means living at home with me.”
    “And? What was this guy supposed to do? Jump me? What the hell, Dad?”
    Porter watched in silence, his body tense, but his face bland. He was ready for action if needed. I leaned back and waited for the rest of the scene to unfold. It was so surreal, I might have been watching a soap opera. Not that I’d ever done that.
    “He was guarding you.” His hands open, palms up, Mr. Seever confessed, “I didn’t want him to scare you and frankly, I was sure you’d never notice him. After your landlady was killed and things here went awry, I thought you should have protection.”
    “I hardly call a hooded creeper dressed in baggy pants any sort of protection that I’d willingly welcome. This guy doesn’t exactly fit into the neighborhood, you know. He appeared to be following me, acted like a lurker, and then I find out you picked him up in front of the shop next door. What was I supposed to think?” BettyJo demanded.
    “I’m sorry you’re upset, but I do know what’s best for you,” Seever insisted.
    “No, Dad, you don’t. I’m not twelve. I’m an adult who runs a steady business that supports me well. I don’t want to be a banker or top executive like you are. What’s more, I couldn’t be happier with my life. Doesn’t that count for something?”
    He shook his head. “You could be so much more than you think. I don’t understand, but if that’s what you want, then fine. I’ll leave it alone.”
    “There’s something else I want to know, Dad. What’s with you and Corinda? Is she after you or your money or