Free Hearths of Fire by Kennedy Layne Page A

exactly is our goal
     tonight?”
    “Look, I didn’t come here to break them up,” Neal warned, picking up the bottle of
     syrup. The table had been in her family for a very long time and she couldn’t help
     but notice that he’d chosen the same seat that he’d always sat in when he’d join her
     family for dinner. It was disconcerting in a way, but also very calming. “I came to
     ensure that Mandy stays on the straight and narrow. I have no intention of causing
     her heartbreak. With that said, if I get confirmation that this cult is participating
     in illegal activities, I trust that Mandy is smart enough to see that Garreth is a
     part of that and she should rethink her feelings about him.”
    Charlotte felt comfortable with his strategy and that eased a little tension from
     her body. While Neal ate his breakfast she called Pam and ensured that store hours
     would be covered. Her friend had always been there when she was needed and now was
     no exception. With the festival going on, Charlotte also called in two of the high
     school students who worked part-time on the weekends. This wasn’t the most opportune
     time to take some personal leave but it couldn’t be helped. Thankfully Pam wanted
     the extra hours. She also understood Charlotte’s position and she knew the store was
     in good hands.
    “Did you eat?” Neal asked, wiping his mouth with a napkin and sitting back in his
     chair. He picked up his coffee and took a sip, all the while looking over the rim
     at her. “With all the running around we have to do today I’m not sure we’ll have time
     to grab lunch before we get back in time for dinner tonight.”
    “I’m not hungry,” Charlotte said, standing as she started to clear off the table.
     “I’ve got a frozen lasagna I made in the freezer I can thaw out. It’s simple and easy
     enough with a salad and bread. We—”
    “Sit down and eat.” Neal scooted the chair back as he stood, pointing toward an empty
     plate. Charlotte couldn’t tell what he was thinking as he picked up the one he’d used
     and walked it over to the sink. “I know it’s late in the season, but I’ll grill out
     on the back deck. It’ll give me some time alone with Garreth.”
    “That sounds like a good idea.” Charlotte carried more items to the counter but didn’t
     quite make it before Neal stepped in front of her and took them out of her hands.
     “Neal, let me clean up and then we’ll be on our way.”
    “We’re not leaving here until you eat some breakfast.” Damn, but Neal could be stubborn.
     It appeared he hadn’t changed on that front. Before Charlotte could stand her ground
     and argue with him, she heard movement coming from the living room. Mandy was dressed
     in jeans and a black turtleneck sweater with her hair pulled back in another ponytail.
     Her appearance reminded Charlotte of when they were younger and it still amazed her
     that so much time had passed since those days when she used to do her sister’s hair.
     “Mandy, you’re just in time to join Charlotte for breakfast. I just ate and now I
     have some phone calls to make.”
    “Garreth said that he’d be by the house around five o’clock for dinner.” Mandy really
     didn’t make eye contact with Charlotte, but the two women sat at the table. “He’s
     got to run the booth that Ashes to Dirt is using to promote their church, so we’d
     like to hit the festival early.”
    “Church?” Charlotte shared a look with Neal and she felt her stomach lurch—so much
     for any appetite that might have returned. “What does this church preach?”
    “Goodness,” Mandy declared, her tense posture indicating that she was ready for another
     argument. She swung her gaze to Neal. “All they want is to share their belief in good—is
     that so bad?”
    “It sure would make a lot of folks around here breathe easier,” Neal said cautiously,
     using the counter to lean against as he looked pointedly at Charlotte’s plate. He