Free Dangerous Grounds by Shelli Stevens Page A

fingers over her eyes to wipe away any lingering tears. “Your father is inside, Madison. He’s been so worried about you as well.”
    “Maybe we should go in and reassure him,” Gabe suggested, taking her mother’s arm and turning her toward the house.
    “Oh, yes, good idea. Thank you, Gabriel. You’re such a wonderful young man.”
    Madison rolled her eyes, not bothering to point out that Gabe was thirty years old. She followed behind the two and wondered if her dad would be as much of a mess as her mother was.
    Thank God he seemed to have it together a little more. He gave her a quick hug, a pat on the back, and turned to offer Gabe a drink. But then, that was her dad. Always the businessman.
    She followed her mother into the kitchen.
    “We ordered Spaghetti Bolognese from that little Italian restaurant down the road,” her mother said. “It should be here soon. Do you want a glass of wine?”
    “I don’t drink,” Madison reminded her.
    Her mother wrung her hands in front of her and chewed on her lip. “Yes, I know. I just thought with the circumstances you might want…”
    “To drown out my fear with alcohol?” Her lips twisted with sarcasm. “I’ll pass. Do you have any diet soda?”
    “Please, Madison. You know that stuff is terrible for you. I have Perrier, if you’d like.”
    “That’d be fine.” She took the bottle from her mother a moment later, after having declined a glass to put it in.
    “Oh, Madison. That bruise looks awful.” Her mother reached out and gently touched her cheek. “You should let me take you down to Cheryl at Nordstrom’s. She can get you some makeup and show you how to cover it so it’s less noticeable.”
    “I don’t need any extra makeup.” Madison sighed and shook her head. “It will be gone in a few days, Mom.”
    “Well, let me know if you change your mind. I’ll treat, of course.” Her mother gave her a searching look. “So…you’re staying with Gabriel?”
    “Yes,” Madison replied and took a quick sip. “Is that a problem?”
    “No, of course not,” her mother rushed to say and smiled. “You know, I couldn’t have asked for anyone better. I think Gabriel is a fine boy. Just fine.”
     
    Gabe followed Robert Phillips into the sitting room and took a seat in a high-backed antique chair.
    “You’re sure I can’t get you some vodka with that, Gabe?” Robert asked, gesturing toward the tomato juice that he’d just given him.
    “I’m sure. But thank you, sir.”
    “All right.” Robert nodded. “That’s one thing I’ve always admired about you, Gabe. You take your health seriously. I used to love watching you and Eric at those Friday night football games. You both carried that team.”
    “Now there’s a flashback,” Gabe admitted with a smile. He wondered if Mr. Phillips had been disappointed when Eric hadn’t gone on to pursue college football or beyond. Robert Phillips was a supportive, dedicated man who worked hard to provide for his family.
    “I hear my daughter’s moved in with you.”
    And he was also very direct.
    “That’s right, Mr. Phillips.” Gabe met his shrewd gaze. “Eric asked if I would watch over her until we apprehend the Espresso Bandit.”
    “And I agree with Eric’s judgment. You’re more than qualified to make sure that nothing happens to Maddie.”
    Interesting. Daddy can get away with calling her Maddie, but she makes a stink when I do it.
    “No, I’m not worried about your capabilities,” Robert went on as he paced in front of the panel window that overlooked a view of the city. “I know you realize how much I love my daughter and would be devastated if anything were to happen to her.”
    “Of course,” Gabe agreed, sensing the message underneath the words.
    “Madison’s a bit fragile right now. You may have heard that Bradley broke up with her not long ago. With this new threat to her safety, I’m sure she’s feeling quite vulnerable.”
    Gabe nodded, but wondered how well this man knew