Elizabeth August - The Determined Virgin

Hesper looked to Garth. “Are you willing to remain?”

A part of him had had enough of Jeanette DuPree and her son-in-law. His life had, many times, depended on him reading people and he’d known that her smile had been merely a polite facade to coax him into remaining so that she could study him further like an animal she found amusing but was not certain she wanted in her zoo. As for Peter Lowell, the man was clearly willing to play dirty to get what he wanted. But as much as Garth would have preferred to leave, a stronger part disliked allowing Lowell to win without a fight. The man was smug and devious and willing to rob his own stepdaughter. “Since we’re here, we might as well remain a while.”

Hesper sank back into her chair. She’d been certain Garth would walk and she’d lose the bet. She still could. It was possible her grandmother was bored and willing to keep them there simply for a diversion. But there was also a chance she could win. Years ago, she’d given up trying to determine Jeanette DuPree’s motives.

Garth waited until Hesper was again seated then eased himself back into his chair. Tobias’s sister was a great deal more like his employer than he’d first thought. He was certain she’d staged this whole business just to study his reaction and Hesper’s.

“Now, tell me about my brother. I understand he’s running some sort of detective agency these days,” Jeanette said, offering him a slice of cake as she spoke. “What type of cases does he handle? Just anything that comes along?”

“Only those cases he finds interesting,” Garth replied.

The elderly woman nodded as if this was what she suspected. “The mundane always bored him.” Interest glistened in her eyes. “And what kind of cases does he find interesting?”

“Missing persons, murders the police have given up on and, once in a while, a theft the authorities cannot solve.”

“And you do his legwork for him?” Jeanette persisted.

“I’m one of his operatives,” Garth confirmed.

“My grandson, Hagen, is another, I believe?”

“Yes.”

Jeanette scowled. “When he told me he was going to work for Tobias, I assumed it was in a legal capacity. He has a law degree, graduated top of his class. He could have joined any law firm he chose. I’m aware my brother has connections in high places. I thought working for him would be a boon to Hagen’s legal career. Instead he has opted to go running around the world at my brother’s beck and call, toting a gun and placing himself in danger.” She paused and her gaze narrowed on Garth. “You do carry guns, don’t you?”

“It’s necessary.”

Jeanette shook her head. “Boys will be boys, I suppose. But the next time you see Hagen, you tell him that when Steward Schuyler dies, I fully expect him to come here and manage my legal affairs. I want someone I know I can trust.”

“I’ll relay the message,” Garth promised, wondering how that battle of wills would end. Hagen was not a man who could be bullied into doing what he did not want to do. But it was equally obvious that Jeanette DuPree was not used to having her wishes denied. However, that was Hagen’s problem, not his.

“How many men have you killed, Mr. Lawton?” Peter asked abruptly.

“A few. I was a soldier. There were times I was called upon to protect my country,” Garth replied.

Jeanette raised a critical eyebrow in Peter’s direction, indicating she was not pleased with his line of questioning. “My brother thinks very highly of Garth and Tobias is not an easy man to please. Even more, I know you must have been worried about Hesper finding a husband. I know I was. We must give her choice the benefit of the doubt.”

Hesper’s cheeks reddened. Her grandmother had made her sound as if she’d been coming close to stepping over the line into spinsterhood. “A great many women wait to marry these days.”

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