Bound by Revenge (Guardian Series) Read Free Page B

obstacle to Sam’s success and frequently a source of contention among her charges.
    “But I have to be honest, no matter how hard I try to place you, I just can’t remember you. I even went through some of my mom’s old albums and I couldn’t find any pictures of you and your parents.” Abby looked away. The slight sting of blush flashed across her cheeks as she made her confession.
    “We were only five when my parents dragged me to Oregon for my dad’s job.” Sam smiled to herself, “I don’t remember too much about living in Ruthers.
    “We always stayed in touch with Uncle Bradley, though. And when I called to tell him about the car accident last year, he suggested I come back. I wasn’t ready at the time. But I am now, so here I am.” Sam threw her hands out to her sides, curled the sides of her lips up and raised both eyebrows.
    “You don’t have to act brave for my benefit; I know how hard it is to lose family. It’s been five years for my mother and I still think about her every day.” Abby sniffed back at her. “I can’t even imagine how hard it must have been losing the two of them at the same time. My father was right. You belong here with us, with your family.” Abby hooked her arm into Sam’s and walked her the rest of the way across the room, heading for the beige couch.
    “I know I showed up before I was supposed to, but I wanted to come say hello before I went to search for somewhere to stay.” Sam knew that Abby would never let her stay anywhere else. And, not to disappoint, before Sam even finished talking, Abby bounced out of her seat.
    “There’s no way I’m letting you head off on your own. I have the extra room. I’m alone here all the time, anyway. Plus, it would be nice to have some company.” Abby puffed the air out through her nose and threw her head back with a motion so small, Sam almost missed it.
    “I can’t believe that you would do that for me.” Sam lied, letting alligator tears roll out of her eyes for effect.
    The two girls sat together for the next hour. Catching up on all the little things in life that seemed appropriate conversation topics for long lost relatives until Abby finally got the idea Sam was waiting for.
    “Give me a minute. I wanna call my dad and see if he has lunch plans today. I bet he can’t wait to see you.” Abby jumped up off the couch, grabbed the black cordless phone from its stand on the end table and headed for the kitchen.
    Sam had no trouble hearing Abby’s end of the conversation, despite the thick walls between them. An angel’s senses were more like an animal’s than a human’s. She would have been able to hear every word, even if Abby had taken the call outside.
     
    “Hi, Daddy.” Abby’s voice was an octave higher than normal when Bradley finally answered the phone after the third ring.
    “Hi, hun. What’s going on?” Bradley spoke cheerfully for his daughter’s benefit. But he already knew. He could feel Sam’s presence across town. It was just a matter of time before Abby reached out to him to get the ball rolling.
    “I wanted to know if you were available for lunch today. I have someone who wants to see you.” Abby’s tone was under control again and steady as she delivered the line as if it were a business proposition.
    “Not another man, already, pumpkin. You barely got away from that last sap.” He played along and pretended he knew nothing about her visitor. After all, Sam showed up “early” and there was no reason for him to know that.
    Even though there was no truth to his words, he couldn’t prevent the harsh tone that seeped through the line when he mentioned his daughter’s ex. He thought no one was ever good enough for his only daughter and unfortunately, he seemed to be right about that. Her record in that department was far less than stellar.
    “No, no. Nothing like that.” Abby shook her head. “Sam’s here.”
    Bradley faltered for just a second as he tried to think of the best way