Confer, Lorelei - Deadly Revenge (BookStrand Publishing Romance) Read Free Page B

do this.
    She put her bags on the bed and began to unpack. She threw some things into the dresser drawers and hung the rest in the closet. She changed her blouse and put her bloody one to soak in the adjoining bathroom sink. She had just put her suitcase in the walk-in closet when she heard her sister holler from the front door.
    “Hey, Tory. Where are you?”

Chapter 4

    Sue’s steps on the stairs and her boisterous voice meant a great big bear hug was to come. One that was long-lasting and much-needed for both of them. Tory looked Sue over as they stood in front of the closet mirror.
    Sue never changed. She was so much like their mother, full of energy and effervescence with green eyes and long, light brown hair she usually pulled back into some kind of concoction at the crown of her head.
    The opposite of Sue, Tory had a petite build and well-proportioned body shape, vibrant green eyes, and dark auburn hair cut short and feathery, close to her face. Sue had always been envious of Tory’s shapely physique and made sure everyone knew it, much to Tory’s embarrassment.
    “Oh, how’s your head? Mom told me what happened.”
    “It’s not as bad as it looks.”
    “Oh, Tory, I have tons of things to do together, things we haven’t done in years,” Sue exclaimed with excitement and another big hug.
    “Remember, this is only a trial period for a few months. We agreed before I made the decision to come back here,” Tory said, waiting until they were eye to eye with each other. “If things are all cleared up, I can return to Myrtle Beach, and you’ll stop harping at me.”
    “Of course, but you’re home now. You just don’t know it yet. Come on downstairs.” Sue grabbed her sister’s hand and together they hurried down the hall.
    “Oh, I almost forgot. I have a portfolio of some of our best family photos. I included some pictures of Dad, so we’ll always have him in our memories, too.”
    “When are you going to get some of your pictures published and sold, Tory?” Sue asked while looking through the pictures. “They’re wonderful. You need to have a gallery or a showing or whatever it is they call it.”
    Tory thanked them for the accolades while drinking her tea, and Sue left soon after so Tory could get settled in.

    * * * *

    After Sue left, Tory and her mother had a comfortable, quiet evening catching up, talking about work, friends, and how much they all missed her father. Had it been only eight months since his funeral?
    “Mom, are you sure you didn’t make too many changes too fast with turning this house into a Bed and Breakfast?”
    “Life is full of change, dear. We never know what’s going to happen next, but we have to be ready to accept them and move on.”
    Tory squeezed her mother’s hand gently, and her mother continued.
    “Sometimes I wish I could have back that time with your father. There are things I never got to say to him or do with him. I need his reminders around, so I don’t forget what he looked like, how much he meant to all of us.” Her mother stood, leaned over, and kissed her daughter good night. “I’m going to bed now. Good night, Tory. I’m so glad you’re here.”
    Tory watched her mother take a slow walk to the large bedroom and bath downstairs they had added on after her father suffered his first heart attack years ago because he couldn’t handle the stairs.
    After making another cup of hot tea, Tory returned to the family room. She settled into her dad’s favorite chair and looked around. His pipe rack sat on the end table beside his chair, the scent of cherry tobacco he always smoked permeating her senses. His wedding picture and a family portrait of all four of them were all part of the décor and natural charm.
    She slowly got up from the comfortable chair and walked to the mantel. She picked up the picture she had taken of him on her graduation day from college. He was so happy and proud of his “baby girl.” A tear trickled down her cheek, and she