Of All the Luck! Read Free Page B

would have stayed out of their lives like he was told to do.
    "We survived, honey. Now, give me a phone and I'll call Xavier and get some help to deal with this situation. I'm not sure who set me up to take the fall for those tourists, but it's obvious that someone is out to get me."
    "That is nothing new, is it, Griffin?" Victoria demanded bitterly. "Well, this is my home and you don't give the orders here. Xavier is not coming around, and if you need help, I will help you."
    "I'm not going to put you at risk, Victoria. Now, be reasonable, or I am going to set your tail on fire."
    "You are too weak to spank a five-year-old, much less me, Griffin Conway! Now eat your breakfast. I have work to do, and I don't have time to sit here and argue with you."
    "We have been apart far too long if you think you can talk to me in that manner and get away with it, Victoria Sage Conway."
    "We are no longer married and my name is Jones."
    "That is your pen name."
    "It is my legal name. You have no right to put a hand to me, Griffin. That is why we divorced, remember?"
    "I was wrong, Victoria," he said humbly. "I apologize with every fiber of my being. I found your note behind the bed when I moved. By then it was too late to come and beg forgiveness, but I do so now."
    The doorbell rang and Victoria immediately tensed. "Stay quiet," she ordered in a harsh whisper, making sure she had her weapon.
    "Don't open the door if you don't know who is on the other side, honey."
    The endearment made her feel warm all over and Victoria smiled to herself. She loved Griffin, but she would never ever let him know that. Their marriage failed because he could not control his temper. He spanked instead of discussing their differences, and she would not permit him to spank her again, not even a sexy spanking. She had managed quite nicely on her own.
    Victoria looked to see who was outside and smiled to herself. It was the young police officer who was a fan of her mysteries. She opened the door and gave the young man a big smile. "Good morning, Deputy."
    "Ms. Jones, I thought I should stop by and make sure you were okay this morning. We still haven't found our fugitive, and I was worried about you out here all by yourself."
    "I am just fine, Deputy, but it is kind of you to be concerned."
    "Why do you have your drapes pulled at this time of day?" he asked in confusion.
    "Because I worked all night and I am ready to go to bed for a few hours, Deputy. Why else would I spend a fortune on blackout draperies?" she asked with a laugh. "As a writer, I work some pretty weird hours."
    "Oh, I see." He gave her a boyish grin and then said, "I'll let you get some sleep, then. If you need anything, be sure and let me know."
    "I will, Deputy. Thank you for checking on me," she added with a smile.
    The Deputy seemed as though he was hesitant to leave, but his radio crackled and the Sheriff's voice came over the line, sounding peeved. "Where the hell are you, Edwards? You were to meet me at the truck stop twenty minutes ago and so help me, if you're mooning over that lady writer I'm gonna kick your butt clear up to your shoulders!"
    "I'm on my way, Sheriff!" Deputy Edwards said right away, but Victoria could see he was disgusted with his boss. He hurried from the porch and to his cruiser. He finally remembered to smile and give Victoria a small wave as he hurried on his way.
    "Lock the door, Victoria," Griffin ordered from right behind her, and Victoria was shocked to see he had a gun in his hand. He looked positively dangerous, and she couldn't help laughing.
    "Goodness, Griffin, he's a green, wet-behind-the-ears kid, fresh from the academy!" she scolded.
    "I don't like him," Griffin said decisively. "Make sure you reset the alarm." He knew he was being bossy, but the thought of pretty Victoria being in danger upset him as nothing else could. He was still in love with her, and he always would be. But, that didn't mean he didn't feel like tearing a strip off her occasionally.