As Emmeline was the only girl of the family and much younger, we treated her with kid gloves, so much so she usually balked at our interference. She was right. I was the only one in the family who could do anything remotely handyman like.
“What do you need?”
“The toilet in the guest bath is constantly running. I’m afraid it’s leaking. Can you stop by on the way home and just make sure? I’ll call a plumber in the morning.”
My sweet sister had been insistent on the house purchase by the corporation. She loved being in the heart of the action, adoring the sights and sounds of the city when her four siblings preferred blocking it out. In doing so, she’d inherited a list of issues typical for an older house.
And I’d been the one to handle most of the work. Usually emergencies. Which meant I had a key to her house on my keyring.
When I didn’t answer right away, she pulled something she had behind her back.
“A bribe.” Her voice was singsong, another method used to get her way.
“You did not,” I challenged, laughing. She’d made my favorite cream cheese chocolate brownie with icing. It was the single sweet I adored, a leftover from my childhood.
“Oh, yes, I did.” She waved it in front of me, pulling it away when I dared try to grab it.
“You drive a hard bargain, but I’ll do it.” I snatched the brownie, shoving it into my mouth. I had to admit, the girl was an amazing baker, her sweets to die for. “As long as you answer a question.”
“Thank you very much and what’s the question?”
When she started to walk away, I snagged her arm. “Did a girl come to see you? Perhaps, oh, I don’t know, a girl from the ballet company?”
“A girl?” The look she was giving me was as if she could see right through my veiled attempts at garnering information.
“Yes, a striking brunette with majestic forest green eyes who just happened to be one of the performers last night.”
As she’d done before, she folded her arms, the look in her eyes one of mischief. I’d stepped right into it. “Uh-huh. Majestic forest green eyes? Really, brother? Why do you need to know? Maybe I should ask what did you do?”
“What do you mean what did I do? I need to know because I asked you.” My sister was likely the most hardheaded of thefamily. She was also the one least interested in our less than legal activities. She had no desire to be a part of that world. That’s why she was scrutinizing me in almost the same manner as the unknown girl. “Emme. Please. Just answer the question. I have my reasons.”
“Did you touch her? Did you hurt her?”
“Emme. Jesus Christ. No, I didn’t hurt her. I was intrigued. Okay? She’s an incredible dancer.”
She continued to shake her head. “Yeah, so she is. She’s also an old friend of mine who dropped by to see me. And don’t you dare try and touch her. She’s a good girl.”
“What’s her name? Why is she here?”
“Oh, no, you don’t. She’s not one of your conquests, brother. Forget about it.”
“That’s not why I need to know.” My frustration was showing, which was pushing my sister into silence. She was highly protective of her friends.
“Then spill it or you don’t get a thing.”
How in the hell was I supposed to tell my sister about the morning’s activities? Or the night before? Maybe she should be forced to understand the reason we were so highly protective of our family and our business. My mother would kick my ass if I did. “It’s important I know. I’m not going to hurt her.” I could immediately tell I’d used the wrong choice of words.
Emme took a step away, shaking her head. “Mum is the word. You’ll need to get whatever information you need from her. But for God’s sake, don’t treat her like an enemy.”
“She’s Italian.”
“Yes, so what?” Now she was becoming exasperated.
I glanced around at the remaining customers in the various shops. This wasn’t the time or place for getting into an argument.
“So we need to be careful who we’re friends with.” I kept my voice low, even taking a step closer.
Which prompted her to take a longer stride away.
