Courting Death - Carol Stephenson [34]
“What is it?”
“I have a new job. It’s full time with better benefits.”
Tension’s band drew tighter. Full time meant she wouldn’t be able to watch over Mom. I would have to find someone else.
“That’s great, Sophie. I’m happy for you.” And terrified for myself. “When do you start?”
“In two weeks. I’m already checking with my family and friends for someone to possibly help you out.”
“Thanks, I appreciate it.” I followed her to the door and opened it.
Carling, holding bags of food and a newspaper under her arm, stood grinning on the stoop alongside another young woman with a rolling suitcase.
“Hey, I come bearing gifts. Chinese takeout…and your sister, who I found out here dithering over whether or not to ring the doorbell.”
I blinked. It had been over a year since I’d seen my half-sister Melissa. During that time she’d matured from a gangly teenager to a polished young woman wearing her blond hair in a stylish chin-length cut.
“Melissa, what are you doing here?” My brain cells finally wrapped around the fact she was at my house and there could be only one reason. “Is Dad okay?”
My sister shook her head. “Dad’s fine.”
Carling rolled her eyes. “Can we have this stimulating conversation inside? The food’s getting cold.”
“Sorry.” I moved aside and Carling forged ahead with Melissa in her wake, the wheels of her case rattling over the tile floor. Sophie wisely took her leave.
Carling disappeared into the family room where the guys were shouting at the game. However, Melissa lingered in the foyer. “I hope you don’t mind my dropping in like this.”
Since I doubted my sister bore gifts in her suitcase, I figured her version of “dropping in” held other ramifications. My cell still clipped to my waistband rang. “Hang on.” I checked the display. Right on cue. “It’s Dad.”
The young woman’s mouth thinned and her body stiffened. Hmm.
“Hello, Dad.”
Without preamble he demanded, “Is Melissa there?”
“Yes, she is.” I kept my gaze on her. “What’s going on? Did you two have a fight?”
“She’s just like you. Won’t listen to reason when she gets her mind set.”
“Nasty family trait.” I motioned for her to go into the living room where Kate sat with livid curiosity on her face. I figured this call was going to take a while.
“Don’t get flippant with me.” Irritation was sharp in Dad’s crisp voice. “Rather than taking the internship at my company, Melissa wants to work in a law firm. She got admitted into law school without consulting with either her mother or myself about what she was planning.” What? My sister had been destined to work for the Sterling electronics business.
I gave Melissa a nod. “Congratulations on getting into law school.”
She sat on the sofa next to Kate and lifted her chin. Another Sterling trademark. “Thank you.”
Two eggrolls in hand, Sam strolled into the room. His intent gaze went from me to Melissa. “I figured you all would be hungry.”
Mentally groaning, I sank into one of the wingback chairs. He offered one to me and then went over to my sister. “Here. I’m Sam Bowie.”
“Melissa Sterling. I’m Nicole’s—”
“Sister.” Sam nodded. “She’s told me all about you.”
I had? I took a vicious bite of the eggroll.
“She has?” Melissa shot me a quick glance.
Kate folded her arms and glared at Sam. “You didn’t bring me a roll?”
“Got you covered, honey.” Gabe wandered in with a white paper bag. Close on his heels was Carling, who plopped herself down on the sofa on the other side of my sister. Somehow they seemed to be offering her a frontline of support. After handing Kate a roll, Gabe stood next to Sam. The spacious room suddenly overflowed with people. I downed the rest of my eggroll.
“Hello? Nicole? What’s going on?”
I leaned back in the chair and spoke into the phone. “An impromptu convention, Dad. Care to join in?”
I could hear him muttering under his breath about daughters. “Listen. You’ve always been Melissa’s idol.”
“I have?” Startled, I glanced at her but by now a cool, restrained expression had slipped over her face.
“Yes, so here’s how I look at it. If she