No One to Trust - Iris Johansen [58]
“You didn’t tell me where we’re going.”
He turned away. “Atlanta.”
10
Atlanta
The cottage on the lake was rustic but spacious, and the surroundings were absolutely beautiful, Elena thought. The hills and woods and the lake itself were spectacular.
“Hey, come back here.”
She turned to see Judd running after Barry as he streaked toward the lake. “Barry!”
“I’ve got him.” Judd scooped Barry up and tucked the giggling child under his arm. “Come on, brat. If you’re so set on jumping in the lake, I’ll see if I can find something you can wear for a swimsuit. Does he swim, Elena?”
“Like a fish,” Dominic said. “I taught him in the creek a short distance from our house.”
“Then you’d better come along and keep him in line,” Judd said as he set Barry down and started unloading the car.
Judd seemed to be doing a good job, Elena thought. He’d kept Barry cheerful and busy on the long cross-country flight that brought them here. In fact, it surprised her that such a solitary man as Judd had made so much effort to care for Barry.
He looked up and caught her gaze. “I like kids,” he said quietly, as if he had read her mind. He took a duffel and grabbed Barry’s hand. “Come on, let’s get you unpacked.”
She turned to Galen. “Whose house is this?”
“Joe Quinn. He and Eve Duncan took their kid to Hawaii for a couple months. They said I could use the house while they were gone. It’s secluded, and I thought Barry would like the lake.” He picked up the other two suitcases and closed the trunk. “I’m sure you can’t wait to scout around and make sure it’s safe, but be back by dinner.” He turned toward the house. “I’ve already contacted David Hughes, who provided the security people I’ve used before in Atlanta; they’ll show up tomorrow morning for you to vet. I wouldn’t want you to take one of them down by mistake. Hughes would be most upset. I figure Judd and I can handle the security of the cottage, but we need some good men to patrol the woods and lake. They won’t be obtrusive.”
“You seem to have thought of everything. Do you have a key to the house?”
“No, but I have a talent.” He carried the cases up the steps to the porch, where Barry and Judd were waiting. He tried the door and then knelt before the lock. A few seconds later the door swung open. “Piece of cake. Remind me to tell Quinn that his security sucks.” He waved Judd and Barry into the house and then went inside himself.
“Judd is getting along very well with Barry,” Dominic said from behind her. “It makes me feel a little useless.”
“Don’t be silly.” She turned to face him. “Judd and Galen are new and different to him. He’ll come back to us when the first shine wears off.”
“I wasn’t complaining. I know it’s natural, maybe even healthy. I was just stating a fact. You may not need me any longer. Perhaps I should go home for a while.”
“I’ll always need you, Dominic.” She reached out and grasped his arm. “And there’s no home to go back to.”
“I could build again. I’m needed there, Elena.”
A surge of fear went through her as she realized he was serious. “It’s not safe. What if Chavez has a watch on the area?”
“That’s not likely.”
“I don’t want to take the chance. Not with you, Dominic.” She stepped closer and laid her head on his chest. She whispered, “I don’t know what I’d do without you. You and Barry are my family.”
“I’m not going to run out on you yet, and I’m not talking about leaving you permanently. You and Barry mean too much to me.” He gently patted her shoulder. “But I had to tell you what I’m thinking. I can’t stay where I don’t have a purpose, Elena.” He pushed her away. “Now, I’m going to go swimming with Judd and Barry. Why don’t you come with us?”
“I’m going to scout the area. I want to be familiar with every cove and tree.”
He smiled. “That’s what Galen said you’d do. He knows you better than I do.”
“No, he doesn’t.”
He shook his head. “Maybe not in experience, but his instincts are very good. He knows you’re obsessed.”
“So do you, Dominic. We’ve been together for so long.” She grimaced. “And why are we talking about Galen? You