Dragon's Touch (Book 1 Linty Dragon Series) by J.M Griffin, Kristina Paglio Read Free Book Online Page B

Mr. Smythe stood between my aunt and uncle as they faced my father. All hell had broken loose and Smythe looked like a referee in a boxing ring. I stopped short, stood back from the group and watched as Smythe and Cullen made short work of the argument.
    “What’s going on here?” Cullen asked.
    Smythe, looking relieved to have help, said, “These three can’t seem to stop counting their hens. It’s time everyone left and gave Ms. Dragon some space.” He glared at my uncle and raised a hand to stop him for speaking. “All this bickering is unnecessary, I refuse to read the will until tomorrow, no matter how much you insist. It was Essie’s wish, and by God, she shall have things her way to the last.”
    His heavy mustache bristled and seemed to flutter as would bird wings, while Aunt Elizabeth gently pulled Uncle Charles away. He glared at the solicitor with cold eyes, though Smythe seemed unbothered by it.
    My father shooed him away like a pesky gnat and said to Mr. Smythe, “Good man, you’re right, of course. Linty must still be suffering from jet lag and sadness over the loss of Mother. They were very close. I apologize for our actions, and will take my leave now.” He came toward me, gave me a light embrace and whispered, “If you need anything, call me.”
    I gave him a quick nod and watched him walk away. My father was the last person I’d call upon, though he was a good man. Close to me? Never. He’s been too flighty to settle in one place for long, which meant I’d spent the better part of my life in private schools so he’d be free to wander. I’d have lived with Gran, but for some reason that discussion had been prohibited. If the two of them ever discussed my living on the estate, I was unaware of it. On vacations and other visits, I’d never asked if I could move in for fear of being rebuffed. In the end, I simply treasured the time I could stay with Gran and the dragons.
    My mother had passed away when I was three years old. I had no strong memories of her, and no one had talked about her, either. My philosophy concerning that loss was you couldn’t miss what you never had. Though I was somewhat envious when other schoolmates had visits from their parents, especially their mothers, I had Gran waiting for me here, and that was good enough.
    My aunt and uncle took their leave shortly after my father drove off. Smythe and Vaughn, who both lingered as if they had unfinished business, assumed the other would leave first. I’d had enough squabbling for one day and wasn’t about to put up with much more nonsense, so I asked them both to sit down and offered them a glass of whiskey.
    Smythe glanced at his watch. I laughed and said, “It must be five o’clock in the afternoon somewhere in the world, right?”
    Both men grinned and acknowledged a drink would be fine. I handed out glasses of whiskey, stared into my glass of amber-colored liquid and then toasted Essie. “To my Gran, may she rest in peace and not be too disappointed in this family.”
    A chuckle and a “hear, hear” met my words and we all slugged down the strong liquor. I asked if they’d like a second and was assured they didn’t. I took a seat across from the men and said, “Apparently you both have something to say, so get on with it. I have things to attend to and can’t sit around all day.”
    Smythe glanced at Vaughn and then looked at me. “You may have a bit of a fight on your hands, Linty. Rest assured, the will can’t be broken, but the three of them, your father, Charles and Elizabeth can make the situation uncomfortable for you should you decide to stay on. I want you to know that Essie was serious when she wrote them out of ownership, and she was most adamant about your getting the lion’s share of her fortune.”
    My spine stiffened and I straightened up in the chair. “How much money are you talking about?” I asked softly.
    “Millions of pounds,” he answered.
    I could feel my mouth hang open and my eyes