Pearl Cove by Elizabeth Lowell Read Free Book Online

about.
    What do you want from me?
    Everything you can get electronically on Hannah McGarry.
    Archer slid into the opposite side of the breakfast nook. His knees bumped Kyles. Archer
     was older by four years and a timeless amount of experience, but Kyle was every bit as
     large physically.
    What about Len? Kyle asked. You want me to go after him while Im at it? Sure, get what you
     can. Pearl Cove, too. You got me up before dawn to do what any hacker could do? Yes.
    Why?
    Because you arent any hacker. Youre my brother and Lens half brother. You wont leave any
     tracks, youll keep your mouth shut about what you find, and you wont be tempted by bribes
     or blackmail. And if it gets really nasty... Archer shrugged. Kyle, for all his blond good
     looks, could fight for his life. And had.
    Why dont I like the sound of that last bit? Lianne asked beneath her breath. Because you
     know how nasty family fights can be, Archer said.
    Family? Kyle asked.
    Len, Archer said curtly. Hes dead, but whatever snowball he pushed off the mountain is
     still rolling. And I have a nasty feeling that his widow is standing right in the center
     of the avalanche chute.
    So youre flying halfway around the world to stand there with her?
    Id do the same for Lianne.
    Kyle blinked, then sighed. Sorry. Im just not used to having another brother, much less a
     sister-in-law to worry about. Youre right. Shes family. He gave Lianne a sideways glance.
     Will the Tang family give me a rain check on
    No, Archer said instantly. Youre staying here.
    Wrong. Im going to Australia. As you pointed out, Len was my brother, too.
    You didnt know him. I did.
    Liannes tilted, cognac eyes went from brother to brother. Though one man was dark and one
     was light, both were stubborn to the core.
    If you go, I go, she said to Kyle.
    No, the brothers said as one.
    Why is it, she asked sweetly, that every time you two agree on something, Im the loser?
     Like hell I m staying here.
    Youre both staying here, Archer said. If I need anyone, youll be the first to know.
    Damn it Kyle began.
    No. Archers voice was cold and deadly. Like his eyes. It was the very part of himself he
     had tried to keep from his family. Dont push me on this, Kyle. Neither one of us will like
     what happens. But it will happen just the same.
    Beneath the table Liannes small hand settled on her husbands thigh and squeezed with
     surprising strength, silently asking him to use his head on this one instead of his balls.
     Slowly the tension seeped out of Kyles clenched muscles.
    Well try it your way first, Kyle said finally. If that doesnt work
    Youll do whatever it takes, Archer finished, hearing his own words from the past, seeing
     some of his own dark shadows in his brothers eyes. Silently Archer held his hand across
     the table, but he held it as someone looking for contact rather than a handshake.
    Kyle took his brothers hand. They both gripped hard. Thank you, Archer said simply. He
     slid out of the booth, turned to Lianne, and brushed his fingertips over her cheek. Youre
     good for him, little sister. For us.
    Kyle watched his brother walk out of the warm yellow light of the kitchen. When he turned
     to Lianne, he was surprised to find tears in her eyes.
    Hey, its all right, he said. Donovans fight and then its over. Not like the Tang family,
     where no one fights and everything festers.
    Lianne thought of her fathers family and shook her head.
    The difference between Chinese and American families wasnt what was bothering her. Its not
     that.
    Then what?
    Archers eyes, she whispered. What happened before I knew him?
    He worked for Uncle Sam in a lot of ugly places. Then he quit. Now hes Donovan
     Internationals troubleshooter.
    I think... Her voice died.
    Kyle bent down, licked a faint shadow of syrup from one corner of her mouth, and settled
     his big hand over their children. What do you think, sweetheart?
    I think Archer has shot enough trouble in his life.
    Hannah was