The Maestro (Cold Hollow Mysteries Book 3) by Emilie J. Howard Read Free Book Online Page B

commanded respect but was always kind and courteous unless someone angered her. That was when Maurice had to intervene. It had only happened once; he had spoken to her about it, and she had promised to control herself better but couldn’t promise that it wouldn’t happen again. She didn’t want to be considered a softie who could be walked on and taken advantage of, and Maurice agreed.
    They would leave the following morning, and he had many things to tend to before then. As he was packing his suitcase, Delilah breezed into his room, her blond hair loose and recently curled. “Father, do you think I should bring this outfit just in case we do something fun? I don’t think all my outfits should be formal.”
    Maurice looked at the outfit she showed him. It was a nice, comfortable pair of denim jeans and a navy blue cardigan, and she had a stylish pair of hiking boots in her hand. He nodded. “You have a point, dear. I think I’ll pack two outfits that are similar. I hear there are farms and orchards there that we might visit, and I think that we should ‘dress down’ and be comfortable every now and then.” He wagged a finger at her. “Don’t forget, we must be accommodating to your brother and his intended. We must put their needs first and assist them. Wedding planning can be a formidable task, and I do believe they may require our assistance.”
    “Adam is in his room packing too. Should I tell him to pack the same?”
    “Definitely. Also, tell him he should pack a few appropriate suits and outfits, such as we are doing.”
    “Do you think he even owns a pair of denims?”
    Maurice chuckled. “I doubt it. He’s Italian and likes to dress like a ‘wise guy’ all the time. If he doesn’t, we can see to his needs in the morning.”
    Delilah raced from his room, shouting over her shoulder, “I’ll tell him what to pack and check out what he already shoved in his suitcase to make sure it’s not wrinkled.”
    Maurice got back on task and packed two pairs of denim jeans, comfortable stylish sneakers, and two long-sleeved silk shirts. He threw a cardigan in the suitcase as well. He was almost relieved they were driving to their destination. He hated to take such a risk with Delilah on an airplane. He could only imagine being confined in a metal transport at thirty-four thousand feet cruising altitude with her when she had a dark urge. It would turn ugly…fast. The safest thing for all concerned was to drive. He didn’t mind; they could make brief stops along the way, and they could pass the time listening to audio books or classical music. If all else failed, he would tell some nursery rhymes. Like Adam, Delilah was a fan of his storytelling and embellishing capabilities.
    The following morning, after a hearty breakfast and after the house staff and security had been left their instructions for the next two weeks or so, they were off. Adam and Delilah were beyond excited and chattered endlessly during the car ride. Maurice enjoyed their conversations. He would only instruct Adam where to stop when he knew nourishment was in order. At one stop, Maurice insisted on taking Adam into a high-end clothing store. This was the highlight of their trip. Delilah chose denims and shirts for Adam and made him put on a fashion show for them. Maurice could not remember laughing as hard as he did that day, and Delilah was giggling so hard she had to race to the women’s room. He swore she was picking out garish outfits just to make everyone laugh.
    “Boss, I ain’t a kid anymore, you know.” The heavyset man stood before Maurice in denim jeans, a bold Hawaiian print shirt, and stylish short boots.
    Maurice held his hand over his mouth to hide his smile and nodded. From behind his hand, he said, “Lose the shirt, we’re not going to the tropics. Get a colored T-shirt and a cardigan to put on over it. Keep the short boots and jeans; they look nice.”
    As Adam turned to find the items, he said, “Do I have to pick out