The Wanderer by Robyn Carr Read Free Book Online Page A

that’s all. Ben did more for Rawley in the past few years than anyone has done for him in the last twenty-five.”
    “Well, jeez. This just keeps getting more complicated. Do you suppose he’s one of the things I’m supposed to take care of?”
    “No telling, pal. But I’ve got a cleanup crew coming out first thing tomorrow to give you an estimate. If you like the price, they can start right away.”
    Cooper gave him an incredulous look. “Did you smell that place? Is it even possible the price could be too high?”
    Mac laughed. “My aunt Lou is getting ready to burn some dinner. Why don’t you lock the place up and join us. You can’t get anything done around here tonight.”
    “Dinner?” Cooper asked. He gave a long, dubious look at that road leading up to 101. It was bad enough in daylight.
    “I’ll give you a ride across the beach. And bring you back tonight.”
    “I thought you had rules,” Cooper said.
    “We do. If anyone stops me or asks questions, you’ll have to act arrested.”
    “Well, hell, you just stumbled on one of my special talents.”
    * * *
     
    Dinner at the McCain house was served in a large, warm kitchen. Three kids, three adults sat at a big round table, two Labrador retrievers standing watch near the back door. Cooper shoveled the last of his spaghetti into his mouth and then wiped his plate with a piece of garlic bread. As it was on its way to his mouth, he noticed that five sets of eyes were on him. He realized he’d eaten like a starving man, chuckled and tossed the bread onto his plate.
    “There’s more,” Lou said.
    “Sorry. But that was seriously delicious.”
    Lou laced her fingers together and, elbows braced on the table, said, “I guess you don’t get out much.”
    “I eat real well. It’s Mac’s fault. He tried to lower my expectations by saying you were burning some dinner.”
    “Isn’t he cute? That he thinks he has a sense of humor?” Lou said, lifting one shapely eyebrow.
    “May I be excused?” Eve asked. “Ashley is coming over.”
    “Sure,” Lou said. “Ryan and Dee Dee, your night for cleanup. I’ll give your dad and Mr. Cooper coffee in the living room.”
    “Aw,” Ryan whined. “ Prison Break is on! Come on, Aunt Lou...”
    “Sorry, I have Designing Women reruns to watch in my room.” Then she looked at Mac. “When did he outgrow cartoons?”
    Instead of answering, Mac leaned toward Ryan. “You boning up for a prison break or working yourself into a corrections officer’s slot?”
    “It’s awesome, Dad, they’re just so stupid.”
    “I know. It’s my job security,” Mac said.
    “Dishes,” Lou said, standing with a plate in each hand.
    “I’d be glad to help,” Cooper said quietly. “I’m much better at dishes than cooking.”
    “Shh, we’re getting out of here.” Mac stood up and poured two cups of coffee, throwing a look over his shoulder at Cooper. He lifted his eyebrows in question.
    “Black,” Cooper said.
    Carrying two mugs, Mac left the kitchen and Cooper followed. The Labs, one black and one yellow, followed Cooper. In the living room, where there was no TV, Mac flipped a light switch with the brim of a coffee cup and the fireplace came to life. Then he waited for Cooper to choose his spot.
    It was obvious where the deputy liked to roost from the shape of the cushions on the recliner. Cooper took a corner of the couch and watched as the dogs lay down, one on each side of the deputy’s chair. “I guess you spend a lot of time in here,” he said.
    Mac handed him a cup. “There’s no TV or computer in here, ergo—not a place the kids like to be. I sometimes have to compete with cheerleaders or dance practice, but they don’t want my audience. I had the piano delivered straight to the basement. A man’s gotta have a room, and hiding out in your bedroom? That’s weird.”
    Cooper laughed. “Is it now?” he asked, sipping.
    “Not for a woman. They do it all the time. Lou can’t wait to get away from us