Vengeance Is Mine by Joanne Fluke Read Free Book Online Page B

entertaining, you know. Faculty teas, sponsors’ dinners, that sort of thing. And I promise I won’t spill tea on the archbishop again.”
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    Dale Kline ushered Michele into his office and waited until she was seated in the leather chair opposite his desk. Then he pressed down the intercom.
    â€œHold all my calls, Helen. If Al Reinholz stops by to pick up his will, have him sign both copies and witness it. And give Jim a ring. Set up an appointment on Monday for the property settlement. Oh, yeah. Helen? Does Ray Perini have any outstanding balance on the books? Good! Find out who’s handling his funeral, and send flowers with my business card. See what you can get for twenty that doesn’t look cheap.”
    Dale turned to Michele with a smile.
    â€œWell, Michele, what can I do for you? Is somebody finally suing the Pro Choice Clinic?”
    â€œNo, this time it’s personal, Dale. Cindy came in to see me this afternoon. She’s pregnant.”
    â€œOh, Christ!”
    Dale’s face turned white, and he swallowed hard.
    â€œI knew I shouldn’t have let her go to that dance. When they get to be teenagers, you’ve got to watch them every minute.”
    Dale’s hands were shaking as he ran them through his carefully styled hair. He looked down at the desk, unable to meet Michele’s eyes.
    â€œDid she tell you who the boy is?”
    Michele sighed deeply. Did Dale really think she’d buy a stupid story like that?
    â€œShe told me everything, Dale, and I do mean everything . I’ve already arranged for an abortion this afternoon. Now give me three reasons why I shouldn’t go directly to the police. Incest’s a crime, just in case you’ve forgotten your legal training.”
    â€œI never meant to.” Dale’s voice was muffled as he covered his face with his hands. “You’ve got to believe I tried. She looks just like Vera. And she pranced around the house in those skimpy little clothes! I—I got drunk one night. And she cuddled up to me on the couch. She said she was lonesome and she wanted me to hold her. Honest to God, I couldn’t help it.”
    Michele shifted in her chair, made tense by her emotions. She felt nothing but loathing and rage for any man who seduced his own daughter.
    Dale looked up. He had an earnest expression on his face, and his eyes were moist.
    â€œI know it was wrong. I just don’t know what got into me. I give you my solemn word it’ll never happen again.”
    â€œThat’s not good enough, Dale. I’ve heard that line before.”
    â€œWhat do you want me to do, then?”
    â€œI’ve got a friend who teaches at a girls’ school in Connecticut. I want you to enroll Cindy right now. We’ll keep her at the clinic tonight, and she’ll be ready to travel by tomorrow.”
    â€œOkay, I’ll do whatever you say. You’re not going to tell anybody about this, are you, Michele?”
    â€œNot if you hold up your end of the bargain.”
    Dale looked sick as he watched Michele dial a number and push the phone across the desk to him. He took the phone gingerly, almost as if he were afraid to touch her fingers. Michele almost smiled as he cleared his throat and made the arrangements. It was about time somebody laid down the law to Dale Kline.
    A moment later it was done. Cindy would leave by plane in the morning and arrive at the school in time for dinner.
    â€œUh . . . thanks, Michele.” Dale replaced the phone with shaking fingers. “If there’s ever anything I can do for you . . .”
    â€œSure, Dale.”
    Luckily Dale’s secretary was away from her desk. Michele hurried through the deserted reception area and down the stairs. Her legs were shaking, and she breathed a sigh of relief as she pushed open the door and stepped out into the freezing air. Thank goodness that was over!
    The clinic was only two blocks away, and Michele