Whispered Promises by Brenda Jackson Read Free Book Online Page A

Caitlin’s father’s words could be believed, there was a possibility that Caitlin could be in some kind of danger.
    The letter stated that Halston Parker owned a piece of property near Eagle Pass; land that had been in the Parker family for generations. Halston had recently received offers on the land, which he’d repeatedly turned down. Not long after that, things began happening to him that had vindictive overtones. He’d reported the incidents to the police, but after the police investigation turned up nothing, they’d dismissed them as teenagers’ mischief.
    The letter further stated Caitlin didn’t know anything about what had been going on since she’d been living in Fort Worth. But there was little doubt in Halston Parker’s mind that whoever had been after him to sell would now begin harassing Caitlin. He had ended the letter pleading with Dex to protect her.
    As Dex refolded the letter and stuffed it back in his pocket, he couldn’t help wondering if any of what he’d read in the letter was true, or was it just another ploy by the old man to get him and Caitlin back together. As soon as he had some free time, he would pay a visit to the local police to see if there had been an investigation as Halston Parker had claimed. But first he had to make a telephone call.
    Dex picked up the receiver of the phone that sat on a nearby table and punched in a few numbers. He needed to talk with Clayton. Hopefully, he would be able to give him some legal advice. The phone was answered on the second ring.
    â€œHello?”
    â€œClayton. It’s Dex.”
    â€œHow are things going?”
    â€œNot too good. Caitlin’s father died a few hours ago.”
    â€œI’m sorry to hear that. Please convey my sympathy.”
    â€œYou can do that yourself,” Dex replied bitterly. “I need you here as soon as possible. There’s a legal matter I need to discuss with you.”
    â€œOh? What’s up?”
    â€œAccording to Mr. Parker, the divorce papers Caitlin and I signed four years ago were never filed with the courts.”
    â€œWhat? I don’t understand. Why?”
    â€œHe told the lawyer that Caitlin and I no longer wanted a divorce.”
    â€œIf what you’re telling me is the truth, you and Caitlin may still be married.”
    Dex sighed deeply. “I was afraid of that.”
    â€œIf you still want to end your marriage, it won’t be a problem since you haven’t lived together in four years. Under the circumstances, a judge may agree to make it effective the day of the original divorce.”
    â€œThere may be a problem with that. There’s something else I think you should know.”
    â€œWhat?”
    â€œCaitlin found out she was pregnant a couple of months after I left for Australia and she’d filed for a divorce.”
    There was a pause. “What are you saying, Dex?”
    Dex beamed proudly. It was late in coming but he was announcing the existence of his daughter to his family for the first time, and he felt every bit a proud father. “What I’m trying to tell you is that our parents have another granddaughter. And you, Clayton, have another niece.”
    â€œWhat! I don’t believe it.”
    â€œBelieve it.”
    â€œI take it you didn’t know about her.”
    â€œOf course I didn’t know about her!”
    â€œAll right, all right, just take it easy, Dex. Did Caitlin say why she didn’t tell you?”
    â€œShe claims she wrote me when she found out she was pregnant.”
    â€œAnd I take it you don’t believe her.”
    â€œI didn’t get a letter, Clayton.”
    â€œBut that doesn’t necessarily mean she didn’t send one just because you didn’t get one. You yourself have complained about how lousy the mail service was in Australia. Just give her the benefit of the doubt.”
    Dex’s frown deepened. Clayton always had had a soft spot