Whispered Promises by Brenda Jackson Read Free Book Online Page B

where Caitlin was concerned. “I don’t know if I can do that. Because of her, I may have lost too much already.”
    There was a brief silence. “Just don’t be so hard on her, Dex. She’s going through a lot right now. The last thing she needs is for you to make things worse. What she really needs is your support, not your anger. Lighten up. Now tell me about my niece. What’s her name?”
    Dex was glad to get off the subject of Caitlin. “My daughter’s name is Jordan.”
    â€œJordan? Caitlin named her after you?”
    Clayton’s question caught Dex by surprise. He’d been so upset, he hadn’t made the connection. Jordan was his middle name, and he had to admit it was a very unusual name for a girl. Had Caitlin named his daughter after him? “I don’t know, Clayton.”
    â€œMmm. That’s interesting. If she did, I wonder why?” Clayton asked, seemingly more of himself than of Dex.
    Dex frowned. He couldn’t help wondering what Clayton was driving at.
    â€œHow did Jordan take to you, Dex?”
    â€œI haven’t actually seen her yet. She went on a little trip with a friend and won’t be returning until tomorrow. But I’ve seen a picture of her and she’s beautiful.”
    Clayton laughed. “She must be Caitlin’s little look-alike.”
    Dex chuckled. “I hate to disappoint you, little brother, but she’s the spittin’ image of me. She has my eyes, my nose and those Madaris lips. She couldn’t look more like me if I had given birth to her myself.”
    â€œI thought you said she was beautiful. Everyone knows what an ugly cuss you are,” Clayton replied jokingly.
    â€œKeep talking, bro, and I may be tempted to break your nose when I see you. But seriously, there’s a lot I need to discuss with you. I desperately need legal advice.”
    â€œNo problem. I’ll be there as soon as I can.”
    â€œThere’s something else that’s bothering me, Clayton.”
    â€œWhat’s that?”
    Dex proceeded to tell Clayton about the letter Halston Parker had left him and what it said.
    â€œHave you told Caitlin about it?”
    â€œNo. She’s pretty shaken up over her father’s death. And until I’m sure what’s in Halston’s letter is legit, I don’t want to say anything to her about it.”
    â€œWhen will the services be held?”
    â€œThe day after tomorrow. I’ll put off going to the police until that’s over…and Clayton?”
    â€œYeah?”
    â€œHow about dropping by my place and packing a few things. It seems I may be here awhile.”
    â€œWhat’s the name of the hotel where you can be reached?”
    â€œUntil I find out what’s going on, I’m staying right here with Caitlin. I blindly promised her father I would take care of her, and I’m going to keep my word.”
    â€œWill Trevor be running the business while you’re away?”
    â€œYeah,” Dex replied. “He’s the best project foreman there is. Madaris Explorations is in good hands. I’ll give him a call later to let him know where I am, so he’ll know how to reach me.”
    â€œI’m going to catch the first available flight out in the morning, Dex. I’ll call you from the airport for directions to Caitlin’s father’s home. I’ll see you then.”

    Caitlin heard someone knocking on her bedroom door in the deep recesses of her mind. She opened her eyes. Moaning, she shifted her head on the pillow. Good…the sound had stopped. She felt completely awful, and in an attempt to find relief she sank back against the pillow and closed her eyes.
    The knocking started again. She opened her eyes and blinked once sluggishly. Slowly pulling herself out of bed and putting on a robe, she nearly stumbled over her shoes which were tossed carelessly on the bedroom floor. Making her way to the door, she