Deadly Aim by Patricia H. Rushford

best.”
    Angel had to agree. “They’re the same as always. Dad talks about retiring, but I doubt he’ll leave until they kick him out. Ma is busy with church stuff. And she’s still volunteering with Meals on Wheels. Did I tell you that now she’s doing hospital visits as well? The woman never quits. She sews for Tim’s girls and knits and quilts. I don’t know where she finds the time to do it all.” Angel picked up her glass. “Do you know shecame by the house today, after...” The lump came back to clog her throat, and she fought a wave of tears.
    “Angel...” Brandon’s face was wearing that helpless male look.
    She excused herself to go to the rest room. By the time she had used the facilities and washed her hands, the tears were well under control. At least she hoped so. When she got back to the table, the busgirl was taking away their empty plates.
    When the waiter came with the check, Brandon handed him a credit card. A few minutes later, they were walking out to the car. Angel had actually enjoyed dinner and was glad she’d decided to go. She’d managed to put the shooting out of her mind for a little while at least.
    Instead of taking her to her apartment, Brandon headed north on Highway 101.
    “Where are we going?”
    “You’ll see.”
    Angel closed her eyes and leaned back, thankful for any diversion that would keep her from dealing with Billy’s death.

 
    W hen they reached the outskirts of the city, Brandon made a right, taking them east along Vista View Terrace. The road meandered into the hills and through Sunset Cove’s most prestigious neighborhoods. From their vantage point, the bay looked like a huge bowl with openings at each end. To the west it narrowed and curved where it met the ocean. To the east the hills separated just enough to allow the Ilchee River access. They drove past a number of elegant homes perched on the hillside, overlooking the cove.
    “We’re not going to your place, are we?” Angel asked. The last thing she wanted to do was face his parents.
    He took hold of her hand. “You don’t have to worry about Mom and Dad. They wouldn’t let this kind of thing affect the way they feel about you.”
    Probably not , Angel mused. She’d never gotten the impression they cared that much about her anyway. Somehow she doubted they’d appreciate their son bringing home a...
    Angel quickly turned her attention back to the road.
    Brandon’s home, mansion actually, was located on Sunset Drive in an upscale housing development. Brandon answered her question by going past his street.
    As they drove, Angel glimpsed some spectacular views of the bay and ocean between homes. Finally Brandon slowed and turned into Bayside Drive, which took them down the hill closer to the water. “I hope we’re not going to a party. I’m not in the mood.”
    “Nope. Just you and me.” He smiled at her again, his eyes twinkling.
    “What are you up to?” She couldn’t help smiling back, finding his excitement contagious.
    “You’ll find out soon enough. We’re here.”
    Brandon pulled into the driveway of a home that looked like it belonged on the cover of Coastal Living magazine. The lawn, what she could see of it, sloped down to the water’s edge.
    “Who lives here?”
    “No one at the moment.”
    “Then what? Is it for sale?”
    “Come on. I want to show you around.”
    “Are you thinking of buying it?”
    Brandon turned off the engine and reached for her hand. Raising it to his lips, he kissed it then pulled her closer, brushing a kiss against her cheek and lips. “I might be. Let’s go inside.”
    “Shouldn’t you have a realtor show it to you?”
    “I already made arrangements.” He got out of the car and came around to open her door. Holding her hand, he led her toward the entrance—a covered tile patio and large double doors, both framing beveled glass ovals.
    “Come on, Brandon. Why are you being so secretive? Why are we here?”
    “You’ll know soon