Her Christmas Hero by Linda Warren Page A

sorry.” Quinn remembered Britt saying something about her grandmother’s losses in life. It certainly had hardened her.
    â€œDon’t be. If the gun had worked, you’d be a dead dirt-bag.”
    â€œYou never pulled the trigger.”
    â€œMinor technicality.” Ona looked out at the traffic and at the buildings they were passing. “Are you taking me to the warden?”
    â€œWho’s that?”
    â€œMy daughter.”
    â€œI’m taking you to Britt’s.”
    â€œGood. The lecture won’t be as severe. Carin can ramble on for days.”
    He pulled up to Britt’s apartment complex. It was a new er brick building in a good area of Austin. A small children’s playground was to the left. That must have been one of its selling features for Britt. Another pang of regret hit him at his involvement in the case.
    Turning off the engine, he asked, “Ready to face the music?”
    There was a long pause. “A baby should be with his mother.” The words came out low and hoarse.
    â€œYes, ma’am. God willing, that will happen soon.”
    â€œIt never would have happened if you hadn’t represented that low-life sleazebag.” She opened her door. “I hope you can live with yourself.”
    He sighed. That was becoming harder and harder.
    Â 
    B RITT PACKED WHAT SHE needed in a carryall. She’d didn’t plan to spend the night. The sooner she was back in Austin the better.
    Her doorbell rang and she went to answer it, looking through the peephole first. Her mother. Britt quickly opened the door.
    â€œI can’t find Mama anywhere,” Carin said, walking in and removing her coat.
    Britt closed the door. “She’s not at Enzo’s?”
    â€œNo.” Carin sank onto the sofa, placing her purse beside her. “Uncle Enzo’s not there, either. The lady at the home said he was there earlier and Mama was visiting him, but they don’t know where they are now.” Carin gripped her hands together in her lap. “Where are they, Britt? And what are they up to? I keep waiting for a call.”
    She sat by her mother and hugged her. “Is the home looking for them?”
    â€œMrs. Gaston said they would, but—”
    The doorbell rang.
    â€œI’ll get it, and please stay calm. We’ll find them even if I have to cancel my flight.”
    â€œYou have enough to worry about.”
    â€œIt’s no worry. I love Onnie.”
    Britt hurried to the door and once again looked through the peephole. Him again!
    â€œGo away. I’m not talking to you.”
    Carin got to her feet. “Who is it?”
    â€œNo one who matters.”
    â€œThis is not a social call. Your grandmother is with me.”
    What? Britt yanked open the door. “Onnie, where have you been?”
    â€œMama.” Carin hurried to confront her mother. “I’ve been worried out of my mind.”
    â€œYou’re always worried.” Ona shrugged out of her coat.
    â€œWhere have you been?” Carin demanded.
    â€œSomethin’ had to be done, so Enzo and I decided to kill Quentin Ross.” Carin fainted.
    â€œMom!” Britt screamed, and knelt beside her. “Mom. Mom!”
    Quinn bent to help. “Don’t touch my mother,” she growl ed in a low voice.
    They eyed each other over her prone body for a second. Britt was angry and wanted him out of her apartment. His eyes flashed a blue warning. Looking away, he lifted Carin’s head. “Mrs. Davis.”
    â€œOo-o-o-h.” She reached for her forehead.
    â€œAre you okay?” Britt helped her sit up. Quinn held on to her, too. Britt shot him a go-to-hell glance.
    â€œDid Mama say…?”
    â€œIt’s okay, Mrs. Davis,” Quinn murmured. “As you can see, I’m alive.”
    â€œHe wouldn’t be if I had my way.” Onnie sat with her arms crossed over her chest, a stubborn expression Britt knew well