Never Let Me Go (Welcome To Redemption) by Donna Marie Rogers Page B

of her eyes, Carrie gave Hannah’s shoulder a squeeze before heading off in the direction of the kitchen.
    “You want to talk about it?” Hannah asked.
    Chase stared at her, tempted to open up about his feelings of anger and betrayal. But he wasn’t one to…share. Never had been. Which, according to his sisters, was his biggest fault.
    “Nothing to talk about. We’re just very different people and don’t always understand each other’s choices.”
    Hannah eyed him for a moment. “I think you two are probably more alike than you think.”
    “Thanks a lot,” he said, somewhat hurt. To be compared to that wishy-washy brother of his was a tad insulting.
    “I meant your good qualities,” she amended. “You’re both kind, compassionate, bright…obstinate.” She grinned.
    “And you would know, wouldn’t you?” he teased. Before she could reply, he added, “I need to stop at my place to grab my laptop. You about ready to go?”
    “I’ll meet you at my house.”
    “I’d prefer you follow me to my place.”
    “I’m not five years old, Sheriff.” She pulled her keys from her purse, met his gaze briefly in challenge, then turned and strode out the door.
    Chase pulled his wallet out and slapped some money on the table. “Life would be a whole lot easier if you were, lady.”

 
    Chapter Eight
     
    Hannah woke the next morning to the storm of the century and a foul mood to match. She gulped down a cup of coffee on the ride to the diner, marveling along the way at just how hard the rain was coming down. Normally, she loved a good thunderstorm, but for some reason, the gloomy weather was a bit depressing.
    Business was sparse at best, so when the few people who’d braved the weather to come in for lunch were gone, Hannah gave Miles and Kelly a quick call to tell them not to come in, then closed the diner and headed home.
    She put a mug of water in the microwave for tea before running upstairs to the bathroom.   The phone rang as she was washing her hands, and she made it back down just as the answering machine picked up.
    “Hannah, it’s Drew. Just calling to make sure—”
    “Drew, I’m here. What’s up?”
    “Hey, Sis, just wanted to check in, make sure you’re all right. Dad’s in a bit of a mood today, though who could blame him.”
    “You lost me. What’s the matter with Dad?”
    Drew paused. “It must have slipped your mind. Not surprising with what happened the other night. Today is Mom and dad’s wedding anniversary.”
    Hannah’s heart clenched…she’d completely forgotten. “Shit, no wonder.”
    “What?”
    “I’ve been in a funk all day and couldn’t figure out why. Now…” Hannah took a deep breath as tears flooded her eyes and her throat grew dry. “Is Dad there? Can I talk to him?”
    “Sorry, he’s at a seminar. Should be over in a couple hours, though, if you want to give him a call.”
    Hannah glanced at the clock. “I will, thanks. How is Lindy feeling?”
    “Physically, she says she’s never felt better. But her emotions are all over the place. Dad says that’s pretty normal, so I’m trying not to worry too much.” He chuckled. “She gave me a kiss earlier today, said I was the best thing that ever happened to her. Twenty minutes later, she accused me of being the most clueless man on the face of the earth. Hell, I still don’t even know what I said or did.”
    Hannah tried to smile, but her heart just wasn’t in it. “I doubt she does either. Just stay supportive and try not to say anything stupid.”
    He laughed. “Don’t worry, I’m finding Hot Stuff’s little mood swings a surprising turn on.”
    “Men.” Hannah shook her head. “Well, at least that’s a positive thing.”
    “I thought so.”
    “Drew?”
    “Yeah?”
    “Keep an eye on Dad, will you? He took her death so hard. Today must be torture for him.”
    “I will, don’t worry. Besides, I think he might have turned a corner. One of Lindy’s mom’s friends stopped by yesterday, and