Shattered by Donna Ball

similarity.
    Of course, as Laura had pointed out only this morning, it had been two and a half years. Carol had no idea what her daughter looked like now. If Kelly was still alive....
    “Carol? Is that a problem?”
    Belatedly, Carol registered his question and turned back to him with a smooth smile to hide her confusion. “Not at all. I was just trying to decide which lots you might like best. We have about a dozen beachfront listings now, but you might also want to look at some of the second-tier lots. They're bigger and even more private, and run about half the price of beachfront. Best of all, because of the building restrictions, you would always have an ocean view, even on second tier. Of course the second-tier lots are so lush with natural vegetation that they're practically pre-landscaped for you. That can be a real advantage with the price of landscaping these days, and you know how hard it is to get anything to grow at the beach.”
    He made a thoughtful sound of agreement. “I guess there are strict building restrictions about tearing up the vegetation.”
    “Some of the strictest in the state. We're on such a shallow little island here that the ecosystem is very fragile. Interestingly enough, the very sternness of the restrictions attract some of the most creative architects in the country. They like the challenge, I guess.”
    He grinned at her. “You're quite a salesperson, aren't you?”
    Carol replied modestly, “It's what I do.”
    He said, “I might like to take a look at what some of those other architects are doing. Of course,” he added apologetically, “I've already taken up a lot of your time and I don't want to inconvenience you.”
    “I've got all the time in the world,” Carol assured him. “Especially since you're taking this house, because I won't have to show it again. And if you decide to pick up a couple of lots on the side, too, all the better.”
    He chuckled, once again favoring her with a smile that crinkled his eyes at the edges of his sunglasses. “I might just do that. I always liked this area.”
    “It's a great place to build a part-time home,” Carol agreed, “or even raise a family.”
    “You must work for the chamber of commerce in your spare time.”
    She laughed. “Sometimes I think they should give me a cut.”
    “Do you have children, Carol?”
    The question caught her off guard and something must have been reflected on her face because he explained, “You mentioned something about raising a family here. I thought you might have children of your own.”
    “Oh,” she said, without expression. “One daughter. She—um, she doesn't live with me.”
    It was always uncomfortable, that moment of explanation, and Carol avoided it whenever she could. Carlton quickly sensed the shields she put up, and did not pursue the subject. In a moment he said, “Well, then. How soon can I move in?”
     Carol relaxed. “As soon as you sign the rental contract. The house is ready for occupancy now.”
    “It will take me a couple of days to get things together. Is the weekend okay?”
    “Of course. We'll prorate the rent from the day you move in.”
    “Great.” He glanced at his watch. “We could get the paperwork taken care of now and if you're free, I'd like to take you to lunch.”
    “I was about to suggest the same thing—only the other way around. Taking clients to lunch is what I do, after all.”
    “We'll argue about the check later. And I'll still want to look at some lots when I get settled, so don't sell all the best ones before next week.”
    She said, “No promises. These are prime lots and they go fast.”
    “Shall we go then?” He touched her shoulder lightly.
    “Sure,” Carol said, and returned his smile. The day, she told herself, was definitely off to a good start.
    But that did not help her get the memory of the voice of the girl on the telephone out of her mind.
    ~
     

Chapter Nine
    T he girl in the tower had lived a long, long time; longer than