The Troublesome Angel by Valerie Hansen

this place when that woman gets a gander at you and that dog in her fancy parlor.” Laughing and shaking his head, he ducked out the door.
    Gray looked at Stacy and gestured toward the archway leading to the main part of the house. “Shall we?”
    Heaving a telling sigh, she complied. “Okay. But I wish I was going with Mr. Feeters. I think he’s the smart one around here.”
    “Don’t worry. I won’t let Mother pick on you the way she used to. Not much, anyway.”
    “Very funny.” She shot a withering glance over her shoulder at him, then remembered what he’dsaid about her being a snob in reverse. It had helped to hear that the Paynes hadn’t always been rich. It made them seem more human. She was curious to know the details. “Tell me about your grandfather’s farm.”
    “The one he sold? There’s not much to tell. It was just bottom land along the Arkansas River, like Euless said.” He hesitated for effect, then added, “I think they call the place South Little Rock, now.”
     
    Gray’s parents, Estelle and Nathan Payne, were seated in the drawing room when Graydon ushered Stacy and her dog into their presence. Before either of them could do more than gasp in surprise, Gray said, “We’ve been all over the grounds. Missy’s not there. We’re going to check the house.”
    Nathan jumped to his feet seconds before his wife. “You’ll do nothing of the kind! The servants have already done that.”
    It surprised Stacy to realize she felt briefly threatened. Apparently, she hadn’t lost all her youthful dread of encountering the elder Paynes again. At her side, Lewis tensed and growled. Nathan backed down visibly.
    “Really, Graydon…” his mother began.
    It was the look of disdain in Estelle’s eyes that gave Stacy the confidence boost she needed. Stepping forward, Lewis heeling at her side, she smiled pleasantly and extended her free hand. “I guessyou don’t remember me, Mrs. Payne. I’m Stacy Lucas. I used to be a friend of Mark’s.”
    “Oh, really?” She made no move to shake Stacy’s hand. “How nice.”
    Amused by the rebuff, Stacy stepped back. “Actually, it was for the best that we stopped seeing each other. I’m glad he’s found someone like Candace.”
    The older woman stared. “You know Mark’s wife?”
    “Not personally. I saw her at the Spring River Campground with Mark, the first time Missy ran away.”
    “Oh?” Estelle’s eyebrow arched.
    Stacy’s indignation was rapidly waning, leaving her feeling contrite about the antagonistic thoughts that kept popping into her head. Obviously, the Lord wasn’t through showing her that she had a long way to go before she could claim she’d completely forgiven the elder Paynes.
    She spoke her conclusions. “Look, I came to find a lost child, that’s all. As soon as I find her, I’ll be out of your hair for good.” A subtle smile lifted the corners of her mouth. “That’s a promise.”
    Nathan found his voice. “Now see here, Graydon…”
    Stacy sensed Gray close behind her. To her surprise, Lewis tolerated his nearness this time.
    “Well, Dad, we could always call the authorities instead. I’m sure your ritzy neighbors would bethoroughly entertained by a horde of uniformed officers combing this place from one end to the other. It should make quite a show.”
    Estelle spoke up. “That won’t be necessary, Graydon. I’m sure you can look after Ms. Lucas for us.”
    The implication of mistrust was clear to Stacy. It struck her so funny she temporarily gave in to her all too human urge to tease. She gazed up at her protector and batted her lashes dramatically. An overly sweet smile graced her lips. “Will you look after me, Gray? Make sure I don’t go anywhere I don’t belong? Maybe count the silver when I’m done?”
    He didn’t merely chuckle in response, he roared. She was leaning so close to his broad, strong chest that she could actually feel the vibrations of his hearty laughter.
    Her pulse thudded in her