Read A Hero for Her Heart (Truly Yours Digital Editions Book 885) for Free Online Page A

had he learned so far? Derrick sliced his steak, then took a sip of tea. At this point it seemed likely that Danny Vahn was his nephew. Sandy had been living on the streets as a runaway, but when she realized she was pregnant, she’d gone to a clinic run by a religious organization. Different churches provided volunteers, and that was where Sandy had met her son’s adoptive mother, a nurse named Cindy Vahn. She’d convinced Sandy that her best option was to give up the baby. A local law firm handled the private adoption, and the lawyer’s name was Paige Maynard. Derrick sighed. A case could be made for coercion, based on what Sandy had told him, but. . .that was then. This was now.
    So where did that leave him on his mission? How would he meet Danny’s adoptive parents and be able to observe their interaction with the boy? All he wanted was to reassure Sandy—and himself—that Danny was in safe hands. If the boy’s parents were anything like Allie, he and Sandy had nothing to fear.
    Derrick finished up his meal, paid his check, and headed out of the hotel. He strode aimlessly around the center of town, his stomach in knots. He’d eaten too much too quickly. Perhaps a walk would settle his stomach.
    Though Walla Walla was not very far from the dry arid desert of the Tri-Cities where his family lived, it was like a green oasis. He appreciated the sight of the Blue Mountains in the distance, where he often skied in the winter. Had Danny ever skied? It would be great to have an opportunity to teach the boy everything. To make him a part of the Owens firm when he grew up. . .
    No. What was he thinking? He had to keep his promise to Sandy. Check on Danny, leave town, and report back to her. His nephew would never be a part of his life.
    After passing one tourist-type shop after another, Derrick found himself several blocks from the hotel, wandering up Second Avenue. He was about to turn around when a junk store snagged his attention. Piles of items littered the sidewalk outside. Just the type of shop he used to visit with Lynn, the woman he thought he’d marry. The gaudy sign read T HE Q UAINT S HOP , and Derrick peered through the window at a washboard like his great granny used to own. He peered inside the store and caught sight of Shannon, Allie’s friend.

Five
    Shannon had mentioned she owned a store. This must be it. For some reason it suited her. And having access to her alone suited Derrick. Maybe he could pry some information from her.
    He wasn’t two steps into the shop when Shannon came bounding up to him, a bright smile on her face.
    “What do you know?” she quipped. “The hero’s here!”
    Derrick glanced over his shoulder. “Where?”
    Shannon laughed. “It’s time to close. Let me lock the door and you can join me in the back kitchen. I’m brewing tea. Want some?”
    She twisted the key in the lock, then guided him to the back of the store before he could answer. Shannon pulled aside a beaded curtain, revealing a small kitchen with a tiny white table and two chairs. She pointed at one. “Sit. And don’t worry, this is herbal.”
    Derrick eyed the delicate-looking antique chair and proceeded with caution.
    “That is stronger than it looks, believe me.” She held the kettle over a plain brown teapot and glanced at him. “None of that caffeine in this. Kills the liver, you know.”
    “That’ll be fine.” He’d be willing to put his liver on the line for a strong cup of coffee right about now, but it was more important to be sociable.
    While she hummed and brewed tea, he studied the kitchen. Shannon had been born in the wrong decade. She would’ve been right at home in the golden era of hippies. He sniffed and scanned the room to locate the source of the strong scent.
    “Jasmine and chamomile,” she said as she poured tea from the pot to mugs.
    He blinked. “What?”
    “What you smell. Aromatherapy. Jasmine and chamomile. Good for end-of-the-day relaxation.”
    “Oh,” he murmured. How