Read About That Man for Free Online Page B

deny him that sense of identity, that sense of connection, because it’s inconvenient?”
    He could feel the heat climbing into his cheeks. “I didn’t say—”
    â€œYou didn’t have to. You’re a coward, Detective Ames.”
    The blunt assessment hit its mark. What had ever made him think that he could get around this woman? She was one tough customer. He met her gaze evenly. “Maybe I am, Mrs. Jackson. You don’t know much about me.”
    â€œI know that you’re willing to turn your back on a little boy without even meeting him.”
    â€œIt wouldn’t be the first time,” Walker muttered, thinking of the accusations his ex-wife liked to throw at him about his treatment of his own kids.
    â€œWhat was that?”
    He sighed. “I have two children of my own, Mrs. Jackson. Two boys.”
    â€œYes, you mentioned being married.”
    â€œDivorced, actually. My ex-wife has moved to North Carolina. I see my kids for two weeks in the summer. My ex claims that’s still more than I saw them when we were living under the same roof.”
    She surveyed him with that penetrating look that disconcerted him.
    â€œIs she right about that?” she asked.
    â€œProbably. I’m a dedicated cop. It’s never been a nine-to-five job for me.”
    â€œWhich is to your credit. I’m sure it’s not easy. Based on our phone conversation, I’m sure you’ve seen things that the rest of us would prefer to pretend don’t happen. That must take a terrible toll. The work must consume youat times. I know mine does, and it can’t be nearly as difficult as what you face.”
    â€œThat’s still no excuse for neglecting my family,” he said. “I was a lousy husband and not much of a father.”
    â€œYour words or hers?”
    He smiled at her indignant expression. “Hers, but she pretty much nailed it. I don’t deny it.”
    â€œOwning up to your mistakes,” she said with a little nod of satisfaction. “I think maybe you have potential, after all, Detective.”
    â€œI haven’t changed,” he insisted.
    â€œBut you can, with the right incentive.” She pushed the picture of Tommy back in his direction. “At least meet him. Tommy needs to know that he still has family out there. You owe him that. You surely owe your sister that.”
    Walker couldn’t debate that point. He owed Beth for not being there for her, for not trying harder to keep her away from Flanagan, for not finding her years ago.
    â€œOkay, you win. I’ll meet Tommy, but I’m not making any promises, Mrs. Jackson.”
    â€œFair enough.” She reached across and patted his hand. “I’m sure you’ll decide to do the right thing when the time comes.”
    Walker wished he shared her faith. There was one more thing he had to do while he was here, though. He needed to go by the cemetery, see where his sister was buried.
    â€œBefore we go to see Tommy, there’s something I’d like to do,” he began.
    â€œStop by the cemetery,” she guessed. “It’s five now. I’ll call Daisy and let her know we’ll be there about six. And if you’d like to take flowers to your sister’s grave, I know where we can get some lovely ones.”
    He hadn’t thought of flowers, but she was right. He needed to make a gesture, leave something behind. Maybe wherever Beth was she would know and would understand that she’d always been in his heart.
    Â 
    King waved his latest housekeeper out of the dining room. Never could trust the help not to pass along every word that was spoken in his house. Finally satisfied that she wasn’t lurking at the keyhole, he regarded his sons intently and asked, “Okay, now, what are we going to do about your sister?”
    â€œI should have known you didn’t just invite us over here for a nice dinner,” Tucker