Read Pearl Cove for Free Online Page B

to her husband. Early in their relationship, she had decided that
     there was only one thing Kyle was good for in the first few minutes after waking up, and
     she didnt need a witness for that. Sipping coffee, she looked at Seattles glittering
     lights spread against the utter black of a November morning.
    Kyle took his second cup without cream, drank it down, shuddered, and held out his cup for
     more without looking at Archer. Halfway into the third cup, he raked his fingers through
     his blond hair, straightened, and clicked into focus. Wheres the fire? he asked irritably.
     If there was a fire, youd be toast by now, Archer said. Yeahyeahyeah. This better be good.
    A half brother you never knew just died. As Archer spoke, he flipped pancakes onto a warm
     plate.
    Kyles green-and-gold eyes narrowed to slits. It took him less than two heartbeats to
     realize that his brother was serious. Jesus.
    I doubt that religion had anything to do with it. Len McGarry wasn
    t a churchgoing man. Archer put the pancake plate in the oven and poured more batter onto
     the griddle.
    Half brother. Holy shit. Kyle looked into his coffee and took a slow, deep breath. Dad or
     Mom? Dad. Before he met Mom. How do you know?
    Long story. I dont have time for it and it doesnt matter now. Just dont say anything to
     The Donovan or Susa, Archer added, using his parents nicknames. Ill tell Dad when I know
     more. He can tell Mom whatever he wants.
    Was The Donovan married before? Lianne asked. No.
    She winced. I hope being raised a bastard was easier on your half brother than it was on
     me.
    Len wouldnt know easy if it walked up and tied a knot in his pecker, Archer said, putting
     a plate of pancakes and bacon in front of his sister-in-law. Eat. Youre too thin to be
     carrying that big mutts children.
    Thin? she asked, outraged. Archer, I could barely get into the breakfast nook!
    We run to twins, sugar, he said, smiling at her. It was one of his rare smiles, the kind
     that made people want to get closer rather than to look for the nearest exit.
    Who are you calling sugar? Kyle asked, rubbing Liannes belly and eyeing her plate of food
     at the same time.
    Not you, fish breath. Theres nothing sweet about you in the morning. Archer pulled a plate
     out of
    the oven and shoved food under Kyles nose. Feed your nerd cells. I need them.
    Talk to me. Kyle picked up the syrup and began pouring generously. I can listen and eat at
     the same time.
    About two this morning, Lens widow, Hannah McGarry, called and told me he was dead. Her
     voice told me a lot more. Shes scared down to the soles of her elegant feet.
    Something in Archers tone made Kyle stop shoveling in food and look at his brother.
     Elegant feet? Archer didnt notice his brothers glance. His eyes were narrowed, more gray
     than green, with not a
    hint of the blue that sunlight and sky could bring out. He was focused on a past only he
     could see.
    She was calling on an open line, he said, so I didnt ask questions and she didnt offer
     answers. I told her Id be in Broome by noon tomorrow.
    Broome? In Australia? Lianne asked.
    Archer nodded.
    Pearls, Kyle said instantly.
    Archer nodded again. Len and I are were partners in a pearl-culturing venture. Pearl
     Cove Farms.
    I didnt know that, Kyle said.
    Archer didnt answer. There was a lot about his past that his family didnt know. He planned
     on keeping it that way. If he could have wiped some of the memories from his own brain, he
     would have. But he couldnt, so he lived with them and did whatever it took to make sure
     that no one else had to.
    Normal spelling on Pearl Cove Farms? Kyle asked, already organizing the computer search in
     his mind.
    Yes.
    Is it a registered business?
    Licensed, taxed to the max, and all but one form duly filed, Archer said.
    Which one?
    The partnership agreement.
    Why?
    Lens choice. I didnt care. But the partnership will stand up in court, here or there, if
     thats what you re worried