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to know!” She calmed a little. “It’s a game, like acting. I’m not real when I’m there.”
    “The men believe you are. That’s why one tried to take what he thought you were offering.” She swallowed and looked away. She didn’t want to think about it. She’d make sure it never happened again. She’d be smarter.
    “Johnny told me how that guy stalked you. He’s glad we’re in the parking lot when you and the others get off, because he has his hands full with the drunks inside.”
    “My turn now. I’m sorry.” His silence over the months allowed her to believe he didn’t think too much about what she did for a living. He truly seemed to care for her and Heather. She didn’t know her working at the club gave him cause for concern.
    “You shouldn’t be involved in this. I should’ve—”
    “No. Keith told me and Nomad to make sure you got home safe.” He’d never once mentioned why they began insisting on taking and picking her up from work. Why would Keith ask them to do something like that?
    “He didn’t know what he was asking you to do.”
    “It wouldn’t matter.”
    “Have you said anything to the others?” His brows came together as he grasped her 37

    Kathleen Lash

    hand. “I wouldn’t. You know I wouldn’t, and neither would Nomad. You never told Heather where you work, and you asked us not to say anything.”
    “None of them need to know.”
    “I agree.”
    She cleared her throat and pulled her hand away. “A little more and I’ll quit. I’ll figure something else out. It’s just…we needed the cash.
    Fast.”
    “I can give you money if you’ll stop. Let me say something to Keith.”
    “No!”
    “Really. We can support you and Heather.”
    “No.”
    Christy walked in. “Mark?” He cleared his throat and faced her. “Is everything all right?” She looked smaller than normal. Not liking conflict of any nature, it probably stemmed from two parents who battered each other on a regular basis.
    Medium length, curly brown hair accentuated her large, hazel eyes. They’d frightened her because tears formed. Damn it!
    Mark stroked her cheek. “Sure, Christy, everything’s fine. We were just talking about Keith not calling.”
    Christy appeared wary as she looked between them. Whisper turned and stuck her hands in the dishwater when Mark’s cell phone rang. He pulled it from his pocket and answered. After a moment, he said, “Where in the hell have you been!” Mark listened and his face lit up. Yes and no answers were relayed. “Get here as soon as you can.
    This is great! Wait until I tell Billy and Corey!” After a brief pause, he asked, “Why?” The conversation ended shortly after and he snapped the phone shut. “They have him working like mad. They’re finishing the job and he’ll be home before Thanksgiving. He’s getting vacation and 38

    Whisper

    might be here until after the first of the year! But he doesn’t want me to tell Billy yet. He said things can go wrong, so I should just wait until I see him. Oh, and to get the break, he might not be calling too often. I guess they’re really going wild with the hours on the job site. Isn’t that great?” Christy beamed and Whisper managed a smile.
    She’d only been around a few months and knew absolutely nothing concrete about Keith, other than what the kids relayed. The story didn’t sound quite right. She wondered why the sudden change in routine. Not letting any of her thoughts surface, she said, “It sounds wonderful. You guys can get back to normal for a while.”
    “Wait,” Mark said, “what do you mean by that?”
    “The real ruler of the roost will be home soon.
    You won’t need me or Heather around all the time.”
    “No way. You won’t run off because Keith comes home, will you?”
    “Nope. I’ll back out so the man can have his home and family. He’s probably been waiting years to have some time with you all.”
    “But…”
    “Mark, please. If you need anything, I’m right