Sharon glanced at the other woman. “I appreciate it.” And she hoped Tony would give Felicia the kind of life she deserved.
Sharon and Richard were silent on the way back to the car.
Once inside, Richard turned to her and asked, “Why did you say you might never have the family you want?”
“Because we obviously have a lot to discuss when this blackmail thing is over. If you have to drop out or if the picture or pictures are published, I’ll be responsible for ruining your career and your dreams. I don’t expect you to forgive me for that.”
He shook his head harshly and turned the key in the ignition. “Damn, you don’t give me enough credit. Or maybe you just judge all men by that dirtbag’s example and I never realized it until now. Do you think that whatever we have to discuss will stop us from getting married? Or that I would really hold something that happened to you against you?”
She didn’t answer. It seemed every time she tried to speak, she made things worse between them.
All Sharon could do now was throw herself into the search for her blackmailer…and see what happened between her and Richard when all was said and done.
DEREK DROPPED HOLLY OFF with his father for lunch. No sooner was she gone than he turned to Gabrielle. “What was in the note?” he asked. He’d been dying to know for the past half hour.
“A name.” She pulled the paper out of her bag. “Does the name Harry Winters mean anything to you?”
Derek narrowed his gaze. “That’s the guy who lives near my uncle Edward. His only neighbor. If anyone in town is as much of a loner as my uncle, it would be Harry Winters.”
Gabrielle leaned back in her seat. “Any idea why Mary Perkins’s former assistant thinks the name would be important to me?”
“As a matter of fact, I do. I’ll tell you on the way.” He shifted the SUV into Drive.
“On the way where?”
“To pay Mr. Winters a visit. I think we’re about to make the connection between who wants you out of town and why.”
Ten minutes later, Derek pulled onto the long road that led to his uncle’s house. He’d visited Edward on his arrival back home, but he hadn’t been here since. He had his reasons.
Gabrielle glanced out the car window at the trees lining the road. “Are those jujus?” she asked, incredulously staring at the items hanging from tree branches.
Derek nodded. “How the hell do you know about jujus?” He hadn’t known until his most recent visit.
Apparently his uncle had decided to do whatever he could to ward off the curse and any other impending evil by learning about New Orleans voodoo. He’d decided to obtain jujus—objects made from something that had once been alive, tree bark among other things—as protection.
“You’ve obviously never read one of my books!” she said, laughing and accusing him at the same time.
His face flushed hot. “Guilty. I’ve always been curious, but I don’t get a lot of time to read.”
She shook her head softly. “It’s okay,” she told him. “I’m just busting your chops. But you can’t conduct research on the paranormal and odd cultural beliefs without coming across at least one reference to jujus.”
They came to the end of the road where two lone houses came into view.
“Is that a totem pole?” She leaned forward in her seat.
He nodded and groaned. “You can get a better look up close. There are several of them. My uncle heard that they offered protection. He took it a little far,” Derek said wryly.
“You think?” Her sarcasm and amusement were clear.
He parked and turned her way. “I can’t leave my SUV in plain view and not stop in and say hello to my uncle. If he makes you uncomfortable, you can wait here. I won’t be long.” Derek started to get out of the vehicle.
“Wait!” Her eyes lit up unexpectedly. “I’d love to say hello to your uncle.”
“And get a look at his craziness firsthand?” He’d hoped to keep his ornery uncle and Gabrielle far apart. “He may be a recluse, but he isn’t so isolated that gossip doesn’t reach him. I’m sure he knows by now that you’re writing about the curse. You can see how far he’ll go to keep it from touching him. I doubt he’s pleased you’re stirring that pot.”
She unhooked her seat belt. “I really don’t mind if he’s a little gruff with me. I understand his point of view. But even your father softened enough toward me to take Holly so I could stay with you until things blow over. And we washed Fred together without incident. I’ll be nice to Uncle Edward. Take me with you, please?” She clasped her hands together in mock begging.
“You don’t know Uncle Edward,” he warned her.