Trail of Lies by Margaret Daley Page A

a small pet door he used when he wanted to go out, but usually he stayed in the house. “Sometimes he likes to go exploring in the neighborhood.”
    â€œIt’s dinnertime. He never misses that.”
    Melora checked her watch, surprised that it was already six o’clock. “It’s later than I thought.” She spent the afternoon thinking about Daniel and the man across the street watching her. She couldn’t shake the grin of malice she’dglimpsed from the young man nor the warm feel of Daniel’s hands on her.
    â€œMommy, we have to find Patches. He’ll be hungry.”
    Melora settled her hand on Kaitlyn’s shoulder. “Honey, he’ll come home when he’s hungry enough. Leave the food. We’ll see him shortly, I’m sure.” In all the time they’d had the cat, he’d always found his way home. He was probably in the backyard stalking a bird or squirrel. Thankfully, she’d never seen him catch one.
    â€œLet’s go see when dinner is going to be tonight. Remember Uncle Tyler is coming over to eat with us?”
    â€œOh, good. I can show him my new book. Maybe he’ll read it to me.” Kaitlyn took Melora’s hand and tugged her toward the kitchen.
    Stepping into the room, Melora drew in a deep breath. The prime rib smelled wonderful. Coupled with the aroma of Juanita’s delicious homemade biscuits, Melora’s taste buds were actually tempted, something that hadn’t happened in weeks—ever since the body had been found.
    â€œWhen will Señor Madison be here?” Juanita turned the stove on to steam her vegetables.
    â€œAny minute. Can you hold dinner for a while? I want to talk to him before we eat.”
    The doorbell chimed. Kaitlyn whirled about and yelled as she raced toward the foyer, “I’ll get it.”
    â€œWait, honey, let—” But her daughter was at the door, thrusting it open before Melora could finish her sentence. “You’re finally here.” Kaitlyn launched herself into her great uncle’s arms.
    Melora slowed her pace when she heard her uncle greet Kaitlyn, but she would have to talk with her daughter about opening the door like that. What if that hadn’t been UncleTyler but that man watching her earlier? He could have snatched…
    â€œGood evening, Melora.”
    She blinked, suddenly realizing her uncle was standing in front of her, holding her daughter in his arms. The sight of him brought relief to her. She was safe with him here this evening. But she knew that feeling would only be fleeting. After all he’d done for her, taking her in and raising her, she wouldn’t endanger his life.
    â€œKaitlyn, Juanita could use some help with the dessert. Can you give her a hand? There’ll be time later to talk to Uncle Tyler.”
    Her uncle placed her daughter on the floor. “Don’t forget I get to read that new book to you tonight before you go to bed.”
    Kaitlyn raced for the kitchen, saying, “I won’t.”
    The second she was gone her uncle’s sharp gaze zeroed in on Melora. “What’s wrong? Still not sleeping?”
    She shook her head. “So much has been happening with Axle’s funeral, the reading of the will, the…” A knot formed in her throat. Tears jammed behind it.
    Cradling her hands between his, Uncle Tyler moved close. “I’m here for you. What do you need?”
    Moisture misted her eyes. “I need to get rid of Axle’s things. I want to sell the restaurant chain, too. Can you help me?”
    â€œOf course, but are you sure you want to get rid of the business? It’s making good money.”
    She didn’t want to tell her uncle the reason why she needed to sell the restaurants. She didn’t want to drag him into anything that could be dangerous. “I need to invest the money, with your help, in something I can understand. I don’t know the first thing