Trail of Lies by Margaret Daley Page B

about running a chain like Axle’s.”
    â€œYou don’t have to. That’s why I hired William Thompson to run the business for you.”
    She drew herself up straighter, to stress she wasn’t going to let Uncle Tyler talk her into anything she knew she shouldn’t do. “I want to be able to comprehend what’s going on. Weren’t you the one who said know what you’re getting into before you take the plunge?”
    He laughed. “Yeah, but that was the time you dove into the lake from the bluff. You could have hurt yourself if it hadn’t been deep enough or there had been rocks under the water.”
    â€œThe same principle applies.” She hooked her arm through his and headed for Axle’s office.
    At the door, Uncle Tyler stopped and angled toward her. “Look, I can buy the restaurant chain from you. It would be a good investment for me.”
    â€œNo, it wouldn’t,” Melora said without thought.
    He frowned. “You forget I’ve looked at the books and know what’s going on. I didn’t turn it over to William without watching out for your interests.”
    But if something illegal was going on, she didn’t want her uncle tied up in it. She forced a smile to her lips. “You know nothing has to be settled right away. We have plenty of time to figure out what to do with the business. Maybe after the holidays.”
    As he smiled the sparkle in his dark eyes showcased the appeal her uncle could exert effortlessly. His dignified look combined with his tall stature commanded people’s attention when he entered a room. Much like Daniel did. Like at today’s committee meeting. Even though Hank hadn’t gone along with what Daniel had requested concerning the Alamo celebration, she’d seen the respect in the older man’s expression when dealing with Daniel.
    â€œWhy are we in here,” Uncle Tyler waved his arm toward the office, “when I can smell Juanita’s delicious roast?”
    â€œBefore you came, I was in here thinking about what to do with Axle’s personal belongings now that he’s officially dead.”
    Bushy white eyebrows slashed downward. “What?”
    Melora laid her hand on his arm. “I know how much you liked Axle, but I’ve got to move on.”
    â€œAre you getting rid of all this?”
    â€œProbably not right away but after the holidays. I don’t want to disrupt Kaitlyn’s Christmas. This past week has been tough enough on her.”
    â€œAnd not you?”
    She didn’t want to lie to her uncle, but neither could she tell him the whole truth. “When Axle didn’t come home, I felt something was wrong. After a year, I came to accept that he was gone—probably dead. His body being found actually brought some closure for me.” Suddenly, she had a thought that slammed into her like the intruder who had tackled her to the floor. What if she found Axle’s flash drive? What would she do with it? Whatever she did could have far-reaching consequences, and above all she could never put her family in danger. She would have to consider it carefully.
    Melora backed out of the office and closed its door as though if she didn’t see Axle’s possessions she wouldn’t be faced with the dilemma. “You’re right. We can wait to talk about the business and Axle’s things. Dinner should be ready. I know how much you like Juanita’s cooking.”
    â€œSometimes I can’t believe you persuaded me to let you hire Juanita away from me.”
    She was thankful every day that he’d graciously giving his blessing for Juanita to come to work for her. The housekeeper had been the only person who knew what had reallygone on in the house with Axle. That she and Axle weren’t the perfect couple they had presented to the world. That her marriage had been held together with threats.
    As they entered the kitchen area, Kaitlyn stood