Hide in Plain Sight - Harlequin.com

44 Hide In Plain Sight
sibilities, and I meet them.” She frowned. “What are
you doing here, anyway?”
“Katherine asked me to take care of this loose place
in the banister.” He wiggled the carved wood gently,
mindful of its delicate reeding. “I had time to get to it
this afternoon.”
“I didn’t realize you work for my grandmother.”
“I don’t. I’m just being neighborly.” He still hadn’t
figured out the best approach. “Look, I know this is
none of my business—”
“But it’s not going to stop you,” she finished for
him. “All right. You won’t be content until you have
your say, so get it over with.” She planted one hand on
the railing, standing up a step so that their faces were
level.
“You don’t beat around the bush, do you?”
“I try not to.” A slight frown appeared between her
brows. “Does that bother you?”
“On the contrary, it makes it easier.” If she wanted
it straight from the hip, she’d get it. “Your grandmother
and sister have been running themselves ragged, trying
to get the inn ready. They needed help even before
Rachel was hurt, but now it’s worse. With Rachel in the
hospital, your grandmother shouldn’t be in the house
alone. Did she tell you she’s spotted a prowler out in
the grounds recently?”
She sent him a startled glance, hand tightening on
the railing. “No. Did she call the police?”
“By the time they got here, the person was long
gone.” He shrugged. “They didn’t take it too seriously,
figuring it was just someone curious about the inn. Still,