Legacy of Truth
Genie Gabriel
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BLURB: Legacy of Truth
Thomas O'Shea is the bad boy in a family of overachievers, haunted by what he saw as a child. When he turns to a woman known as The Wizard to help him solve the mystery of his adoptive father's death, the killers start closing in. His childhood memories hold the key to saving his family--if they can uncover the truth buried beneath years of fear and deceit.
Excerpt: Legacy of Truth
Thomas stared at Jenny standing in the great room in a little slip of a dress. No jeans to hide her long, sexy legs. No cane to steady her balance.
Love and desire plowed into his belly. "Wow."
She smiled at him uncertainly. "Is that a good wow or a bad wow?"
"Definitely a good wow." Thomas stepped forward and took her hand. "Do you want your cane?"
With a shake of her head, Jenny said, "I'm walking unaided tonight."
Thomas raised an eyebrow, and her spirited side burst out. "You don't think I can do it?"
He grinned. "I think you can do anything you set your mind to."
Her gaze narrowed on him, as if assessing whether he was teasing or not. "I may need an occasional hand from my escort."
Thomas tucked her hand in the crook of his arm. "Any time."
When they arrived at Waring House, a look of dismay crossed Jenny's face when she stared at the broad, curving staircase. The one she would have to climb to reach the ballroom on the third floor.
"There's an elevator," Thomas whispered.
"I'm walking tonight." A slight tremble vibrated in her words.
"Save your energy for dancing." Thomas swept Jenny into his arms and carried her up the stairs.
A squeak of protest slid out of her throat before she quieted. Not the first time he had carried her slight frame, but the first time since he realized she was The One.
That realization changed everything. Thomas felt more protective, yet also felt the need to be more gentle, as if to let her know without saying the words how special she was. He set her carefully on her feet in the entryway just outside the ballroom.
"I won't break, you know." Jenny brushed non-existent wrinkles out of her dress.
Her prickly comment told him she noticed something different, so Thomas fell back into their usual verbal sparring. "Didn't want to crumple your dress."
"Hmmph." However, she did take his arm before they entered the grand ballroom, where tables had been set up so diners could enjoy the fine French cuisine and listen to the music at the same time, then perhaps dance later on.
Thomas walked slowly with Jenny on his arm, letting her savor the moment of triumph when she walked all the way to their table. No cane. Just using those beautiful legs.
As Thomas pulled out a chair for Jenny to sit down, they shared a victorious smile. Then they dined with the rest of the family as the chamber group of Halo citizens played. Muted conversations and enthusiastic applause for the musicians made for a delightful dinner. Mayor Audrey beamed over the success what she hoped would be the first of many "cultural evenings."
The chamber musicians had just started on another piece when the lights went out.
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