Читать книгу Deadly Disclosure - Meghan Carver - Страница 13

FOUR

How did her father know Derek’s name? Willford McClarnon was an astute businessman—aggressive and perhaps even harsh when the occasion called for it. But Hannah also knew him to be polite and hospitable and loving. He had never even met Derek and, in fact, wouldn’t have known him at all since their high school romance had been a secret. Still was a secret. Wasn’t it?

Hannah shifted from one foot to the other, now uncertain as to what should come next. Would life have been different if they had told her parents? Would they have accepted Derek? Perhaps they should have tried. But one glance at her father, now glaring at Derek and seemingly holding his hand in a death grip, confirmed that their high school decision had been the right one. That old romance was better kept a secret, just as the renewal of her attraction to him should also be kept under wraps. Again and again the thought bounced around her mind: better to get this situation resolved and let Derek go back to wherever he came from.

Her father finally released Derek’s hand and turned toward her mother, placing a protective arm around her. They exchanged a glance, but Hannah couldn’t read their expressions.

“It’s always nice to have a visit from our little girl, even a surprise one.” Her father’s tone held the hidden meaning that she should have called first, arranged a time, allowed them to prepare tea or some sort of refreshment, perhaps on the veranda.

“I’m not sure how nice you’ll think this is, Father.” Hannah couldn’t believe the words coming out of her mouth. She wasn’t being disrespectful, but assertiveness had never been her forte. Perhaps law school had had a positive effect on her confidence. Either that or the news from just an hour ago was enough to embolden her. She pulled her birth certificate from her purse and thrust it toward him. “I have a few questions.”

Her father examined the document for a few seconds, then looked at her with a question of his own in his eyes. “Yes?”

“Derek, a, um, friend from high school who is now in law enforcement, came to the office today and told me that I’m adopted. Adopted, Father! And then the lawyer I work for pulled up my birth certificate and said that the date of issue confirms it.” She pointed at the birth certificate. “Is that what this means?”