She was right and he knew it, but that didn't mean he had to like it. “Okay.” He cupped her face and tilted her chin back until she was looking at him. The unshed tears made her eyes appear even larger than normal. “How about this? No matter what happens, I'll be beside you all the way."

"Oh, Shamus. I don't want to complicate your life any more than it already is. Your family is never going to change their minds about me."

"Don't be too sure about that.” He'd seen a different look in Patrick's eye just before he'd left the office. “Come on. Let's take some of that coffee back in there before they tear each other apart."

Cyndi looked appalled before giving a shaky laugh. “My money is on Alicia."

Shamus got down mugs, while Cyndi dug through the cupboard for a tray, a sugar bowl, and a milk jug. When everything was ready, she poured the coffee. Shamus picked up the tray. “After you."

Chapter Nineteen

Cyndi was enjoying a cup of herbal tea just after ten o'clock Monday morning when the doorbell rang. In spite of her fears to the contrary, she slept well last night. Shamus left before she'd awakened, but he left her a note. He had some errands to run and would be back later today.

Laying her cup aside, she made her way to the front door, sneakers squeaking lightly against the hardwood floor. It couldn't be Shamus. She'd given him his own key this weekend. A jolt of pleasure shot through her as she remembered just how he'd thanked her for it.

Cautiously, she peeked out the small side window next to the door. When she saw who was there, she groaned. She'd known this confrontation was inevitable if she wanted to put her past behind her, but she'd hoped for a little more time before having to face it. If only she'd ignored the bell. As if on cue, it chimed again.

Giving into the inevitable, she unlocked the door and pulled it open, coming face to face with her past—Burke Black.

Age hadn't diminished the sheer power of the man. His hair was graying at the temples, but other than that, he appeared as formidable as ever.

They stared at each other for a long time before he finally spoke. “May I come in?"

"I don't suppose you'll just go away if I say no?” Already knowing the answer, she held the door open. “We might as well get this over with."

It was strange, but with all she'd been through the past fourteen years and since she'd been back in Jamesville, she was no longer in awe of Burke. Maybe it was because she was no longer a frightened, young woman searching for a way out of a living nightmare.

"I'm having tea in the kitchen, but I can make some coffee if you want."

"I won't be here that long.” He followed her down the hallway and into the kitchen.

"Suit yourself.” Cyndi settled herself on one of the kitchen stools and picked up her cup of tea. “So talk."

He cocked an eyebrow at her. “You've certainly changed."

"It's been a long time. I'm sure we've both changed.” She was unsettled, but determined not to show it. “What can I do for you this morning?"

"I want you to stay away from Shamus."

Well, that was certainly blunt and to the point. She took a sip and carefully set her cup back on the granite countertop. “Shamus is man, not a boy. It's his decision who he sees or doesn't see."

Burke planted his hands on the top of the counter and leaned toward her, crowding her. “He's no match for someone like you."

"Someone like me,” she pondered aloud. “What exactly does that mean? You make me sound like some kind of femme fatale."

"Just devious and manipulative."

"And you're not?” she shot back. She'd had enough of his unfounded accusations. “You all want Shamus to do exactly what you tell him to do and the minute he won't, you turn on him. From where I'm sitting, his family is being manipulative and devious, not me.” Before Burke could speak, she held up her hand. “I've had enough of your insinuations and finger-pointing. Look in the mirror before you start casting blame.” She slid from the stool, putting some distance between herself and the large, angry man glowering at her.

"I tried to send Shamus away at first, but he wouldn't go. And you know what?” She crossed her arms, glaring at Burke. “I like Shamus. A lot.” Now that was an understatement. “Our relationship is none of your concern."

"It's coming between him and his family,” Burke growled.

"That's as much your fault as it is mine. I never demanded he stop seeing any of you. Can you say the same? The past is over and done with. I apologized to Dani at the time, and I'll apologize to you if that's what you need, but I'm done with paying for it.” This was her home and she'd had enough. “It's time for you to leave."

Not waiting to see if he was following, Cyndi marched to the front door and yanked it open. Burke followed a few steps behind her. “This isn't over,” he promised.

"Yes, it is.” She'd said her piece. It was over as far as she was concerned.

"I heard you planned to start a B & B here.” Burke's face gave nothing away, but she could sense the emotions bubbling just below the surface. “You'll need permits, and they might be hard to get."

Cyndi laughed, but there was nothing pleasant about the sound. “Is that a threat?"

"No. Just a fact.” He stepped out onto the front porch and turned to face her.

"My, how like my father you've become Mr. Black.” She could see that her last comment startled him. “But I have documents going back to the founding of this town that allow me to do whatever I want on this piece of land. My ancestors might have been greedy bastards, but they weren't stupid. Good day.” She slammed the door and shot the lock home.

Her heart was pounding, her head spinning, and she thought she might be sick. She sucked in a deep breath, then another, as her pulse gradually slowed and her stomach settled. When she heard Burke's vehicle pulling away, she opened the front door and stared out after him.

The morning, so sunny and crisp, now felt much colder. She was about to close the door when something made her give her car a second glance. She stepped out onto the porch and stared. What was different about it? Then it struck her. Her tires seemed deflated.

Frowning, she hurried down the stairs and over to her car. What in the earth could have happened? She walked all the way around the vehicle. All her tires were flat.

Feeling exposed, she glanced around. There was no one to be seen, but she couldn't shake the sense that someone was watching her. Rubbing her hands up and down her arms, she examined one of the tires. She could quickly see what the problem was. The rubber had been slashed open. It was the same with all four tires.

Sighing, Cyndi hurried back to the house, closing and locking the door behind her. She didn't really want to, but she had to call the authorities. Someone had cut her tires. She wondered if it was the same person who'd shot out the windows, or was this a new enemy?

As she dialed the sheriff's office, it occurred to her that Burke Black was the only other person who'd been in her driveway this morning.

Shamus climbed out of his truck and stared at the back door of his sister's home. He'd spent many hours in that house and considered it a second home. Now he wondered if he'd still be welcome here. His gut tightened, so he took a deep, calming breath.

He'd barely talked to his sister the past few days, and even then the conversations were short and strained, neither of them voicing the true reasons for their estrangement. Shamus was used to seeing his family every single day. Not doing so had left a huge void in his life.

The back door opened, and Dani stood there, her expression filled with sadness. He hated the fact that he was partially responsible for putting it there. He wouldn't take all the credit though. Each member of his family had a part to play in this, too.

"Any chance I might get a cup of coffee?” The fact that he asked showed their relationship was not what it had been. A little more than a week ago, he would have walked into the kitchen and poured a cup for himself.

"Oh, Shamus.” Dani's face crumpled and she began to cry.

He hurried up the path, taking the steps in one leap, and tugged her into his arms. She locked her arms around his waist and sobbed against his shirt. “It's okay,” he promised her.

"It's not,” she wailed. “Everything is all mixed up. I want things to be the way they were."

"I know you do.” He eased her back into the kitchen, letting the door shut behind them. “Where are Burke and Shane?” He didn't want his brother-in-law or nephew interrupting them.

"Burke left just after breakfast. I think he was looking for you.” Dani swiped at her eyes. “Shane is at school. He keeps asking about you."

Shamus hated that his nephew was suffering because of this. He loved Shane and spent a lot of time with him. “I'll call him tonight."

"Thank you."

"Jesus, Dani. You don't have to thank me for something like that. He's my family. You all are.” Seating her in her usual chair, he strode to the counter, took down mugs, and filled them with fresh coffee. Carrying them back to the table, he handed his sister one of them.

Shamus hauled out a chair and flipped it around. Sitting, he leaned his arms on the chair back as he studied his sister. She looked pale and drawn, as if she hadn't been sleeping well.

"I guess Burke told you what happened at Jessie's."

She nodded, a lone tear slipping down her cheek. “Oh, Shamus, I don't want this family to split apart.” She swiped at her face with the back of her hand.