

Safe In A Stranger's Arms

Shirley Wine

A Katherine Bay Romance

Formerly Published as Shadow Dance

Safe In A Stranger's Arms

Shirley Wine

A Katherine Bay Romance

Formerly Published as Shadow Dance

For more information on this author visit

http://www.shirleywine.com

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Copyright © 2012 by Shirley Wine

Publisher: Shirley Wine 2012

Cover Design Copyright 2015 © Annie Seaton

Photo from Dreamstimes

ISBN: 978-0-473-21029-8

All rights reserved: No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, scanning to a computer disc, or by any other informational storage and retrieval system without express permission in writing from the author and publisher. This work is protected under the statutes of the copyright act and registered with the National Library of New Zealand, Wellington, New Zealand.

Disclaimer: The characters and events in this book are the creation of the author, and resemblance to persons, whether living or dead, is strictly coincidental. Towns and places are used as settings and have no relation to any event or actual happening outside the author's imagination.

Author note: This book uses Standard English spelling and grammar cognisant with New Zealand usage.

About this Book

When Jenna Mullein attempts to unravel the truth behind her mother's dying words—Promise me, Jenna, promise you won't sell him the land—she quickly discovers there are far too many people in Katherine Bay with a vested interest in muddying the truth.

Her persistent questions and determination see her thrown into desperate danger.

When one woman ends up dead and Jenna and her infant toddlers are assaulted, property developer Gabriel Callahan steps in to help—and the attraction that flares between them, catches both by surprise.

As Jenna gets to know the man behind the mask, she's never quite sure if it's her Gabe wants, or her adorable twins, Zoë and Zach—and the family he could create with them.

But can Jenna trust the loner with her secrets? Secrets that could see her lose her adored babies?

Trust doesn't come easily to Jenna and, too late, she realizes Gabe is one of the good guys. Will her lack of trust cost them everything— even their lives...

This manuscript was highly commended in the Clendon Award run in conjunction with Romance Writers of New Zealand.

' _I read this entry in one sitting—I couldn't put it down.'_ —Judge's comment.

# Chapter One

AS HIS CAR crested the sharp rise on the gravel road, Gabe Callahan trod on the brakes so hard the nose of his Porsche dipped. He stared at the stunning arc of Katherine Bay spread out below the road, hit by a visceral pang of homesickness.

This rugged coast of New Zealand's Coromandel Peninsula with its secluded bays, blue water and white sands, the rocky outcrops and rolling pastures that created such a sharp contrast to the tree-clad mountainous interior was so hauntingly similar to Morley Island off the New South Wales coast.

The one place no amount of money would gain him entry.

Impatience mingled with anger and Gabe accelerated down the incline, braking when the low slung car fishtailed in gravel. He scanned the house ahead shaking his head in disbelief. Was this Ted Janssen's place, or had he misread the directions?

The house, once a gracious country homestead, was now bordering on derelict. Verandas sagged, an ocean breeze moved a ragged curtain in and out of a broken dormer window and paint peeled in great flakes off decaying weatherboard siding. Unkempt grounds added to the decrepit air. The only sign of habitation he could see was washing fluttering on a makeshift line.

I'm here, so I may just as well ask for directions.

He alighted and strode along the rough path. Sea birds wheeled and cawed in the cloudless blue arc overhead, the raucous cries a strident counterpoint to the ceaseless roll and snarl of the surf as it rolled in from the Pacific Ocean. As he opened the gate that sagged to one side, the squeal of rusty hinges set his teeth on edge. He glimpsed a movement beyond a downstairs window.

The sixth sense he'd developed on mean streets shrieked in warning.

Rank grass caught at his trousers as he trod cautiously up a broken concrete path. With one foot on the bottom step the weathered front door opened—and he froze.

He stared upwards into the barrels of a shotgun.

'Don't come any further, mister. This close, I can't miss.'

At this range she'll blast me into eternity.

Breath backed up in his throat. Blood pounded in his temples and drowned out every other sound. Afraid to move, his gaze slowly swivelled upwards to the woman holding the gun.

Hell, she's only a slip of a woman and she has me bailed!

'I'm looking for directions.' Gabe raised his hands slowly, palms upwards in an age-old gesture of surrender, every shred of world-weary boredom jolted from his system.

The woman's chocolate gaze never wavered. 'Who're you looking for?'

'Ted Janssen.'

The gun lowered a fraction, the tightness in his chest eased. He had a moment to assess his assailant. She was a small woman, fine boned; her delicate features almost swamped by a riot of dark curls. Lush lips parted enough for him to see her small, uneven white teeth. Barefoot, dressed in ragged jeans and a tee shirt that had seen better days, she somehow managed to pull off a haughty air.

He cleared his throat. 'Can I get the directions from my pocket?'

She nodded and lowered the gun, cradling it in the crook of her arm.

Gabe eased out a ragged breath and with slow, cautious movements he fished a crumpled envelope from a hip pocket. 'Janssen said to take Fisher Road.'

'This is Pike.' She pointed a slender hand southwards. 'Fisher forks left about five miles back.'

Damn! He'd stopped there too, but the broken signpost was illegible, run-down like so much else along this wild, sparsely populated coastline. About to mention this, he thought it better left unsaid.

For several tense moments he held her gaze before he deliberately turned his back and looked out over the Pacific Ocean. The skin between his shoulder blades prickled and tension simmered in the hot summer air.

Have I made a colossal mistake?

From here, the sea-side town of Katherine Bay resembled toy building blocks strewn by a careless hand. 'Lovely spot you have here.'

'Forget it, mister, it's not for sale.'

Slowly, Gabe turned to face her. 'Did I express any interest in buying your land?'

Hostility radiated off her in waves, her chocolate eyes glittered and those lush lips curled in a sneer. 'My brother told me some developer dude's nosing around trying to buy shore front land.'

Shock was quickly followed by dismay.

Who in hell had spread that rumour?

When his cousin had suggested that Gabe use his enforced leave to scout out land suitable for a resort, he was tempted to tell Alex Kreagan to take a running jump. Gabe only agreed because he knew that unless he had something to do, he'd go stir-crazy. Now, this woman's disdainful words dashed his hopes of getting in and out of Katherine Bay without raising the locals' suspicions, or their expectations.

'What makes you think I'd want this hovel?'

Her cheeks flushed scarlet, but her steady gaze never faltered as she watched him with studied insolence.

'Aren't you lucky then that it's not for sale.' She lowered the gunstock to the ground, but kept her hand firmly on the barrel.

Gabe laughed; surprised by the acerbic comeback. For the second time within a few minutes, she'd knocked him off balance. She was not at all intimidated and, accustomed as he was to grown men stammering and fawning when he confronted them, she earned his grudging respect.

A child's screamed.

The woman paled, spun around, stepped inside and the door was slammed in his face. As the thud of her receding footsteps faded, Gabe stared at that weathered door shaking his head as he expelled a ragged breath.

Did I really face a loaded shotgun?

Another child's cry joined the first in a duet of real anguish. Gabe's protective instincts kicked in. Were those children safe with that crazy woman?

Not your business, Callahan.

Maybe, but meeting a stranger at gunpoint showed that the woman was seriously short on sense. His hesitation was momentary. Conscience dictated that he check on those children and ensure their safety. In two strides he mounted the rickety steps and opened the door. The shotgun stood in the corner. He grabbed it and broke it open.

Fucking hell, I did dice with death.

His hands were decidedly unsteady as he removed the cartridges and put them in his trouser pocket. He swiped a hand across his brow. Was that woman homicidal or just plain crazy? His concern escalated to the point where he refused to leave until he was sure those children were safe.

Following the sound of their cries, he walked down the corridor with caution. In the doorway of an outdated kitchen he halted, stunned.

The woman cradled a sobbing toddler in her arms. Blood splashed onto her ragged jeans from the little foot she held in one hand. A second tot clung to an old spindle-backed chair, tears streaming down her cheeks.

She was a mother? Of twins?

The face she curved toward the child was filled with such tender love and concern that the breath backed up in Gabe's throat. There was no sign of the fierce, shotgun-toting warrior he'd encountered moments earlier.

'Hush, let mama see,' she crooned.

Her dark hair touched the child's nestled on her shoulder. She jiggled the squirming toddler and scooted closer to the table to sit him on the edge so she could get a firmer grip on his foot and look at the injury.

Watching them, an old wound ripped open in Gabe. Envy and regret ate at him. 'What happened?'

The harsh question had her spinning toward him. The colour leached from her cheeks, and in one swift movement she tugged the child along the table until she stood squarely between him and both her babies.

'What the hell are you doing in my house?'

Guilt and something far more sinister knotted Gabe's gut. This woman had every right to be upset. It went against every principle he possessed to walk into anyone's home uninvited, but her actions also betrayed a disquieting level of fear.

Something here didn't sit right.

'I can't stand hearing a child cry.'

'And you think that's reason enough to barge into my home?' She held the child with one hand, her chocolate eyes shooting sparks, one foot tapped on the floor.

'Did you expect me to walk away without checking that these children were safe after such a stellar welcome?'

Dull red scudded into her cheeks, but her direct gaze didn't falter.

She's got balls, I'll give her that.

'How did he cut his foot?' Gabe deliberately softened his voice not wanting to spook her further.

'My brother broke a glass and when I cleaned it up I must have missed a piece.'

'Accidents do happen. Can I take a look at his foot?'

'It's not the first splinter I've dealt with, mister, and I doubt it'll be the last.' Frost edged her voice and her pointed chin lifted.

The child seized on her distraction to escape her grasp and teetered dangerously close to the edge of the table.

'Watch out!' Gabe lunged toward the little boy.

Moving in a blur of speed, she caught him before he fell, but in doing so, his injured foot hit the table edge and he screamed. She struggled to hold the squirming child. The other toddler promptly sat on the floor and wailed.

'Now look what you've made me do. Satisfied?' Her glance was fierce enough to singe wood at ten paces.

Gabe stepped forward and caught the infant's bloody foot. 'Please, let me look at it.'

Her hesitation was momentary, but after a wary glance she did step closer. Gabe saw a protruding sliver and using his fingernails, he pulled it out. The little boy cried, tugging and squirming trying to free his foot from Gabe's grasp. 'There's another splinter in there and it's deep. I'll get the first aid kit from my car.'

She bristled and tapped a foot on the floor. 'I have one of my own and I'm quite capable of taking it from here.'

The challenge stirred his anger. 'I don't know what men you usually associate with lady, but I never hurt women and children. I intend to help you treat this child's wound.'

With one blistering glare, he turned and strode out before he said or did something he knew he'd live to regret.

As the stranger's footsteps faded, his exasperated words echoed in the shabby kitchen, and Jenna Mullein grappled with anger and humiliation.

Did he think I would hurt my babies?

The very thought made her nauseous.

As she'd watched his fancy car coast down the hill and stop outside the garden gate, she'd grown uneasy, a sensation that didn't diminish as he alighted and surveyed her home. As she'd watched his determined approach, her anxiety turned to outright fear.

Was this the man who had conned her brother?

Jace claimed he'd signed a paper that would force Jenna sell their family home, a statement that had filled her with fear and dread. She knew full well that Jace could not read and he most certainly would not understand any legal paper.

With Jace's threats echoing in her ears and alone in the farmhouse, Jenna's first thought was to protect her babies, and she'd reached for Grandpa's old shotgun.

Now, this stranger must consider her a crackpot, and after witnessing his gentleness with Zach, shame scorched her.

Had she allowed fear to over-rule her common sense?

Damn Jace. He may be my brother, but he's made me so leery of strangers.

There was a familiarity about that man that teased at the edge of her mind, but his take charge manner rubbed against an extremely tender spot. For years, Jenna and her brothers had lived under their grandfather's despotic thumb, and this had left an indelible mark on all of them. She had little tolerance for men who considered that because they were born male, they had a God-given right to order women around.

With Zach astride her hip, she reached into the pantry for two mini packets of raisins. She gave him one, and chuckled when Zoë promptly plopped down onto the floor, hands outstretched, determined not to miss out.

Jenna fetched the first aid kit and laid Zach, tummy down on the table while she looked at his foot. Occupied with the raisins, he barely wriggled as she swabbed blood from the cut. She couldn't see another splinter, and yet that stranger reckoned he'd seen one.

Who was he?

The sense of familiarity intensified.

She'd never met him, but she knew she should know who he was and frowning over this, she picked up the tweezers. She heard his footsteps in the hall and her heart picked up a beat, an involuntary reaction that irritated her no end.

He walked through the door, stooping slightly so his head missed the lintel, and halted mid-step when he saw her tending Zach's injury. She glanced up, scowling when she saw the first aid kit he carried. 'I told you I didn't need that.'

He ignored her, laid the first aid kit on the table and flicked it open, its glossy green a sharp contrast with the scarred wood of the table top.

'Two pairs of hands are better than one.' He flashed her a smile totally impervious to her killing glare.

She ground her teeth in frustration. Boy, does this guy love himself—or what?

Who the heck was this man?

His air of casual elegance exuded wealth and privilege, and even her jaundiced eye knew those charcoal slacks and cream shirt never came off any ready-to-wear peg. This close, she was aware of her lack height. At five foot three, the top of her head barely reached his shoulder. She inhaled a shaky breath and her senses filled with the heady spice of pine scented cologne, sea, and warm, healthy male.

He was classically handsome with a high patrician forehead, straight blade of a nose and a firmly sculptured mouth. Black hair curled around his crown and gleamed like polished jet.

The combination stirred a purely feminine appreciation in Jenna, a reaction that caught her completely off balance and one she was determined to squash. She refused to allow another guy, no matter how hot, to derail her plans.

Good luck with that idea, chickie.

Shut up, Mum, I don't need you undermining me too.

Once, Jenna had allowed a life-long friendship and loneliness to blind her to the obvious—and now she was a single mother of twins, a mistake she had no intention of repeating.

The man pulled a penlight from the first aid kit and shone it on the wound. A splinter glittered in the pinpoint beam, and this added to her frustration.

'Doesn't that make it easier to see?' he asked, his voice a deep rumble near her ear, the sound adding to her unsettled irritation.

'It does.' The admission was grudging. With a deft movement, she caught the splinter with the tweezers and pulled it out.

Zach wriggled and curled his toes, whimpering, 'Ouchie.'

'Hush, sweetheart. Finish your raisins.' She lifted his foot and swabbed at the ooze of blood.

'Is that all of it? Does it need stitches?'

She stopped swabbing to look at him. Was he for real? 'It's a splinter for cripes sake, not a cut artery.'

'Any injury to a child is serious.'

She selected a plaster from the packet in the first aid box and covered the tiny cut on Zach's foot, lifted him down from the table and watched as he ran to join his sister. He didn't even favour the foot. 'I take it you have a dozen kids?'

A dull flush crept up under his tan. 'Since when has concern for a child's safety been a crime?'

The inference angered her. 'Who the heck do you think you are?'

He didn't answer; instead put his hands in his trouser pockets, pulled out a cell phone and two shotgun cartridges.

Jenna's gaze winged upwards and her stomach churned with apprehension.

'Gabriel Callahan, ma'am.' His generous lips thinned to a grim line, his grey eyes shone like polished steel. 'By rights, I should be calling the police. Do you have a licence for that gun?'

Jenna stared at him, her jaw slack.

Gabe Callahan.

In my house. My kitchen. No wonder I thought he looked familiar.

The grim-faced man who stood and watched her with such disapproval bore little resemblance to the man who graced the pages of glossy magazines, often with a beautiful woman on his arm.

'Presenting a loaded firearm is a criminal offence, lady. I may not have children, but I do know they absorb things like a sponge.'

'And your point is?' She moistened dry lips with the tip of her tongue.

'What's to stop that little tyke,' he jerked a thumb in Zach's direction, 'from picking up that shotgun and pointing it at his sister? Are you freaking stupid, or what? Would you have pulled the trigger?'

Her chin jerked upwards. 'Yes, had it been necessary.'

'And if you killed me, then what?' He jerked a finger in the direction of the two toddlers ripping apart a box to get the last raisins. 'Who would take care of them?'

The words raised the grim spectre that was Jenna's constant companion. She knew who would step forward and claim her children, and this was too scary to contemplate.

'I was scared, okay? How else do you think I can protect my kids?'

'Would you care to explain that reasoning to the local cops?'

Jenna's world tilted on its axis and her vision turned grey.

Gabe gripped her shoulder, his curse a low rumble as he steadied her and pushed her into a chair. With a strong hand on her neck, he pressed her head down into her lap.

His hand seared her skin like a cattle brand.

Jenna's vision cleared and she struggled to free herself. He released his grip, but remained crouched beside her chair, he held her hands in his. Concern darkened his eyes. 'Take it easy, you fainted.'

'I never faint.' Jenna jerked her hands free. She wanted to rub her neck to remove the imprint of his hand, but resisted the impulse.

'Have it your way.' He shrugged and stood and scooping up the cartridges, he put them on a high shelf out of the toddlers' reach.

Moving carefully, she stood up, but held the chair back dismayed to find she needed its support. 'So will you?'

'Will I what?'

'Call the cops.' Jenna's heart thudded against her ribs, but she held his gaze and refused to look away.

For nerve wracking moments neither moved nor spoke; at last, he shrugged, spread his hands and shook his head. Relief made her tremble.

'Let's start over.' He extended his hand. 'Gabe Callahan.'

'Jenna Mullein.' She eased out a soft, thankful breath and shook his hand. 'And these little rug-rats are Zach and Zoë.'

'Twins?'

'Yes.' She pushed a heavy lock of hair back behind one ear.

'You live here alone?'

It was a fair question given her aggressive reception, but still she hesitated. Was it wise to confide too much in this stranger? 'No, I have two brothers.'

'Hey, you're quite safe. If I were to hurt you, your husband would come after me, both barrels blazing.'

She laughed, a bitter little sound. 'Not gonna happen, I don't have a husband.'

He extended a hand. 'I'm sorry; I didn't mean to offend you.'

'You didn't.' She side-stepped and after a heartbeat, his hand dropped to his side.

'Your babies' father, where is he?'

'He's long gone.' She shrugged and turned away, not willing to touch that subject.

Zach ran to her side holding up an empty raisin packet. 'More? More?'

'No more.' She smoothed a trembling hand over his dark, silky curls.

'Up. Up,' he demanded.

Jenna scooped him up and clutched him close, and took comfort from his warm, little body.

Gabe's scrutiny made her nervous. Instinctively, she knew there was nothing soft or tame in this powerhouse of testosterone, muscle and sinew. And she wished she knew what he was thinking. Zoë edged closer, sucking her thumb as she kept a wary eye on Gabe. Jenna fussed over the little girl to avoid meeting his shrewd eyes.

'Would you like to take a walk on the beach?' Gabe asked.

Disconcerted, she looked straight at him, was he serious? She hadn't expected an overture of friendship.

He wants to spend time with you.

Why would he want to do that, Mum?

Have you looked in the mirror lately, chickie?

Flustered, she glanced first at Gabe then at her watch. 'Sorry, I'm due to take the twins to day care and I'm already running late.'

He picked up the first aid kit, his lips tilting in a smile. 'I'll take a rain check. We can take that walk on the beach some other time.'

Is he implying that he wants to see me again?

Told you.

Mum, get out of my head.

'Suit yourself. I thought you were looking for Ted Janssen.'

Jenna was sure she heard a chortle of laughter and, what with her mother running tame in her head and Gabe's beguiling smile; she was thrown completely off balance.

'There's always tomorrow. I'm on holiday.' The emphasis he put on the word made that luxury sound like the worst kind of penance.

'My, aren't you the lucky one.'

Gabe turned, gave her a swift, shrewd look and then burst out laughing.

# Chapter Two

JENNA DROPPED THE twins at day care and aware that she was running late, she hurried toward the library. Head down, she rounded a corner and crashed into another pedestrian.

'Watch where you're going.'

The gruff voice sent a thrill of dread down her spine.

She looked up at Rory Wallace. His scowl had her ducking her head and she tried to sidestep him. He grabbed her arm and prevented her escape.

'Excuse me?' She glared at him and lifted her chin.

Wallace owned the farm next door, land that had once belonged to Jenna's grandfather, Adam Mullein. And for as long as Jenna could remember, this man had made no secret of the fact that he actively disliked her.

No, she amended; the man flat out hated her. Why, she hadn't the faintest idea.

His grip tightened and cruel fingers dug into the tender flesh of her upper arm. 'I'm glad I ran into you here, it'll save me a trip out to your place.'

'Why?' Her defiance was at odds with the panicky race of her heart.

'You know why. Your uppity airs don't impress me, girlie,' he growled, his fingers digging deeper.

She tugged, but couldn't break free of his hold. 'Let me go,' she said through her teeth, 'or I'll start screaming.'

A woman on the opposite footpath stopped and looked directly at them.

Jenna opened her mouth.

Wallace glanced across the street, saw the woman, and released his grip.

Jenna stepped back until she was well out of his reach and resisted the urge to rub at her arm. She refused to give him the satisfaction of knowing that he'd hurt her.

'I want you and your family out of that house.' He pinned her to the spot with a narrow-eyed glare.

'No. It's our home, and you can rest assured we're not shifting out, or going anywhere.'

'I own that house. Your tenancy ended with your mother's death.'

That's a lie, don't believe him.

Calm down, Mum, I know he's lying.

He stepped closer and his hot breath hit her full in the face. Whew! The man had a serious case of halitosis. She moved sideways as she tried to avoid the foul smell.

'Show me the tenancy agreement, 'she lifted her chin and looked him in the eye, 'and proof of ownership.'

'Your mother and I had a verbal agreement.'

'How very convenient,' she said, her voice dripping sarcasm. 'And with my mother so conveniently dead, she can't verify this. I'm not stupid, Mr Wallace, nor am I prepared to accept your word about anything.'

His expression went still, his eyes cold and calculating.

Fear spread its slimy tendrils through her entire being.

'Take care, little girl,' he said in a voice filled with icy menace. 'I hold the power to make your life a living hell. Remember what you stand to lose, and make no mistake, you will lose.'

With a contemptuous flick on his fingers, he turned his back on her and walked away.

God, I'm a fool. Why did I challenge him?

Jenna watched him go. Her heart stuttered, then hammered against her ribcage, and fear tasted metallic on her tongue and despite the sultry heat, goose bumps skittered across her skin.

Would he follow through—contest her custody of Zoë and Zach?

This was Katherine Bay.

Jenna knew it was pointless to expect assistance from anyone.

Deep in worried thought, she didn't see Mrs. Jenkins until it was too late to evade her. The pharmacist's wife, a member of the blue rinse brigade, was one of Katherine Bay's busiest gossips.

Today is just not my day.

'Good morning, Jenna. How are your twins?' Mrs. Jenkins' flabby jowls wobbled as she talked, her smile as phony as ever.

Jenna was forced to stop. She knew it was never wise to snub this woman. 'Zach and Zoë are doing well. I've just dropped them off at day care.'

'Do the little darlings like day care?'

Jenna muffled a snort.

It'll be a frosty day in Hell when Mrs Jenkins thinks my babies are little darlings.

'Do ducks like water? They're so eager to escape their car seats the moment we turn into the street.'

The older woman chuckled and her ample bosom quivered. Her keen blue gaze raked Jenna from head to toe. 'You're to be commended for bringing them into town.'

'It's never too early for them to learn social skills.'

'And that's something you'd know that better than anyone.' Mrs. Jenkins soft voice oozed caustic malice.

Jenna's chin lifted. 'My mother did the best she could.'

'Oh dear. I never meant any offence, Adele had it tough. She never could stand up to your grandfather, even as a girl.'

Tell me something I don't already know.

'They rubbed along tolerably well in the end.'

The woman leaned closer and a cloying wave of perfume threatened to choke Jenna. 'It's tough for any woman raising children alone. Just look at your lay-a-bout brother. Your mother must be rolling in her grave. If ever a boy needed a father's discipline, it's that young scoundrel.'

Jenna silently counted to ten, smiled sweetly. 'It's said that it takes a village to help raise a child, so what did you, or any of the other good citizens of Katherine Bay ever do to help my mother raise Jace, or protect him from Grandfather Mullein's brutality?'

Mrs. Jenkins took a hasty step backwards, her expression as sour as if she'd just tasted something particularly nasty. Hands folded and her expression pious, she said, 'It's never wise to intervene in family matters.'

'Really?' Jenna raised her brows. 'What a cop out.'

The woman puckered up like a dried prune. 'Adele made sure you and your brothers never knew your father, and yet here you are, all set to follow in her footsteps and deprive your own children of a father. When can we expect him surface and help you to raise those poor wee mites?'

Jenna was tired of the same old game, tired of being the butt of small-minded criticism, tired of being made to look like a bad mother.

'Why, I do believe he's planning on visiting with us very soon.'

'Really?' The older woman's eyes gleamed.

Jenna clapped a hand over her mouth. 'I can't believe I leaked that secret.'

'Don't fret, your confidence is safe, strictly between you and me and the gatepost.'

And before you know it, I'll just bet you've built a mile-long picket fence!

Jenna glanced at her watch. 'I must go or I'll lose my place at the library computer.'

Not wise, chickie, not wise.

I do know this, Mum.

On the top step of the library, she turned and saw Mrs. Jenkins scurrying away, rolls of fat swaying from side to side.

As she walked into the library, Jenna was sick to her stomach. What on earth had gotten into her to say such a thing, and to Mrs Jenkins, of all people? One thing was sure, that morsel of information would spread faster than head lice in a schoolyard.

Jenna approached the reception desk. 'Morning, Ms. Reilly. Is the computer free?'

Liz Reilly glanced at the big clock on the library wall and frowned, her thin lips pursed in disapproval. 'You're late.'

Jenna took a slow, deep breath. 'Two minutes, Ms Reilly, and you know that clock is never accurate.'

Ms Reilly was a stickler for rules, but Jenna thought that they'd settled their differences long ago. Since she'd returned home and regularly used the library computers, Liz Reilly had thawed and they usually rubbed along tolerably well.

'Sorry your time's been let to another patron. The rules are that we don't hold computers for latecomers.' The woman frowned and shook her head, the movement puckering her scalp already pulled tight by her greying bun.

'Come on, Ms Reilly, be reasonable. You know I only have a couple of hours to send in my finished assignments and download next week's ones, as well as get all my other errands done.'

The protest was met with a frosty glare. 'If you don't like the library rules, you can always install your own broadband connection.'

Like I've got enough spare money floating around to do that?

Jenna was about to argue when Gabe Callahan stepped out from behind the screen separating the computers from the main library. Was he the patron who'd taken her booked spot?

'Jenna, the computer I was using is now free. Don't let me hold you up.' He handed the librarian his time sheet. 'You told me the computer was free all morning, Ms Reilly.'

Rich colour ran up under the woman's sallow skin. 'Our policy is strict. We don't hold computers for latecomers.'

'And you don't allow any flexibility for a regular, local user?' he asked, his eyes glittering.

Liz Reilly, unused to being challenged, spluttered and her face went brick red.

Jenna laid a hand on his arm. 'It's okay, Gabe.'

'Discrimination is never okay or acceptable,' he said, thin lipped with anger.

'I appreciate the courtesy, Gabe. My assignments are due today.'

'What I wanted to do isn't urgent,' he said reassuringly. He looked at her and when he saw the red marks Wallace had left on her upper arm, he frowned and asked in a fierce undertone, 'Who did this to you?'

She shook her head.

He spread his fingers over each of the marks, his expression dark and dangerous. 'A man did this. Who?'

She shivered. 'Please Gabe, leave it.'

For a few moments he hesitated, then his expression softened and he rubbed gentle fingers over the red marks as if he wanted to erase them. The heat of his hand sent a lick of desire curling low in the pit of her belly. 'How's Zach's foot?'

'Fine, you'd never know he'd hurt it.'

'I'll be out to collect my rain check soon, okay?'

He smiled down at her and her silly heart fluttered in her chest. 'Whenever.'

Jenna looked past him and caught Ms Reilly's incredulous look, a look that clearly said, you and Gabriel Callahan? Get real!

Raw hurt prodded Jenna into recklessness. Without pausing to think it through; she stood on tip toe, curled her hand around Gabe's neck, pulled his head down and kissed him square on those tempting lips.

Fire licked through her veins.

His response was instantaneous; a strong arm snaked around her waist and she was pulled flush against his taut body. He deepened the kiss and she tasted dark, smoky desire.

Startled by his response, Jenna tugged free.

His hands lingered at her waist. She looked up at him, lifted a hand and touched his lips with trembling fingers. 'What did I ever do, to deserve having you in my life?'

He winked, then swooped down and kissed her square on the lips before he set her loose.

She turned away and faced Ms Reilly. 'The usual spot?'

The librarian's expression of shocked outrage was a balm to Jenna's bruised pride, and she struggled to control the urge to succumb to a fit of giggles.

Fancy that, I've shocked Liz Reilly's puritanical soul.

While the computer loaded, Jenna pressed a hand to her chest. Through the cubicle wall, Gabe's deep voice vibrated on the air, a sound that made her silly heart beat a little faster. She plugged in the memory stick, sent off her completed assignments and downloaded new ones.

The task was finished long before her pulse resumed its normal rhythm.

She rubbed at the red marks on her arm. They were a grim reminder of Wallace's threats, and Jenna knew she needed answers.

The stunt Jace had pulled, and Wallace's threats scared her.

She logged back in, determined to find out once and for all, if they owned the land surrounding their family home, or if it did belong to Rory Wallace as he claimed.

The search engine brought up the official site for New Zealand Land Information. She clicked on the site and waited for it to load. Why didn't I think of doing this earlier?

Finding the site was easy.

Getting the information she sought, not so straight forward.

Enter legal title of land, she read. The legal title information including DPS and Lot No is printed on landowner's rates demand. All landowners receive Rate Demands for Land Taxes from their local council.

Frowning, Jenna re-read the information on the screen.

All landowners.

There was no way she could misinterpret that statement. She clicked the read more icon, and as she read, her dismay grew. If her family owned the house and land where they'd always lived, they were, by law, required to pay rates. That meant they should be receiving regular rate demands from the Katherine Bay District Council.

Jenna cudgelled her brains, but dredged up no recollection of anything to do with rates.

She couldn't recall ever hearing her mother talk about paying rates, and in the six months since her mother's death, she certainly hadn't received a rate demand, nor had she found any paid demands or receipts among Adele's papers. And yet Jenna knew that Grandfather Mullein had owned a huge tract of land, land on which he would most certainly have had to pay rates.

Frowning in concentration, she re-read the information.

The implications didn't change.

Her mother's dying words rose to an urgent clamour in her ear... Promise me, Jenna. Promise you won't sell him the land...

She was no nearer to understanding what her mother meant.

It would certainly have been more helpful had her mother discussed this before she died. And the one time she really wanted to hear her mother whisper in her ear, Adele remained stubbornly silent.

Had her mother sold the land?

One persistent thought refused to go away—if my mother sold the land why did she insist on me making her that promise?

And, Jenna reasoned, if Adele Mullein had sold the land—what had happened to the records and the money?

As she logged off, questions tumbled through her mind, thick and fast.

Something didn't add up.

Jenna stared at the receptionist at the Katherine Bay Council Office help desk, a misnomer if ever there was one. The receptionist wasn't at all helpful, leastways not to her.

'If you want historical land information, Ms Mullein, consult a lawyer,' the receptionist tilted her snooty nose a little higher. 'There are no Mulleins on our ratepayer database. Under The Privacy Act I'm not at liberty to divulge information on ratepayers or their land holdings to casual enquirers.'

'All I want is the legal description of the land my Grandfather owned.' Jenna leaned across the desk, trying hard to keep her temper in check. 'If you can't help me, then make me an appointment to see the Chief Executive.'

'Mr Marshall is far too busy to deal with such frivolous matters.'

Frustrated, Jenna stood back and considered her next move. A movement caught her attention and she looked up.

Gabe Callahan and Mr Marshall stepped out of the CEO's office.

Jenna inhaled a shocked breath. What was Gabe doing here? Following her?

About to step back, she saw the rolls Gabe held under one arm and the folder he carried, a folder stuffed with papers. The sight of the two men, heads together in deep discussion, sparked Jenna's volatile temper.

'How come Callahan gets to see Mr Marshall and I get fobbed off?' she demanded making no attempt to lower her voice.

Both men turned in her direction.

The chief executive hesitated a moment, he spoke to Gabe before crossing to the receptionist's desk.

'Can I help, Miss,' he asked quietly, 'do you want to see me?'

Gabe stood there watching them, his eyes narrowed. Jenna had no doubt that those pretty ears of his were flapping, triple time.

'Well if that doesn't take the cake. Here's me trying to set up an appointment with you, only to be fobbed off with all sorts of paltry excuses and yet he,' she jerked a thumb in Gabe's direction, 'can waltz in any old time and get to see you.'

'You asked to see me, miss?'

His affronted expression made Jenna laugh.

'Tell me, Mr CEO, is Gabe Callahan subjected to the bureaucratic BS you lot give. Under the Privacy Act I'm not at liberty to divulge information on ratepayers or their land holdings to casual enquirers,' Jenna mimicked in wicked parody as she directed a derisive glance at the other woman.

Red flooded the receptionist's face. Even the tips of her ears flamed. 'Ms Mullein is fast becoming a public nuisance, Mr Marshall. I suggested that she consult a lawyer and she's been downright threatening.'

'Public nuisance?' Jenna's outraged voice had even more heads turning in her direction. She slapped a hand against her forehead. 'And here's silly old me thinking you were public servants, here to listen to the concerns of residents. How ridiculous. Money, it seems, is the only thing that talks.'

Gabe stiffened and his expression went blank.

'I suggest we move this to my office, Ms Mullein,' the CEO laid a hand on her arm, 'and we can discuss what brought you here, in private.'

'You'd like that wouldn't you? Are you embarrassed by a public discussion about the stone-walling tactics employed by your council and its staff?'

'You're being irrational, Ms Mullein.'

Jenna took a step closer.

'Am I? My grandfather, Adam Mullein, was a big time ratepayer in this district, Mr Marshall. All I want is the legal description of his landholdings. I'll take your lackey's advice, but if I find you've withheld information, rest assured I'll see your hide nailed to the wall.'

On that threat, she stormed out of the council offices.

He almost ignored the demanding shrill of the phone, and then he stepped back into the kitchen and picked up. 'Yes.'

'You asked me to let you know if she came in and—'

He sucked in a sharp breath, every instinct alert. He glanced at the clock and bit back a lurid curse. 'Why are you calling me at this hour?'

'It's urgent,' she was breathless in her haste, 'I checked the computer access file after she left.'

The ensuing silence had his hand clenching on the receiver. 'For God's sake, woman, what is it?'

'I'm risking my job here.'

'You're phoning from work?' He rubbed at the back of his neck. Was the goddamn dame nuts?

'I thought you'd want to know.' Her voice lowered to a whisper.

He lowered his own voice in an automatic response. 'Know what?'

'How much is it worth?'

'The same as always.' He scowled, just what game was the old biddy trying to play? He heard her rapid intake of breath.

'This is much bigger.'

His eyes narrowed. Was she getting greedy? 'How much bigger?'

'Double.'

'That's extortion.'

'Take it or leave it, do I have your word?'

'That goes without saying.'

'She checked out the Land Information website and—'

His grip on the phone tightened with such brutal force he was surprised the plastic casing didn't break. '—and what? Spit it out woman!'

'She went straight from here to the Council Offices and created a major scene.' There was no mistaking the malice in her voice. 'It seems that Mr Marshall, the CEO, is now concerned. One bystander said she actually threatened him.'

'Shit!'

'I told you it was big, and there's more—'

'You've earned the extra dough. So you may as well give me it all.'

'The woman who overheard the confrontation told me that after she left, Marshall asked the receptionist to thoroughly investigate her complaint.'

The crack of plastic was loud in his ear.

'And she's mighty cosy with Gabriel Callahan.' The sour voice turned venomous. 'Rumour has it they're involved and that he's her twins' mysterious father.'

A glimmer of amusement leaked through his dismay. 'Okay. Thanks.'

'I want to see the money. In cash. In my lunch hour or—'

'Or what?'

'I'm thinking it could well be worth my while to contact the Land Information office.'

Fury leaked through his apprehension... the woman was fast becoming a liability,

'That won't be necessary. I'll meet you at the usual place at twelve thirty. Okay? And there'll be a nice bonus for you.'

The dial tone sounded in his ear and he slammed the receiver back down on its cradle and stood staring at it, cursing luridly.

Jenna walked into The Beachcomber Cafe in desperate need of coffee and company. She glanced around but didn't see her friend so she went ahead and ordered their lattes before sitting at a table near the window.

The Beachcomber had changed little since the cafe first opened in the 60's. The red, green and blue Formica tables and chrome chairs were reflected in the eclectic collection of retro mirrors that covered almost every square inch of the faded yellow walls. The original juke box sat in one corner, only now it played CDs and not the old vinyl 45s.

Today, Jenna was too wound up to appreciate the cafe's quaint decor. She put the folder of papers on the table and worried at its corner.

Why are there so many obstacles in my way?

Every time she tried to clarify her family's situation, she met with opposition. And she couldn't shake the uneasy sensation that it was deliberate. And that Gabe Callahan of all people should witness that encounter at the Council office—Jenna cringed.

Why was he here in Katherine Bay and what were he and the Council CEO discussing so seriously?

The man has a knack of catching me at my worst.

Recalling the fleeting pressure of those sexy lips under hers, heat scorched her from the top of her head to the soles of her feet. If the touch of his hand burned like a brand, this sensation was magnified ten times by the press of his lips on hers.

Had she taken leave of her senses to initiate that kiss?

She picked up her pencil, tapping it against her teeth and flipped open her sketch pad. She skipped past all the sketches of houses, buildings and architectural details filling so many of the pages.

Today, her lost dreams barely gave her a pang.

All her anger and frustration were in the quick, fluid strokes of her pencil as a portrait of Gabe came alive on the page.

She sat back and studied the sketch and then changed the angle of his lips. There, she'd captured that ruthless expression she'd seen on his face on more than one occasion. All he needed was pointy ears and horns protruding from his head.

Talk about the devil in disguise.

Told you, chickie.

Yeah, well...

Grinning, Jenna added horns and a tail and after she sketched in a trident, she laughed out loud. Perhaps her mother was right.

Then, Jenna recalled Gabe's expression when he laughed, his gentleness with Zach. Her pencil moved across the page and a new sketch emerged. And the feathering of unease evoked by the other one faded.

Cassie Piper arrived in a whirl of colour and vibrant energy. 'You beat me here.'

'So what's new?' Jenna quickly closed the sketch pad and slipped it in the back of the folder. She stood and was enveloped in a hug redolent of lavender and incense, the curious mix added to Cassie's mystique.

The waitress arrived with their lattes.

'Great! You've already ordered.' Cassie glanced at the waitress. 'We'll have an apple Danish each with whipped cream and cinnamon on the side.'

Jenna chuckled and shook her head. 'You never change.'

'Don't tell me you're about to refuse?' Cassie's vivid blue eyes sparkled with mischief.

'Never.'

'So what's behind this summons?'

The waitress arrived with their Danish and Jenna fiddled with the spoon on her saucer, waiting until the server moved away. 'Have you heard anything about a developer buying land here in Katherine Bay?'

Cassie set her cup in its saucer with a decided click. 'Where did you hear that?'

'Jace told me.'

'How would he know?'

'How does Jace know anything? I have no idea how he does it, but my brother has a real gift for sniffing out scandal or news.' Jenna frowned and glanced at Cassie. 'He was in a real snit the other day when he came home. He took great delight in telling me that he'd signed some paper that would force me to sell our house.'

'And you believed him?'

Jenna didn't need to consider the question and, with a grimace, she nodded. 'I had the most unexpected visitor the next afternoon.'

Cassie watched her frowning. 'Who?'

'Gabriel Callahan.'

'The Gabe Callahan? Here? In Katherine Bay?' Cassie's voice rose with each question.

'Shhh, keep it down. Yeah. At least that's who he said he was.'

'And you believed him?'

'Hard to mistake him.'

'What's he like?'

'Arrogant, pushy, full of himself—'

'—and gorgeous?' Cassie grinned from ear to ear.

'And some!' Heat flooded Jenna's entire being. She waved a paper napkin in front of her face, glad for the cooling breeze.

'He's that hot?'

Jenna grinned, remembering that impulsive kiss. 'And some.'

'So what did he want?'

Jenna sobered quickly. She glanced around and leaned closer to Cassie to ensure she wasn't overheard. 'He was looking for Ted Janssen. He missed the turnoff for Fisher Road.'

Cassie's eyes widened and she gave a soundless whistle. 'Janssen's is the only property around here with deep water anchorage and riparian rights.'

'That thought crossed my mind, too.'

'Do you think he is scouting for property? For Kreagan's?' Cassie asked as she forked up a mouthful of apple Danish.

'It seems likely.' Jenna glanced at her friend. 'And if Kreagans are looking, you can bet your bottom dollar it won't be for any paltry reason.

'Do you still own land?'

'I'm not sure,' Jenna admitted, frowning.

'I thought your mother sold all of your grandfather's land to Rory Wallace.'

'I know that's what we've all thought, but—' Jenna toyed with the teaspoon beside her cup. She squirmed with discomfort and felt like a fool.

'You mean you don't know?' Cassie asked, incredulous.

'No, I don't know,' Jenna admitted as she pushed aside her empty cup. 'And despite my best efforts, I can't find out. Until the day she died, Mum was obsessed with privacy about her business affairs—so obsessed it bordered on paranoia.'

'Why?'

'God knows. I can understand her not wanting to burden me as a teenager, but I certainly was not a teenager when I returned home to nurse her.'

Cassie frowned as she forked up the last mouthful of her Danish. 'What was she so desperate to hide?'

Jenna shivered. It spooked her to hear Cassie voice her own nebulous thoughts. The more Jenna probed, the more certain she was that something smelled decidedly fishy.

'As far as I can discover, Mum had nothing, apart from a few personal possessions, to leave us. She sold off almost everything of value in the house.' Jenna shrugged as she met her friend's keen gaze. 'And if she did sell the land, I can't find any record of it.'

'What about her will?'

'It was pretty basic and land wasn't mentioned.'

Cassie's expression made Jenna decidedly nervous. 'What is it?'

'You're going to dig deeper?'

Jenna fiddled with the folder on the table. 'I created one heck of a fuss at the council earlier when I demanded to see their land records.'

'Now you think that was a mistake?'

Jenna gasped and shook her head. 'How do you do that?'

'I can't explain.' Cassie laid her hands palm down on the table. 'But I've learned not to ignore the warnings.'

Cassie's thoughtful silence increased Jenna's unease.

Her friend's 'gift' was legendary. More than once Cassie had informed search and rescue people where to find lost children, hikers, injured or missing hunters. Once, she'd even pinpointed the spot where a car had gone off their mountain road, trapping the occupants in a ravine.

In Katherine Bay, few people ignored Cassie's warnings.

'What warnings are on your psychic radar?'

'I like that.' Cassie grinned, leaned across the table and gripped Jenna's hand. 'Be careful. There are a lot of people around here with vested interests in muddying the truth.'

'I've already come to that conclusion, myself.' Jenna sighed, her doubts escalating along with her frustration.

'So what do you plan to do now?'

Jenna took a slow, deep breath. 'When Mum was dying, almost with her last breath she made me promise... '

'Promise what?' Cassie leaned across the table and laid her hand on Jen's. 'What did she say?'

'Her exact words were... promise me, Jenna, promise me you won't sell him the land.'

The two friends looked at each other for long, fraught moments. 'Him?'

Jenna shrugged. 'I have no idea who she meant. I owe it to my brothers, myself, the twins even, to find out why she demanded that I make that promise. And after today, I think I'm being deliberately stone-walled.'

Cassie's eyes grew clouded and her expression became grave. Her grip on Jenna's hand tightened, as she whispered, 'Take your enquiries out of town, you're in far deeper trouble than you can imagine.'

For the rest of the day, Cassie's warning haunted Jenna.

She ran her errands, leaving her supermarket run until last. As she exited the building with her trolley of groceries, she found Gabe leaning against her car.

He straightened when she approached.

'What are you doing here?' Jenna parked the trolley and unlocked the car boot.

'Do I need a reason?' One dark eyebrow almost reached his hair line as he calmly helped her transfer groceries from the trolley to her car. 'Where are the twins?'

'At day care,' she glanced at her watch, 'and I'm running late to pick them up.'

Gabe laid a hand on her arm. 'Will you be home later?'

The request was so unexpected she stopped and stared at him. 'Excuse me?'

'I thought I'd call in and collect my rain check.' He shook his head, chuckling. 'Nothing illicit.'

Is he making fun of me?

She pulled away from his hold and with an annoyed huff, she shoved the trolley into the bay before returning to her car. He held the car door open for her. She appreciated the small courtesy, but remained suspicious of his motives.

He waited until she was seated, and then held the door and leaned into the car. 'You didn't say if you'd be home later?'

This close, she could see the darker striations in his grey eyes. She sucked in a shaky breath and her senses filled with his overwhelming presence. He was nothing if not persistent. 'With two tired toddlers, what do you think?'

He grinned. 'Can I come by then?'

'Suit yourself.' Instinctively, she knew he would do exactly as he pleased, with or without her permission.

'I will.' He grinned and his grey eyes sparkled with devilment. 'Suit myself, that is.'

This man, his cocky arrogance, his assumption that she should welcome his presence, was beginning to get under her skin. He unsettled her, leaving her feeling much like a cat with its fur rubbed the wrong way.

But wouldn't I like him to stroke me the right way?

Spooked by the random thought, she yanked the car door out of his grasp, slammed it shut and started the engine.

Gabe grinned and took a hasty step backward as the car moved. Jenna's hostility wasn't totally unexpected, although he suspected it was more because he'd witnessed her meltdown at the Council Office than because she had an issue with him. His attraction to this feisty woman didn't make a lick of sense.

So why did he bother?

As he watched her light out of the car park in her beat-up excuse for a car, the remembered heat of that kiss they'd shared made him hard. He knew full well that she'd only planted that kiss on him to shock that snooty librarian, but Gabe knew one kiss from Jenna would never be enough.

Oh yes, Ms Mullein, I really do intend to suit myself.

Alex Kreagan's curt words flashed through Gabe's mind as bright as neon strobe lights... lighten up... get some balance in your life... you're not a robot and nor are our staff.

And for the first time since that humiliating confrontation with his cousin, some of the pressure in Gabe's chest eased and along with it, the deep-seated anger.

When Alex had relieved him of his position as Second in Command at Kreagans, Gabe had been hurt and furious in equal measure. To add insult to injury, he, Gabriel Callahan, had been hauled on the mat like some lowly hireling. There, Alex gave him an ultimatum, either have an attitude adjustment, or be fired.

Alex Kreagan, CEO of Kreagan Enterprises had relieved Gabe of his position, ordered him to take immediate extended leave, or leave the firm altogether. The altercation did nothing for Gabe's peace of mind.

Now after meeting Jenna, something in Gabe had awakened... something that had been atrophied for a very long time. With her, he was definitely not thinking about work. The woman piqued his interest and intrigued him on a level that defied logic.

He could no more explain the appeal of spending time with her and her delightful toddlers, than he could magically erase his past.

But Gabe was prepared to bet the last dollar of his considerable fortune that getting involved with a single mother was not what his cousin had in mind. And call him perverse, but knowing that it would piss Alex off, made furthering his acquaintance with Jenna Mullein all the more appealing.

Whistling softly, more light-hearted than he'd been in weeks, Gabe strode toward his own car.

# Chapter Three

JENNA WAS PREPARING a casserole for dinner when Heath stomped into the kitchen and dumped his school backpack on the floor. One glimpse of her brother's expression sent her heart into panicked overdrive. At almost sixteen, he towered over her. When his muscles developed and he grew into his body, Heath would be a big man, and she was determined that he would achieve his potential and grow into an equally remarkable man.

'How was your day?' She was first to break the tension filled silence.

'As if you care,' he muttered, walking past her. 'The head hauled me in this arvo.'

Jenna's heart tripped. She'd been dreading this confrontation all day. 'And?'

'He told me what you've done.'

The betrayal in his voice hit her where it hurt the most, in her heart, but she refused to weaken. Heath's whole future was at stake and if it took tough love to get through to him, then so be it. 'It's because I care, Heath, that I've asked Social Services to find a placement for you.'

He spun away, rummaging in the pantry, emerging with bread before raiding the fridge for sandwich makings and milk.

'You have no right.' He slapped margarine, marmite, lettuce, tomato and luncheon meat down beside the bread and filled a large tumbler with milk.

'Sorry, Heath, I have every right. I'm your guardian and I would be derelict in my duty if I stood by and allowed you to become a beach bum, your only talent following the waves.'

'Plenty of guys make it as pros.'

'And thousands more fail.'

'I'm gonna die away from the beach.'

Jenna's amusement held an equal part of sadness. Despite the melodramatic statement, he devoured the ginormous sandwich he'd built with an unimpaired teenage appetite.

'Dying isn't that easy,' she muttered under her breath. 'God knows our mother tried hard enough.'

'I heard that.'

'If I thought I could rely on you to work at your studies here without being distracted by the surf, I would never have asked Child Youth and Family Services for help.'

'Whatever. Jace gets by.'

Jenna continued dicing an onion. It was the pungent juice that made her eyes water, not the loss of her dreams. She rubbed a hand across her stinging eyes.

'Jace might be our brother, but he's also a fool. Are you happy to just get by? Where's the boy who brought home hurt animals and birds and asked me to help you fix them, the boy who always dreamed of becoming a vet?'

'So? Dreams change.' He flushed and looked away, scuffing his worn sneaker on the floor. 'Look at you.'

'Yeah, look at me,' she said, suddenly overwhelmed by the burdens of her life. 'I'm a single mother, reliant on a benefit to survive. With one bitter, ungrateful brother who seems content to spend his life in and out of jail and, for my sins, I'm guardian to a snotty teenager who'd sooner bum away the chance to achieve his dreams than knuckle down and work at his studies.'

The outburst left Jenna shaking and mortified.

She turned away rubbing at her eyes. With jerky movements she transferred the chopped vegetables to the casserole and put it in the oven. She stood in front of the stove, her back to Heath as she struggled to rein in her emotions.

Where did all that angst come from?

'Sis?' Heath laid a tentative hand on her arm.

Jenna spun around to face him, her hands clenched. 'Education is your only way out of here, Heath. Having the twins did wreck my dream of being an architect, but I'm working at getting my teaching certificate. I have no intention of wasting my life languishing for years on welfare.'

Heath flushed and shifted his feet. 'I promise to do better, to keep up with my schoolwork.'

'Sorry, but I've learned that your promise isn't worth spit. When I agreed to be your guardian after Mum died, I took the charge seriously. You refuse to listen to me and you're constantly wagging school to catch a wave.' She stepped closer to him and he backed away. 'Well no more. As soon as CYFS find a placement for you, your cruisy days are over.'

Heath's eyes bled anger and betrayal, his silent glare filled with raw emotion. For a moment his anger threatened to boil over. With a low growl, he picked up his backpack and stomped from the kitchen, slamming the door behind him.

Trembling, Jenna sank into a chair and buried her face in her hands, weighed down by hurt and an overwhelming sense of failure.

Oh God, what have I done? Surely I could have found some other way?

At this moment, she hated herself.

Little hands tugged at her clothes and jerked her back to reality. 'Mama? Come,' Zach demanded imperiously. 'Play.'

As she looked into Zach's face alight with innocence and trust, Jenna sucked in a shuddering breath, scooped the little boy into her arms and held him so tightly he squirmed. She eased her grip, blowing noisy raspberries on his neck. He wriggled and chortled as he tried to escape the onslaught.

Tears stung her eyes. Too clearly she remembered Heath, innocent, eager and full of dreams, just like Zach. Where did I go wrong?

Zoë clutched at her other hand. 'Mama. Play.'

Jenna ruffled Zoë's hair. Her babies were compensation and more, for any dreams she considered lost, and while she'd settled for practicality, she was determined Heath should not.

'They must keep you busy?'

Startled, Jenna gasped and spun toward the deep voice.

Gabe Callahan lounged against the verandah rail opposite the open French doors leading into the kitchen as he watched her with those unnerving grey eyes. Since she'd seen him in town earlier, he'd changed into well-worn jeans. The seams were faded white with wear, the soft denim clinging to his impressive thighs like a second skin. His sleeveless grey tee showcased equally impressive muscles.

What he did to denim should be outlawed.

'How long have you been there?' Jenna slid Zach off her knee and stood. 'I never saw you arrive.'

Gabe straightened away from the rail, and took a step toward her. 'I came along behind the school bus and gave your brother a ride home.'

Heat surged up her neck and face, had he overheard that confrontation with Heath? 'You should have made your presence known.'

'And missed that enlightening conversation?'

Didn't he even have the decency to pretend that he'd not overheard?

'I never pegged you as a snoop.' She caught Zoë's hand as the little girl tried to go to Gabe. 'You've had your entertainment, now you can leave.'

He grinned, shaking his head. 'I'm not so easy to get rid of, Ms Mullein. That's some temper you have there.'

And it's my lucky day! Gabe Callahan has caught me at my worst twice.

Jenna huffed out a frustrated breath, wanting him to leave.

'I'm calling in my rain-check. You look in need of a break and some adult company.'

I look that bad? Kill me now.

Jenna nibbled on her lower lip, not sure if she should trust his smile.

Gabe held out his arms to the little boy. 'Want to go to the beach, Zach?'

'They're leery of strangers,' Jenna said instinctively wanting to discourage him.

The amused twinkle in his eyes let her know that he was well aware of her reluctance.

Zach ran to Gabe, jabbering, arms upraised. With a delighted laugh, the man lifted the little boy, bouncing him up in the air. Zach squealed, waving his arms.

Gabe grinned at her, one eyebrow raised. 'You were saying?'

Pain and raw regret pierced Jenna's heart. This was the kind of family she'd dreamed of being able to give her babies. She'd grown up without a father, and had vowed not to inflict that circumstance on any child of her own. Now, as she watched her babies take to Gabe like ants to sugar, she could see for herself how much they needed a father figure in their lives.

'You like the beach?' Gabe asked Zach.

' ... 'each ... 'each.' He bounced up and down like a Jack-in-the-box.

'That's one word Zach understands.' Gabe's eyes met hers above her baby's head.

'Of course, it's their favourite place.'

'And yours?'

'Living here? What do you think?'

Zoë abandoned her mother, scooted closer to Gabe and tugged at his jeans. Shyness forgotten, she demanded, 'Up! Up!'

'The little turncoats, they've made a liar out of me. You are honoured.'

Gabe laughed and scooped up the little girl, boosting her onto his other hip and looked from one laughing face to the other.

And in that one, unguarded moment, Jenna saw sorrow and pain etched on his face, and reflected in his eyes. A hurt so deep and raw, it wounded the heart to witness. With a flash of intuitive insight, she knew why Gabe had returned to visit, and she wasn't at all sure that she was the attraction.

And to her dismay, it was equally obvious that Zoë and Zach were drawn to Gabe.

In a moment of clear perception, Jenna knew it was too risky to allow him to get too close to her, or her babies. He could wreak havoc in her life, but she was an adult, she could cope, but he could so easily break her babies' hearts. And that was something too terrible to contemplate.

'Are they too heavy?' she asked, her voice sharp.

'Of course not.' Gabe jogged the twins until they were squealing with laughter.

That disturbing expression was gone, but that one glimpse left Jenna uneasy. What scars did Gabriel Callahan hide beneath the urbane mask he showed the world?

'You ready for that walk on the beach?'

Shrugging aside her disquiet, she led the way. As she walked across the road and trod the well-worn path between the sand dunes, she worried her lower lip. In the past, her judgement had been so off, she was afraid to trust her instincts now. Was she wise to encourage Gabe? Should she risk even spending time with him?

Was his interest genuine, or was he here for some other reason.

While she didn't move in Gabe Callahan's circle, she didn't live in a bubble either. She knew that he was a senior executive at Kreagans, and that firm were influential property developers. Was Gabe's visit today more about softening her resistance to selling out?

The doubts strengthened her determination to be cautious.

When they reached the hard packed sand, Gabe put the twins down and they raced off, eager to explore.

Through narrowed eyes, Jenna watched Gabe as he watched her babies. A rare smile softened his austere features. Was she being paranoid and unduly suspicious?

She pushed aside the worry and lifted her face to the heat of the sun. An ocean breeze blew hair across her face and salt wrack teased her nostrils. She took several deep breaths of sea air, and all her tension seeped away. The unfettered power of the ocean reduced her worries to manageable proportions.

She would take advantage of this brief respite.

With a start, she realised the twins were too far ahead and took off at a run and caught each of them by a hand.

'Shall we catch the waves?' She looked from one little face to the other, her heart clutching with love.

'Waves.'

'Catch waves.'

They both answered at once, jumping up and down in excitement. Jenna laughed. This was a game they all loved.

'Hold on tight then.' They faced the ocean. 'Here comes a big one.'

Laughing, they ran toward the wave as it rolled onto the beach. Jenna held their hands tightly as froth and water surged around their little legs.

Zach and Zoë jumped up and down, squealing with glee as the decaying wave sucked the sand from beneath their toes. As soon as the water receded they backed up onto the hard sand, ready and eager to meet the next wave. It was a simple game and one the twins never tired of playing.

The elemental connection and bond of love between Jenna and her children was unmistakable. Envy laid a heavy hand on Gabe.

The solid weight of Zoë and Zach in his arms had warmed a cold place deep in his heart. And when he'd put them down on the sand a sense of loss sliced through him with exquisite keenness. Their uncomplicated acceptance surprised him, given their mother's wariness.

Where is their father? Why isn't he here helping Jenna with their children?

Gabe knew that raising two energetic children was a huge burden for a lone woman.

You're losing it, man.

As he watched the trio play in the surf, he was struck by the difference in Jenna. On the beach he saw a changed woman.

Gone was the woman almost incandescent with anger he'd watched confront the Council CEO. And there was little sign of the come-hither temptress he'd met in the library. The remembered sensation of her lush lips beneath his made him aware of how long it was since he'd been with a woman.

Hell, it was aeons since he'd even been remotely attracted to member of the opposite sex.

And Jenna... he shook his head. She was all woman, sensuous and possessed of a natural, earthy charm that he found captivating,

What was going on in her life? That she was seriously troubled was obvious, something underlined by that conversation with her younger brother that he'd overheard earlier.

Zoë overbalanced and threatened to be engulfed by an incoming wave.

Gabe raced toward the little girl, but Jenna was quicker. She plucked the child from danger before he could reach them. She turned to him, smiling as she smoothed Zoë's dark curls back from her forehead.

'We'd better head back. They're getting tired.'

Gabe picked up Zach and held out his other arm for Zoë. 'Let me carry them.'

'Thanks.' Jenna shook her head, her smile rueful. 'They're too heavy now for me to carry both of them at once.'

Zoë patted his face with sandy hands. '...'abe...'abe?'

He laughed, grinning at the little girl as Zach patted his other cheek. 'How did you manage both of them on your own?'

'I wasn't always alone. When they were tiny my mum was still well enough to help me,'

'Your mother?'

The sparkle in Jenna's eyes dimmed. 'She died last winter after a long battle with breast cancer.'

Sorrow edged the quiet words and she looked up at him, her dark eyes gleaming through the screen of thick lashes.

'I'm so sorry.'

'So am I.' She glanced over her shoulder at him as she walked ahead of him when the path narrowed. 'No one deserved to suffer like she did. And long before she became ill.'

The cryptic comment did little to reduce his curiosity.

He watched her as she walked ahead of him through the sand dunes with their covering of spiky native marram grass, beach bunnies and starry eyed daisies. Every step accentuated the feminine swell of her slender hips. By the time the track widened and they could again walk side-by-side he was uncomfortably hard.

This woman intrigued him on every level.

'You miss her?' he asked needing a diversion

'Every day.' She opened the garden gate and stood back to let him walk through.

He set the toddlers down and they ran ahead, up the rickety steps and onto the verandah while she secured the gate. Gabe watched the conflicting expressions flit across her expressive face—it didn't take a genius to figure out Jenna was either shit scared, or in deep trouble. And from the little he'd gleaned, most probably both.

'Your babies' father, does he give you any help?'

After a startled glance, she looked away and shrugged, scuffing a foot in the rank grass growing beside the path. 'Only what I get through the single parent benefit.'

'What sort of bastard gets his woman pregnant, and then walks away from her and his children?'

'It's not important.' Jenna turned and walked away.

'Not important?' He caught up with her by the verandah steps. 'At the very least he owes you for child support.'

'He does.' She lifted a hand and let it fall. 'Getting it is another matter.'

# Chapter Four

ONE GLANCE AT Gabe and Jenna shivered. If she was intimidated before, his expression now was fierce enough to fuse sand into glass. His forehead pleated and those piercing grey eyes narrowed.

Jenna was possessed of the eerie sensation that he wasn't so much looking at her as looking into her. He muttered something beneath his breath, his tone far from complimentary.

'You've obviously been mixing with the wrong men.'

He has that right. My babies' father found it easier to put half the world between us rather than stand up to his bullying, overbearing father.

Now, Jenna couldn't figure how her affair with Blair had ever gained traction, or her rotten luck to fall pregnant. They'd used condoms every time. Her doctor had informed her that no contraceptive was fool-proof, and far too late, she found this information hollow comfort.

She needed to divert Gabe's attention from the Blair and his shortcomings. 'Would you like a coffee?'

'I'd appreciate that.'

She led the way through the French doors and into the kitchen.

The handful of beach bunnies and gazanias she'd picked and put in an old mason jar added a cheerful accent. The fluffy grass heads swayed in the breeze that came through the open doors and tempered the summer heat.

Jenna put coffee grounds in the machine and set it brewing just as the twins came running indoors. 'Let's wash our hands, okay?'

'Kay,' they cried in unison.

She took them to the bathroom and helped them wash the sand from their hands and faces and rinsed it off their legs.

When she returned Gabe was standing in front of the open French doors looking out at the ocean, hands in his pockets. He turned as she entered and, seeing his frown, she wondered at his thoughts.

'How do you like your coffee?'

'Black and strong.'

Just how I like mine.

He pulled out a chair and sat at the table, watching her with a half-smile. The twins made a bee line for him, hovering at his knee. What was it about him that attracted them like a magnet?

Jenna grew uneasy under his watchful gaze, once again aware of that impetuous kiss she'd planted on him in the library, and heat coiled in her belly. A surreptitious glance caught him watching her; the devilish sparkle in his eyes set her heart racing.

Desperate for distance, she turned and pulled two heavy pottery mugs from an overhead cupboard. The machine hissed and gurgled and the rich aroma of coffee filled the kitchen.

The twins, blithely unaware of their mother's uneasiness, crowded close to Gabe.

'Did you find Ted Janssen?'

'I followed your directions but he wasn't home.' He glanced at her, and then turned his attention back to the twins. 'I'll try and catch up with him later.'

Gabe played 'this little piggy' with Zoë.

Nose scrunched, arms curled around her body, the little girl squirmed with delight. Zach bounced on his feet, impatient for his turn. Gabe's easy manner with them surprised her and made her suspicious. 'Are you married? Do you have children?'

His narrow eyed look gave her goose-bumps. 'No to both questions, why do you ask?'

'You have a way with kids.' She shrugged, worrying her lower lip. If ever a man had father written all over him, he did.

With a gentle hand on Zoë's shoulder, he put her aside, stood and walked across the kitchen to Jenna. 'If I was a married man, I would never have come back.'

The quiet words were disconcerting. 'And I can take that to the bank?'

His brows drew together in a forbidding frown, but she stood her ground. Hard, bitter experience had taught her that men could lie as easily as they drank coffee.

'Not very trusting are you?'

'Trusting? Not likely!' With a derisive snort she turned and poured coffee from the carafe into the mugs all the while too conscious of his shrewd scrutiny.

Gabe sat on a chair by the table and she handed him his coffee before she poured milk for the twins. 'Zach and Zoë, time for milk and a banana.'

'Yay.' They deserted Gabe and ran to her. She put them into their high chairs and gave them plastic sippy-cups of milk and half a peeled banana each.

'They like that,' Gabe said, sipping his coffee.

'They're normal kids.' Jenna sat down and picked up her own drink. 'Fill their tummies, love them and they're happy.'

'Children's needs are simple at this age. It's when they're older that you strike trouble.'

'Tell me about it.' Jenna ran a fingertip around the rim of her mug.

Gabe leaned back in his chair, watching her intently. 'I overheard some of your conversation with your brother.'

'I guessed as much.' She darted a swift glance his way as she traced a pattern on the scarred table top. 'Since Mum died Heath's been wagging school more than he's been attending.'

'He's grieving.' It was more of a statement than a question.

'It's hit us all in different ways. Jace wants to leave Katherine Bay in the dust, Heath's grades have dropped. He was a top student in line for scholarships, but now—' She shook her head.

'And you think putting him in foster care will work?'

'What other options do I have?' Despair edged her tone. 'What sort of guardian would I be, Gabe, if I let Heath bum his chances away.'

'But foster care—' Gabe shook his head.

Zoë banged her cup on the tray of her highchair. 'Down. Down.'

'Okay Zoë. I hear you.'

Uncomfortable beneath Gabe's searching look, Jenna cleared away the twins' snack, wiped their sticky faces and hands before she lifted them down and shooed them out onto the verandah to play. She retrieved her coffee and followed them outside and after a moment, Gabe followed suit.

She sat in one of the ancient sea-grass chairs that had been on the verandah as long as she could remember. Gabe sat in the other. She looked out over the ocean and saw Heath on his surf board. Despair nibbled at her.

'Your brother?'

'Yeah. And he promised me he would do his home-work.'

The ensuing silence seethed with unasked questions. After stealing a glance at Gabe, Jenna knew she wasn't imagining his curiosity.

'Foster care is a pretty drastic solution.' He was first to break the silence. 'Your other brother, how much influence does he have with Heath?'

Jenna gave a bitter little laugh. 'Too much and all of it's bad. Jace hates Katherine Bay and is desperate to move to the city.'

'Is moving to Auckland the answer?'

'Of course it's not! There may not be much work here, but at least we have space and a roof over our heads, but do you think I can make Jace understand that?' She jerked a thumb in the direction of the surfer. 'Heath's set to follow in his footsteps.'

Gabe frowned, and she resisted the urge to fidget.

'Have you any family who can help you? Someone prepared to take Heath in and do right by him?'

Was his concern genuine? It was so long since anyone had offered to help her in any way, Jenna was suspicious of it now. Or did Gabe have a more devious agenda?

'My mother, Adele, was Grandpa's only child.'

'So you have no relatives there,' he mused. 'What about your father's family?'

She grimaced, hesitating, unsure how to answer, then decided on the truth. 'Frank Parrish's family probably disowned him at birth.'

'He's still alive? Could he help you here?'

'As far as I know he's still living.' Jenna shrugged and sipped her coffee. 'As for him helping us? That's a joke.'

'Is that the truth or a disillusioned daughter speaking?'

Zoë toddled up clutching a toy car and Jenna focused on her daughter as she considered the painful question.

Do I have reason to distrust Frank Parrish?

The silence stretched to the point of discomfort. At last she met Gabe's eyes. 'It's hard to trust a man who's never been there for any of us. Whenever Frank does return, trouble arrives with him.'

'So there's little point relying on him for help?'

'No.' Jenna snorted in derision. 'Long ago, I realized that my dream of a gallant father coming to rescue us from Grandpa was the fantasy of a bewildered child.'

Gabe winced. 'Your mother?'

'She was a gentle soul, and could never stand up to Grandpa's bullying.'

Gabe leaned across the space and caught her hand in his. 'That had to be rough.'

'It was.' She looked at him, her gaze steady. What would it be like to have a strong man like him, standing firmly at her back? She shook her head. It wasn't about to happen.

'What did you hope to find out at the Council?'

Startled by the abrupt question, she lifted her hands, palms upward and shrugged as embarrassed heat flooded her face. How could she answer without looking like a complete moron?

'How much land do you have here, Jenna?'

'I wish I knew! All I know is that when Grandpa was alive, it was a thriving farm. After he died, things changed.'

She hadn't understood it then, and was deeply suspicious of it now. She sighed softly. 'After Grandpa's death there was just us and Mama, and that was such a relief.'

'Why?'

Was she wise to confide too much in Gabe, who was still essentially a stranger? The need to share the crushing burden overcame her natural reticence. 'He was a bully, and he abused Jace something wicked.'

'And your mother? She allowed her father to ill-treat her child?'

A convulsive shiver wracked Jenna. Agitated, she rubbed her hands up and down her arms. 'I've never understood why she let it happen either, but I'll never forget or forgive grandpa for his treatment of Jace.'

When I most want to hear your whisper Mum, you remain stubbornly silent.

'And you? Heath? Did he ill-treat you?'

'Not like he did Jace,' she said vehemently. 'Over my dead body will anyone treat my children as we were treated.'

Gabe caught her hand and smoothed a thumb over the back of it. 'I can't imagine you tolerating anyone abusing Zoë or Zach.'

Jenna found the tender gesture oddly comforting and his comment so empowering.

'After your grandfather's death, how did your mother manage?'

'She didn't, but then she was never strong, far more often sick than she was well.'

'That's often the way with an oppressed spirit.'

Jenna sucked in a shaken breath. In a few words Gabe had pinpointed the cause of her mother's malaise. What was he making of all this? She pulled her hand from his and her nervous fingers traced a pattern on the leg of her jeans.

'So what was that scene at the council all about?'

Now, the question came as no surprise, but she picked up her mug and finished the coffee to give her time to consider how to answer.

Cassie's words returned to haunt her... you're in deeper trouble than even you know.

As she recalled how Gabe had taken Liz Reilly to task, for the first time in her life, Jenna sensed she'd found an ally, albeit an entirely unexpected one.

'Since my mother's death, our neighbour Rory Wallace has been hounding us to move out of this house.' Frowning, she drummed her fingers on the cane table-top.

Jenna was conscious of being the centre of Gabe's focused attention. 'What does he have to say in the matter?'

Frustrated, she lifted her hands and ran them through her hair, pulling it so tightly against her scalp, it hurt. 'If I knew the answer to that, we wouldn't be having this conversation.'

'You've always lived in this house?'

'My mother was born here—we all were.'

Gabe leaned across the space and caught her restless hand in his. 'Your total land holding will be on your rate demand.'

'So I discovered. That's why I went to the council.' She inhaled a sharp breath, and was almost overwhelmed by Gabe's potency, but she brushed aside the distracting sensation.

'Surely it's easier to check your rate demand?'

'Without a doubt,' she said with considerable asperity, 'if we'd ever received one.'

Gabe dark eyebrows rose until they almost reached the lock of hair tumbling over his forehead, his disbelief palpable. 'How can you not receive a rate demand if three generations of your family have lived here?'

Jenna heartbeat accelerated along with her frustration. She didn't need Gabe to point out this anomaly. 'I checked out the Land Information website because I need to know if we own this house and the land under it. If we do, I can tell old man Wallace to get lost, only to discover that—'

'—you need the legal description.'

Jenna spread her hands wide. 'You got it in one.'

Gabe stood, walked across to the verandah rail and leaned against it, watching her with unnerving intensity.

'Let's see if I've got this straight. When your grandfather was alive, this was a thriving farm? He was a despot who treated you all badly, and from what you've said, obviously never trusted your mother. After his death, your family situation changed. You and your family have lived in this house for three generations and you're saying you've never received a rate demand?'

As she listened to his bald recital of the facts, she clenched her hands in her lap. It was so obvious that something was definitely off kilter.

'That's about it.'

'The obvious solution is that the land has been sold.'

Doubt and anxiety coalesced into one gigantic ball. Had their mother sold the land, as Jace claimed—if so, where was the money?

Too agitated to sit still, Jenna jumped out of her chair. On jerky steps, she walked across to the verandah rail and leaned over to check on Zach and Zoë. They were busy playing in the sandpit with the new trucks she'd borrowed from the Toy Library. She turned and leaned against the rail.

'That's what we and everyone else around here assumed. Now, I'm not so sure.'

Gabe's brow furrowed in a frown as he watched her. 'What's happened to make you doubt it now?'

Would these confidences return to bite her? She'd told him so much she could see little point in not telling him everything.

'Last winter, when my mother was dying, she made me promise not to sell 'him' the land.' Tears blurred Jenna's vision and she laced her fingers together so tightly the knuckles turned white. 'It was almost on her last breath, Gabe.'

He crossed to her side and put a gentle hand on her shoulder, the unspoken sympathy had her scrubbing at the tears on her cheek.

'I don't have the foggiest idea who she meant by that cryptic him.' Her voice shook. 'I thought my mother meant the house and the land it stands on, but after today I'm not at all sure I didn't misunderstand her. Completely.'

Why Mum, why wait so long?

The ghost in her head stayed annoyingly silent.

Gabe didn't rush to fill the silence with words. His calm, rational manner gave her confidence.

'You were too angry this morning,' he said quietly, 'but the council's receptionist gave you the answer. You need sound legal advice, Jenna. Hire a lawyer and get him to dig into the whole situation.'

She turned and gripped the rail. 'Good advice maybe, but not possible. The solo parent benefit means we don't starve, but it doesn't run to lawyer's fees.'

'Can you afford not to have one? You're more than likely eligible for Legal Aid.'

This startled her into looking at him. 'Can I get Legal Aid to sort out Mum's affairs?'

He nodded.

'But I thought Legal Aid only applied if a person was charged with some crime?'

'Being bilked out of an inheritance is a crime, Jenna, a damn serious crime.' He caught her restless hand and squeezed it.

Bilked out of an inheritance...

Jenna's heart seemed to stop and then race.

Has my family been ripped off—are we still being ripped off?

Questions careened through her mind. Did Gabe, a stranger looking at their situation with fresh eyes, see something she'd missed?

'I don't suppose—' She broke off, uncertain how to continue. Would he help her find the truth? Did she have the nerve to ask?

Zoë came running along the verandah and tripped, rolling toward the steps. Before Jenna could react, Gabe caught the toddler and set her back on her feet, soothing her fright. This gave Jenna time to re-think her request. How could she ask for his help? Zoë ran to her, clinging to her jeans and Zach joined his sister. Jenna smiled at her son and ruffled his hair, he hated not being first. Jenna picked up Zoë, smoothing curls off her forehead. 'She's ready for a nap.'

Gabe stood up, prepared to take his leave.

Jenna struggled with an unexpected pang of disappointment. She enjoyed his company, despite the effect of such unsettling advice.

She walked out with him.

The twins tagged along and they tugged at Gabe's jeans clamouring for attention.

He leaned down and scooped them both up in a hug, kissing their cheeks. Zoë hugged him so tightly it was a wonder the man could breathe. The impulsive action reinforced Jenna's awareness of how much Gabe liked and appreciated her children.

At the gate, he set them down and watched her as she shut it securely.

'Take care, Jenna.' He leaned across the gate and brushed a knuckle down her cheek before he touched each toddler's head. 'Bye, Zoë and Zach.'

Zoë beamed. 'Bye, Dad ... da.'

Embarrassed heat flooded Jenna's entire body. 'I'm sorry, Zoë doesn't understand.'

Gabe leaned over the gate, caught Jenna's chin between his thumb and forefinger. 'Zoë has it right. You of all people should know that every child needs its father. Have you the right to deprive these children of their father, and him of his children?'

His words hit with all the subtlety of a sledgehammer.

Pride jerked her chin up, and the lie rolled easily off her tongue. 'In a perfect world they would have a father; unfortunately, I have no idea just who their father is.'

# Chapter Five

GABE DROVE AWAY, gravel spraying from beneath the rear wheels of his fancy sports car. Jenna remained standing by the gate until the rooster tail of dust he left in his wake had settled and the hot air was again clear.

I thought he was different?

Disappointment hit her, hard and bitter.

To find that Gabe Callahan was as judgmental as most everyone else in Katherine Bay, hurt. She massaged the ache that bloomed beneath her breastbone. How had he wormed his way past her reserve? A week ago she'd never met the man, since then... Gabe filled each of their encounters with excitement and he added a real zing to her mundane life. Now, his abrupt departure left her grappling with an aching sensation of loss.

Sensing her lack of attention, Zach grabbed a toy off his sister.

Zoë screeched at the top off her lungs. 'Zach. No. Zach! Mine!'

'No, mine,' Zach yelled clutching the toy to his chest.

'Mine. Mine,' Zoë shrieked as she tried to wrest the toy from her brother.

'For Pete's sake, knock it off you two.'

Startled by their mother's uncharacteristic sharpness, the toddlers' mouths puckered. Zoë sat on the path and hollered. Zach raced around the corner of the house, his booty clutched to his chest.

Jenna plucked Zoë up off the path and strode inside. 'You need a nap.'

'No. No nap.' Zoë squirmed and cried.

Jenna glanced at the clock, and seeing the time knew that if she put Zoë down for a nap now she would never get her to sleep tonight. Single motherhood had taught her to pick her battles. 'Okay, Zoë, no nap. Come and have a drink.'

She was getting Zoë a drink of water when she heard a vehicle.

Looking out the kitchen window, she watched a late model, silver SUV cruise to a stop at her gateway and two strangers alight. Something about these men made her very nervous.

Grandpa's gun.

Gabe's harsh words surfaced, but Jenna ignored them as she raced to the gun cupboard, grabbed the shotgun, and with shaking hands loaded it and ran back to the kitchen.

Zoë was there but not Zach.

Where is he? Her heart jerked in panic as she ran to the back door and looked out, but couldn't see him. Heavy footsteps echoed on the verandah and she swiftly retraced her steps, cocking the gun as she went.

'Don't come any closer.' She pointed the gun at the man standing in the open doorway to the verandah. Thickset and brawny, the dark haired man stopped one foot suspended mid-step, his dark eyes wide and wary.

Zach? Where are you baby? Zach?

Fear sent slimy tentacles sprawling through Jenna's gut, into her lungs and throat making breathing difficult. A footstep behind her had her half-turning in that direction. The second man, even bigger, darker and more menacing, walked through the back door. Under one huge arm, he held Zach like a football. A curved hunting knife blade pressed against her baby's vulnerable throat.

Zach was unnaturally still, his brown eyes twin dark pools in his milk pale face. His throat was so defenceless against that deadly blade.

'Drop the gun, lady. A knife can inflict a lot of pain, slowly.'

Fear slipped and slithered through her entire being in terrifying increments as she lowered the gun. 'Let my baby go.'

The other man stepped forward and took the weapon from her nerveless hands

The thug lifted the knife from Zach's throat and slid it into a sheath on his belt, and dropped the little boy like yesterday's garbage.

Zach crashed onto the floor and screamed. He picked himself up and scooted over to Zoë. They huddled together, arms around each other in the corner of the kitchen like two terrified frogs in a thunderstorm.

The knife wielding thug pulled a folded paper from his shirt pocket and spread it on the scarred table top. 'Jace has already signed this; all we need is your signature.'

'Signed what?' Jenna backed away, her heart clubbed in her throat and sweat beaded and trickled down between her breasts.

'This land transfer document.'

Promise me Jenna; promise you won't sell the land ...

'No!'

'No?' The thug stepped closer, his steel blue eyes cold and flat. His hot, fetid breath fanned across her flesh. 'Jace said you could prove to be stubborn.'

Jenna tried to back away, but the men had her cornered. Her panicked gaze grazed their faces and her heart clubbed so hard against her ribs, she was afraid she'd faint.

Gabe.

Where is that persistent man when I really need him?

'We can do this the hard way or the easy way, your choice lady. Sign it and we're out of here. No harm, no foul.'

Out of sight of Jenna's house, Gabe pulled over and parked on the rough grass of the road verge. He slammed an open palm onto the steering wheel as he grappled with unfamiliar feelings, emotions as searing as they were irrational.

Shock had left him bereft of words.

Jenna aroused every protective instinct he possessed, her adorable babies had breached defences he'd thought damn near impregnable. And yet, by her own admission, she didn't know who had fathered her children.

And that made her—what?

With a guttural oath he cut off the unforgivable thought.

Fourteen years ago, his father had stopped just short of disowning Gabe. George Callahan would not only have a stroke at the thought of his only son contemplating marrying such a woman, he would disown him. It was ludicrous and borderline crazy, but Gabe couldn't dislodge the tantalizing vision that has jelled within a few short days, a vision that was breath-taking and vivid—an image of himself, Jenna and her twin toddlers—

His half-baked plan to befriend the single mother and her babies and in doing so, create a family of his own had backfired, big time. Frustrated, he punched the steering wheel with a closed fist—and welcomed the pain.

He blew on his stinging knuckles.

How could he ask any woman to be his wife? That was a lesson he'd learned with brutal harshness years ago. Angry with himself, Jenna and a malign fate, Gabe slammed the car into drive and headed for Janssen's. He parked and surveyed the house. From the outside its condition looked better than the Mullein's homestead, but his experienced eye saw serious flaws. The garden held a few straggly shrubs, the trunks were bare of foliage in a way that suggested they had been trimmed by sheep. The house was irrelevant. It was the land, riparian rights and deep water anchorage that Kreagans wanted.

Gabe banked down his irrational anger, but it simmered away beneath the surface.

A man strode across brown, parched grass to the garden gate and, noting the man's ripped, dirty jeans and old flannel shirt, Gabe was glad he'd gone with his instincts and changed into casual clothes.

'Ted Janssen,' the man said by way of greeting as he thrust out a hand. 'You must be Gabe Callahan.'

'I am.' Gabe shook his hand, insensibly irritated by the other man's fawning eagerness.

'Come inside and we can talk there.' Janssen led the way inside.

The interior of the house was cluttered and unkempt. Dust lay thick on every surface.

Janssen shifted a pile of newspapers off an armchair so Gabe could sit down, and he unceremoniously dumped them in a corner. Dust motes rose thickly in the air, dancing in the beam of afternoon sunshine shining through an un-curtained window.

'Excuse the mess.' Ted said. 'The missus did a bunk. She used to keep the house.'

No surprises there!

Several sources in Katherine Bay had provided the information that Janssen's wife had left him because of his drinking and womanizing, but the man's personal life was not Gabe's concern.

The familiar process of negotiation saw Gabe quickly regain his legendary control. The banked anger gave him a razor edge. Soon, Kreagan Enterprises held an exclusive non-negotiable option to buy two hundred and fifty hectares of prime beachfront land with deep water anchorage and the very rare ocean riparian rights.

Once this initial agreement was signed, Gabe accepted Ted's offer of a whisky.

With wry appreciation, Gabe couldn't help noticing Janssen's priorities; a clean glass and top quality Glenfiddich malt.

The whisky did little to soothe Gabe's chaotic emotions. 'I called to see you a few days ago, but took the wrong turning and ended up facing a shotgun.'

'Ah! Run across Jenna Mullein did you?'

Startled, Gabe glanced at the other man.

Her trigger-happy antics were that widely known?

He swirled the whisky in his glass, unable to shake the memory of chocolate eyes and a lush, wanton mouth. Jenna niggled at him like a sore tooth he couldn't leave alone.

Am I in the throes of an early, mid-life crisis?

'She's one feisty lady.' An involuntary chuckle escaped Gabe. Damn, but he liked her fiery spirit. 'And Zach and Zoë are delightful.'

Janssen's grin set Gabe's teeth on edge.

'Jenna's the oldest of Adele's bastards, and seeing her following in her mother's footsteps would surely make old Adam turn in his grave.'

Gabe's fist clenched. Somehow, he resisted the temptation to plant it in Janssen's big mouth, and wipe that smug, self-satisfied smile off his face.

'Oh, why's that?' Gabe asked, his voice silky-soft as he unashamedly fished for information.

Ted downed his whisky and poured himself another generous tot before he looked directly at Gabe. 'That property was once the best farm in Katherine Bay. As for that brother of hers—' Janssen shook his head.

'Who, Heath?'

'No, Jace. The rate he's going, he'll end up in jail again, sure as eggs. Heard tell the little punk tried holdin' up old man Scanlan at the Clam Shack a couple of nights ago.'

'That cafe on the waterfront? That was Jenna's brother?'

'That's him. He's a right nasty piece of work. Takes after his father, he does. Frank Parrish is rotten to the core, a real bad apple. Old Adam was livid when his girl hooked up with him. Mind, Parrish was a handsome rogue, turned Adele's head, he did.' Janssen snorted rudely. 'Old man Scanlan's gone soft in the head, he refused to press charges against Jace. Easy to understand why though.'

Gabe fixed Ted with a direct look. 'And why is that?'

'He was nutty over Jace's mother.'

'Adele Mullein?'

'Yeah.'

'Jenna said her brother wants her to sell and go to Auckland.'

'The best thing they could do. None of them have two brains to rub together. As for Jenna stirring the pot over ownership of the land her grandfather used to own, she's making a right cake of herself.'

Janssen smirked. The man so obviously expected Gabe to concur with his assessment of Jenna, and her situation.

His attitude stuck in Gabe's craw.

He was still raw over the fact that one savvy business woman had stepped into his position at Kreagans. It was obvious that old attitudes died hard in this rural backwater. Jenna was no fool and Gabe could only hope she took his advice and hired a lawyer ... what was she about to ask me before she thought better of it?

'Why do you think they should sell?' Gabe asked his voice soft.

'They have precious little land left. Their mother sold it piecemeal after old Adam Mullein died.' Janssen sipped his whisky and gave his guest a sly glance. 'Rory Wallace farms the majority of what was once the Mullein holding.'

The same Wallace who is pressuring Jenna to move out of her home?

Instincts alert, Gabe watched Janssen, and he weighed every word the man divulged.

'She's a nice enough girl.' Ted leaned closer. 'I never did understand Jenna getting pregnant. I've never known a girl who went out of her way to avoid the young bucks like she did.'

Gabe swirled the whisky in his glass. 'So?'

'I thought she'd make it when she went to 'varsity. Then Adele took sick and Jenna came home—and wham, her belly's swollen.' He made a very rude hand gesture. 'I've me own theory about how she got pregnant, but I'm not one to gossip.'

Gabe managed to smother a snort.

'But you've got to hand it to the girl; she's got guts birthing those two kids. As for trying to raise them—after her mother's struggle, you'd think she'd have more sense.'

'Oh, what makes you think that?'

Janssen opened up as easily as a rotten oyster. 'That family's had it tough for years. The local cops are as useless as tits on a bull. Jenna's needed that shotgun she handles so well; she's had to fend off Mullaney and his mates a time or two.'

The insinuation lodged like a boulder in Gabe's gut. Had Jenna been raped? Was that why she claimed she didn't know who'd fathered her babies? Had he maligned her?

'What are you implying?'

'That dame's fair game,' Janssen said with a lewd laugh. 'The twins are proof and more, that she puts it out there.'

Fury fizzed through Gabe. He slammed the glass of whisky onto a side table setting dust rising in the air, and stood, his fists clenched. 'Is that young woman at the mercy of every thug around here? And you're content to just sit back and watch?'

Janssen stood, suddenly wary. 'I'd help if I could but—'

'—it's not your problem. You gutless wonder!'

'Now look here,' Janssen blustered, his face going brick red.

'Forget it.' Gabe picked up the signed papers and stalked out to his car. Still seething, he opened the door, got in and slammed it.

If Janssen's attitude was indicative of other residents here in Katherine Bay, no wonder Jace was desperate enough to try robbery, or Jenna to keep a loaded gun handy to protect herself.

Her aggressive attitude now made a lot more sense.

Despite the obvious bigotry she faced, she didn't hesitate to do what she thought was best for her young brother and her small family.

As he drove away from Janssen's, with an intuitive flash of insight Gabe knew what she'd been about to ask. I don't suppose—you could help?

Thanks to Alex Kreagan, he had time in plenty. Helping Jenna sort out her affairs would fill a few empty hours.

And it will give me an ironclad excuse to spend more time with her, Zoë and Zach... a thought that made him more than eager to return.

Cresting the rise above her house, he saw a silver SUV parked near her gateway.

He frowned, he hadn't counted on her having visitors. With a curl of embarrassment, he recalled his parting words, and he hesitated. Should he go in or should he come back later? Would she even want to see him?

I'm a coward and a judgmental, one at that.

Impatient with such uncharacteristic dithering, he alighted. The worst she could do was tell him to take a hike. As he mounted the rickety front steps, a child screamed.

What the hell!

Gabe didn't hesitate. He opened the door and strode down the passage.

He entered the kitchen just as another scream rent the air.

Jenna sat in a chair, dazed, her face bloodied and battered. One man stood over her while a second held Zach in a cruel grip. The child screamed as the thug twisted his little arm. The coppery smell of blood hit Gabe's nostrils.

'Sign that paper or I'll break his arm.'

# Chapter Six

'YOU. WILL. NOT.' Gabe stood, arms akimbo, each word laced with chilling rage. 'Put. Zach. Down. Very. Gently. Or it will be the last thing you do. Ever!'

Startled, the brutes turned in his direction.

In an instant Zach was free. The little boy hit the floor screaming, and he ran to Jenna, clutching at her blood splattered jeans. Zoë cowered in the corner by the kitchen bench, sobbing her baby heart out.

Their distress fuelled Gabe's anger. How dare grown men hurt defenceless babies? 'Step away from Jenna.'

The thug closest to her hesitated.

Gabe took a step toward him.

The creep took a hurried step backwards.

The gutless cowards weren't so brave when facing a man instead of a diminutive woman and two toddlers.

Jenna staggered as she stood and turned toward him. He saw her face and his rage turned feral. 'Take the children into the bedroom, Jenna. I'll deal with these thugs.'

'This isn't your fight.'

For several moments no one moved or spoke.

'Go, Jenna. The twins have endured enough violence,' Gabe said curtly.

Still she hesitated and glanced at Zach and Zoë.

Her stricken distress hardened Gabe's resolve. These bastards would pay.

'You do that Jenna,' the thug closest said, his blue eyes as cold and flat as glacial ice. 'We'll deal with lover boy here—then we'll finish our little deal.'

Jenna shuddered. With a hand on Zoë's shoulder, she hustled the sobbing children into the hallway, and slammed the door behind her.

Gabe didn't take his eyes off the pair. Braced and ready, legs slightly apart, adrenalin pumping, he faced the two hoodlums.

Blue eyes rushed him.

With a neat sidestep, Gabe caught his wrist and, using the man's momentum, flipped him onto his back. The old house shook as the thug crashed onto the floor.

The second man rushed at Gabe, and copped a decent crack on the jaw. Blue eyes came off the floor with a bellow of rage, feinted sideways, and then swung around, his fist connecting with Gabe's jaw with a crack that made his eyes water. He stumbled, and his knee slammed into the table leg.

'Behind you, Gabe.'

He heard Jenna's yell, spun around and dodged sideways as blue eyes, a chair held above his head, prepared to strike. With a swift sideways kick, Gabe's left foot connected with the thug's kneecap and knocked him off balance. Man and chair crashed to the floor.

Gabe wheeled, braced for another onslaught.

Jenna whacked the second man behind the knees with a baseball bat. He screamed and fell, his head smashed into the corner of the table with a sickening thud. Before the echo died, she hefted the bat ready to strike again.

Blue eyes regained his feet, snatched the paper off the table and ran through the French doors onto the verandah.

Gabe gave chase, but slowed by the blow he'd taken to his knee, he couldn't catch up with the man. The thug vaulted into the SUV and escaped.

Swearing, Gabe hauled out his cell phone and dialled emergency as he ran back to the house. Jenna stood over the downed man, baseball bat at the ready. Gabe bent over the unconscious man, and breathed out a relieved sigh as he found a pulse.

'He'll live,' he said as he snatched up the rope one of the thugs had dropped and with quick, efficient movements, he immobilised the thug.

Jaw clenched, aggression on overload, Gabe turned on Jenna.

'Bloody hell!' He yelled. 'Why didn't you stay in the bedroom?'

'And let you be killed? Then where would we be?' she screeched, lifting her battered chin.

He caught her hands and she moaned. Every vestige of colour faded from her cheeks. The freckles stood out on her pale skin like ink-spots on parchment. She began to shake and concern swiftly replaced his adrenalin fuelled anger.

'What did that bastard do to you?'

She shook her head, her chocolate eyes swimming with tears.

How the hell did she swing that bat if her arm hurt this bad?

With a smothered oath, he cradled her in his arms and held her close. He was gentle despite the storm raging in his breast. She needed his calm, not his fury.

'Shhh—I have you safe, lean against me.'

She sagged against him, as limp as if someone had removed a vital connecting pin. Her breath came in ragged little half sobs as if full blown weeping required more effort than she possessed.

He touched her forehead, and found it cold and clammy. She was going into shock.

He swore softly and taking care of her injured arm, he lifted her and carried her to the nearest bedroom. He laid her on the bed and tucked a threadbare blanket around her. Already burdened with too many responsibilities, she did not need this. He sat on the edge of the bed and smoothed a tangle of hair away from her battered face, and silently, he thanked whatever gods had prompted him to return.

The wardrobe door cracked open, but when the twins saw him, they cowered back inside the cupboard.

Their fear broke Gabe's heart.

Only a few hours earlier they'd been so eager to come to him. Afraid of spooking them, he approached slowly, crouching until he was down at their level. Zach's face was already showing extensive bruising.

Those bastards had hit him.

'Zoë come to Gabe, sweetheart,' he crooned. They, too, needed his calm and not his anger.

She hesitated, undecided for long moments before she ran into his outstretched arms. Zach sobbed, but hung back.

'Zach. Let me take you to mama,' Gabe coaxed softly.

'M-mama?' Zoë sobbed against his neck. 'M-mama?'

'Hush, Little Miss.' Gabe stood and cuddled her closer, crossed to the bed and tucked her in beside Jenna.

Zach ran to the bed and clambered up beside his mother, shying well clear of Gabe. Even hurting as she must be, Jenna found the strength to comfort her babies. His respect for this pocket-sized woman grew.

She grasped his wrist. 'Thank you.'

Swallowing hard, Gabe sat on the edge of the bed, his hand over hers. 'You're safe now.'

'For how long?'

'You're no longer alone. I won't desert you,' he said, his voice hard with steely determination.

'It's not your fight. I can take care of my family.'

'Can you? Granted, you have guts in spades, but your hands are tied with two tots.' Anger laced every word. 'When thugs attack women and babies, don't expect me to walk away.'

Jenna sucked in a breath, the ragged sound loud in the silence.

'Who were they? What did they want?'

'I have no idea who they are. They tried to make me sign a land transfer document,' she said in a tormented whisper. 'They expected me to sign away ownership of our land.'

Gabe needed to lean closer to hear her anguished words, and when he understood, fresh anger spiked, along with a hefty dose of guilt.

Are my activities behind this attack?

If Jenna knew he was scoping out land, so could anyone else.

One question now had a clear answer... the Mullein siblings obviously held legal title to land—a considerable parcel of land.

'Now why doesn't that surprise me?' he muttered beneath his breath.

'What do you mean?' Jenna struggled to sit up on one elbow.

Gabe knew he owed her an explanation, but years of business caution made him hesitate. He glanced out the window and saw a police car pulling up, and he welcomed the distraction. 'The police are here.'

'Who called them?'

'I did.'

'You shouldn't have.' She tried to sit up, but fell back against the pillow.

'This attack is a police matter, Jenna,' he said flatly. 'We'll talk later.'

When he reached the kitchen, Gabe found a lone policeman crouched beside the trussed up thug. Why didn't the man announce his presence and where was his backup? The breach of protocol disturbed Gabe and made him wary.

The local cops are useless... Janssen's words surfaced, but now they held very sinister overtones.

The cop stood. 'What happened here?'

'Why are you here alone?' Gabe demanded.

'Sergeant Ian Harkness.' The cop fixed Gabe with a hard look, but made no move to shake hands. 'We're stretched with the murder in town.'

'Murder? What murder?' Shock had Gabe taking a step backwards.

'The local librarian was found dead behind the boatsheds near the wharf.'

Gabe went still; a cold chill snatched away his breath. He remembered the woman, drab and thin-lipped with disapproval, but essentially harmless.

'Ms Reilly? Dead? Are you sure?'

'A dead body is pretty hard to mistake.'

Gabe's gut rolled and nausea rose in his throat at the cop's crude attempt at levity.

Why would anyone want to harm that mousy woman? Or leave Jenna battered, bruised, and fearing for her life? Was there some connection?

'When did this happen?'

'As yet, we don't know.' Harkness fixed Gabe with a grim, suspicious look. 'Now tell me, what happened here?'

Gabe shoved an ungentle foot into the trussed man's side, eliciting a groan. 'This brute beat up Jenna and Zach while trying to coerce her into signing a land transfer document. His sidekick escaped with the papers.'

A heartbeat's silence ensued before the policeman's gaze slid away. 'Then I only have your word against his.'

Suspicion, ugly and uncompromising, solidified in Gabe's gut. 'Jenna can corroborate my statement.'

'Where is she?'

'Comforting her babies.' Gabe pointed toward the bedroom.

'I need to see her.'

Not alone, and definitely not on my watch.

The thug was going nowhere. Gabe shadowed the cop and when he intercepted the look Harkness gave Jenna, he was glad he'd backed his hunch.

'Jenna?'

Her swollen eyelids cracked open and her expression sullen, she glared at Harkness. 'You want the truth? Or will you make up more lies?'

'Not funny.' Harkness's gaze slid from Jenna to Gabe before he looked away. 'Tell me about this alleged assault?'

The cop's shifty expression and blatant insinuation outraged Gabe. 'Alleged? Jenna was assaulted. There's nothing alleged about it.'

He launched into a succinct account of events.

'I need to hear Jenna's version.' Harkness cut him off, his abruptness bordering on rude.

'Tomorrow's soon enough.' Gabe could barely contain his anger. 'Pick up that garbage, find his sidekick and book them for assault, grievous bodily harm, illegal constraint, using duress to obtain consent and assault with intent on a child.'

Harkness spluttered and went red. 'Who the hell are you?'

'Someone you'd be advised not to cross.' Gabe stepped just too close and was gratified when the other man took a step back. 'Trust me, Harkness. I will see justice done.'

'Are you trying to tell me how to do my job?'

Jenna pushed up on an elbow. 'What job? You ignore every complaint we make.'

'Be reasonable. Why rake up old history?' Harkness darted a wary glance at Gabe.

'I don't consider it old history.' She managed to sit up, trembling with anger.

The man's colour deepened. 'How could an assault charge stand when your brother swore your injuries were accidental?'

'That's a lie. You knew Jace didn't understand what he was signing.'

As Gabe listened his suspicions grew. Their loud voices frightened Zach, his little face puckered and he began to sob.

'I uphold the law, not break it.' The sergeant's expression turned ugly.

'You could've fooled me.'

Gabe gripped Jenna's shoulder and leaned close to her ear. 'Take care of Zach and I'll see Harkness out.'

Jenna heeded the unspoken warning and subsided.

Gabe strode to the door, held it open and Harkness obeyed the silent command. In the kitchen the thug had rolled over and was trying to sit up, swearing luridly.

Gabe leaned over him, venting some of his anger. 'Shut the hell up.'

The man cringed and subsided.

Harkness spared the thug a frowning glance, looked at Gabe, then he shook his head sadly. 'This whole family's touched. Jenna's as queer in the attic as ever her mother was.'

Gabe stood; his arms folded across his chest and held the man pinned on a stare. 'I'll bring Jenna to the station tomorrow, and someone independent can record her statement.'

The policeman's face flamed red. 'Are you suggesting I'm biased?'

'Did I mention bias?' Gabe raised his eyebrows. 'Take that scum and get out.'

'Now look here,' Harkness blustered.

'No. You listen up, Sergeant. I'm neither a struggling single mother nor a young hot head. Find the other thug who hurt Jenna and Zach, or—' Gabe paused before adding with deadly emphasis, '—you'll live to regret tangling with me.'

'Are you threatening me?'

'Would I dare?'

With one last killing glance, Harkness levered the trussed man to his feet and propelled him outside. Arms crossed, Gabe watched as the cop manoeuvred the thug into the patrol car. As he watched the vehicle depart, Gabe knew he'd just made a formidable enemy.

He'd worry about that later. Now Jenna needed him, and it had been a very long time since anyone had needed Gabe Callahan.

He returned to the bedroom, sat on the edge of the bed and cradled Jenna in his arms. Zach and Zoë crawled close, and seeing their hurt and fear fired his determination to protect this family. He murmured the same gentle, mindless assurances his mother had once used to soothe his childhood hurts, and gradually Jenna's trembling eased.

'I'm sorry.'

'Hush, sweetheart, you have no reason to be sorry.' He set her back on the pillow, smoothing a heavy lock of hair away from her battered face. 'I'll settle the twins for a nap.'

'They need changing.' She tried to rise.

He gripped her shoulder. 'I've changed my share of diapers. Do they still have a bottle?'

'Only at nap time, they're in the fridge.' Jenna turned away from him.

He winced. He'd been in enough fights to know she had to be hurting.

Gabe settled the twins, and then rummaged in the bathroom for painkillers. He found a packet of ibuprofen and shook two into his palm.

'Take these.' He helped her sit up and supported her as she swallowed the pills, her hand shook as she handed him the glass.

Gabe fetched a warm face-cloth and sponged the worst of the blood from her face. It had to hurt, but she never made a sound.

'I don't think there's any major damage. You'll have a couple of shiners for sure, but you need to be checked by a doctor.'

Jenna gripped his wrist, her expression frantic. 'No. No doctor.'

'Why ever not?'

'Please don't, Gabe.' Her chocolate eyes swam with tears. 'If a doctor sees those bruises on Zach they'll call child protection services. And I'll lose my babies.'

'Okay,' he said slowly, and although he had his doubts, he couldn't mistake her fear.

'Please, Gabe, no doctor.'

Unable to withstand her pleading, he sighed, 'Okay, no doctor.'

He tucked the blankets around her and sat on the edge of the bed until she slept. Her bruised face was already a deep purple and a nasty cut marred her upper lip. He hoped his assessment that no bones were broken was the correct call.

Rubbing his neck, aware of his own bruises, Gabe wondered what the hell sort of situation he'd stumbled upon?

Was that cop involved, or was he being fanciful?

Questions tumbled helter-skelter through his mind, with too few darn answers. He knew he'd have to tell Jenna about the librarian's murder. Heaven alone knew how she'd react to such distressing news.

He left her to check the twins, and he was relieved to find them sleeping. Purple bruising marred Zach's cheek. He smoothed an unsteady hand over the child's head. What was happening to this family? Would they be safer away from here?

Liz Reilly was dead, murdered.

Jenna's terror was unmistakeable.

And Gabe was now certain that something very sinister bubbled beneath the seemingly tranquil surface of Katherine Bay.

# Chapter Seven

IN THE KITCHEN, Gabe straightened overturned chairs and retrieved his cell phone. Despite his anger with his cousin, his first instinct was to call Alex.

'Kreagan.'

The imperative bark was comfortingly familiar and Gabe eased out a relieved breath. 'Alex? It's me, Gabe. I need some help, urgently.'

There was a moment's thunderstruck silence. 'Why? What's the matter, man?'

Gabe understood Alex's shock.

He'd never asked for help, but he had Alex to turn to. Jenna had no one. He couldn't turn his back on her, or Zach and Zoë.

'I'm in a hell of a fix, guarding a single mother and her twin toddlers who've taken a beating. I need help and—' Gabe paused, trying to think how to best deal with the situation, '—can you check out a land title and get a High Court injunction to prevent it being sold. Find out who's paid the rates on this land and anything else relevant.'

'You have the details?'

'No legal description, only the landowners' names and physical address.' Gabe gripped the back of his neck, grappling with an uncharacteristic sense of helplessness as he passed on what little information he had.

'Anything else?'

'Can you check out the local police, Sergeant Ian Harkness in particular?'

'What the hell have you got yourself involved in?'

'I'm not sure, but when a mother and baby are beaten to coerce her into signing a land transfer, then a cop tries to ignore my complaint, something is decidedly off.'

There were several beats of silence. 'Does this concern you scoping out land?'

Information leaks sent land prices soaring and although rationally, Gabe knew he could never have anticipated today's events, he still felt guilty.

'That's my take on the situation.'

'Dirty cops?'

'I think so.' Gabe frowned, sick to his gut. 'There's more, Alex. On Wednesday Jenna went to the library.'

'Jenna Mullein, as in the single mother?'

'Yeah. The librarian gave her a hard time because she was a few minutes late to use the library computer to send in her assignments.'

'What does this have to do with the assault?'

'God knows, but the librarian's been found dead, murdered.'

'Shit! I'll send Cade. Meanwhile, watch your back.'

'For sure.' Gabe trusted no one more than Reuben Cade, head of Alex's security team. 'And Alex?'

'Yeah?'

'I'm couriering you a provisional contract for two hundred and fifty hectares of prime beach front land with riparian rights and deep water anchorage.'

A profound silence greeted the abrupt change of subject. 'Is there a connection?'

'Without a doubt.' Gabe didn't trust coincidence, and in this situation, he wasn't about to start. 'We should contact the Area District Commander. Harkness is dangerous.'

'On what grounds?'

In a few terse words, Gabe outlined recent events, including Janssen's remarks. 'Harkness must know he's been rumbled and will try and save his hide, unless I miss my guess.'

'Those are pretty serious allegations. Sit tight. I'll have a team there to help you within the hour.'

As he disconnected, Gabe looked around the shabby kitchen. This was the very last place he'd imagined stumbling across a criminal scam. A sound brought him whirling around only to be confronted by the same blasted shotgun, now held by Jenna's younger brother.

'Don't move.'

Gabe froze. He was far more nervous of the gun in this boy's trembling hands than his sister's.

For long, tense moments, man and boy stared at each other. Heath's immature Adam's apple bobbed up and down, then, with a gusty sigh, he lowered the gun. 'It's you. Whatcha doin' here again?'

Gabe held out his hand. 'Give me that bloody gun.'

The boy hesitated, then handed it over.

Gabe broke open the shotgun and found it loaded. Sweat chilled his chest. He put the gun to one side, grabbed Heath by the shoulders and shook him hard. 'You stupid little dick head, do you want to spend your life in jail?'

Heath's bottom lip jutted stubbornly. 'No.' His sullen mutter was barely audible.

Gabe shook him again. 'Pulling a gun on an unarmed man is one short step from murder.'

Fear flared in the boy's eyes at the savage comment, but he remained stubbornly silent.

'You want to try explaining a body to the police?'

'I found the gun lying on the verandah, okay?'

That gave Gabe pause and cooled his anger somewhat. 'I visited unexpectedly and found thugs beating up Jenna and Zach.'

'Who would do that?' The boy paled and tugged at his hair. 'Why beat up on Jenna? Is she okay?'

'She's hurt, but not too badly. I arrived before the situation got out of hand. Jenna said the men were strangers.'

Heath hazel eyes glittered and he aimed an angry kick at the table leg. 'Probably some of Jace's cronies.'

'Your brother?' Gabe demanded, fists clenched, his residual anger intensifying. Was Jace responsible for that assault? 'Would he do that? Set his sister up?'

'He runs with a pretty wild crowd.'

Was Janssen right in his reading of that young man's character? Gabe shook his head, wanting some quality time alone with Jace, but dismissed that as unimportant. There were far more serious issues to deal with first. 'Are there any more weapons in this house?'

Heath nodded.

Gabe frowned as he followed the boy to a rear bedroom. Heath opened an ordinary double-doored cupboard to reveal a sturdy, locked metal gun cabinet, and, in a move that was shockingly deft, Heath unlocked it and revealed an extensive collection of guns including several high powered rifles.

'Where in hell did these come from?' Gabe demanded, his voice harsh with disbelief.

'They're our Grandpa's, he was a gun collector.' Heath shrugged, his bony shoulders almost reaching his ears. 'Jace is a keen hunter and has a gun licence. Why? Does it matter?'

Does it matter?

The artless question had fear lodging in Gabe's chest, cold and solid as a glacial boulder, and suspicion jelled into certainty. He stared pointedly from Heath to the gun cabinet. 'Does Harkness know these are here? If he does, he will be back.'

'Sergeant Harkness was here?' Heath lost colour under his tan. 'Why? What did he want?'

'I called the police to report the assault on your sister.' Gabe raked a hand through his hair. 'Harkness responded.'

'Bet that got Jenna bent out of shape.'

'It did.' Gabe watched Heath, his eyes narrowed. 'If that cop returns we could all be in big trouble.'

Heath stared at him, his eyes huge in his pallid face. 'Trouble?'

Gabe's mind worked at warp speed. These guns turned a frightening situation into a dangerous one. He needed to get Jenna, this boy and those babies away from here and Katherine Bay. They needed to be someplace where they would be safe. With one eye on Heath, Gabe re-dialled Alex. 'How far away is Cade?'

'Why? The chopper's going through pre-flight as we speak.'

'I've just discovered that there's an arsenal of weapons in this house. Jace Mullein has a gun licence and a reputation as a hothead. Harkness told me the family is touched.'

'You think that woman and her family are in danger,' Alex's growl deepened.

'There's already one woman dead in this town.'

'If one cop is crooked, there'll be others. Could they bring in firepower and wipe everyone out?'

Alex's ugly words echoed in an obscene silence, and hearing them, Gabe was relieved. They gave validity to his own suspicions. Inaction was not an option.

'That I can't say for sure, but after our earlier confrontation I'm certain that cop will be back.'

'You need to get that woman and those children out of there. Fast,' Alex said tersely. 'Send them here.'

'I couldn't agree more, and thanks for offering them sanctuary. I'll get a marker on the beach for the chopper.' As Gabe reeled off the co-ordinates, he was thankful for his car's GPS unit.

'Cade will find you.' Alex cut the connection.

'Who's dead?' Heath stared at Gabe, his complexion so pale the freckles across the bridge of his nose were clearly visible.

'Liz Reilly.'

'She's that mean old lady at the town library?'

Despite the seriousness of the situation, Gabe couldn't help grinning at the boy's summation of Liz Reilly's character. 'Yeah, but that's not important. Is there an orange lifejacket or tarpaulin anywhere around here?'

'There's an old tarp in the shed out back.'

'Then help me.' Gabe was already striding toward the door. 'We need to get a marker on the beach for the chopper.'

Heath hesitated. Gabe put his hands on the boy's shoulders, levelling with him. 'Listen, I think Harkness is a dirty cop. If he returns, it will be to kill. I'm not going to risk it. Are you?'

'No.' Heath looked what he was, a frightened boy.

'I think we're safe enough for now.' Gabe let out a harsh, explosive breath. 'But should your brother return—'

Heath paled further.

Gabe saw the muscles in his immature throat working as the kid swallowed. Without another word, Heath led the way to a ramshackle shed behind the old house. It was filled with the junk of ages. He rummaged among the junk and unearthed an old orange railway tarpaulin lying in one corner. Gabe hefted it over a shoulder before turning to the youth, one eyebrow raised in question. 'While I take the tarp to the beach will you start clearing a space for my car? We need to hide it.'

Heath nodded and began tossing rubbish aside.

When Gabe returned from laying out the tarp, he glanced at his watch and noted it was a bare half-hour since his call to Alex. Heath had cleared a considerable amount of space.

'Good lad.' Working together, they cleared enough room to park his red Porsche. 'Can you drive?'

'No.' Heath looked longingly at the sleek car.

'Too bad. I'll teach you some time but for now, I'll park it.'

Once the car was out of sight, Gabe breathed easier.

'Do you really think there'll be a shoot-out?' Heath's blunt question reminded Gabe of Jenna.

'Not if I can help it. When the chopper comes I'm sending you with your sister.'

'What about you?' Heath chewed on his lower lip, hazel eyes clouded. Despair sat awkwardly on the teen's shoulders.

'I'm confident we can settle this without bloodshed,' Gabe said, trying to reassure the boy, angered by the kid's obvious fear. No one should be this scared in their own home. 'But it could get dangerous. If it does, then it's best Jenna and the twins are away from here, and I'll bet anything you like, she won't go without you.'

Heath kicked a lump of grass and when he looked up; Gabe knew the boy had decided to trust him. Warmth settled around his heart, and in that moment, Gabe knew that he was in danger of becoming seriously attached to this family.

'Probably not. Sean Mullaney and his mates hurt Jenna real bad.'

Heath's artless words confirmed Gabe's worst suspicions and increased his determination to shield this family.

'You'll go with Jenna?' He gripped Heath's shoulder. 'My cousin is sending trained men. They're more than capable of handling any stunt Harkness decides to pull.'

'What about Jace?'

Despite suspecting that Jace was in this up to his neck, Gabe reassured Heath. 'Leave me to take care of your brother.'

He tipped his head and heard the helicopter. 'Get dressed in dry clothes and start getting those guns down to the beach. They're better out of reach. I'll wake Jenna.'

Gabe hated disturbing her, but she needed to leave. He touched her shoulder.

She jerked awake. Her eyes were now mere slits in her battered face.

Through the window, he saw the chopper land and men tumble out.

'What's happening?' Jenna lifted a trembling hand to bruised lips.

'We're airlifting you out of here to safety,' he smoothed a curl of hair off her bruised face, 'the twins and Heath too.'

When his words registered, she panicked. 'Is that necessary?'

'Yes,' he said taking a harsh breath. 'I didn't tell you before, but Harkness let slip earlier that Liz Reilly has been murdered.'

'Murdered? Liz Reilly?' Jenna's hand shook as she clutched at her throat. 'You're joking? When? Why?'

Gabe shrugged and spread his hands in an impotent gesture. 'I don't know any details except that her body was found behind the boatsheds at the old wharf.'

'But I just saw her in town,' she said, totally bewildered, her strained gaze never leaving his face. 'How can she be dead?'

'It's hard to believe, I know.' He shook his head, sharing her confusion. 'Something stinks here. And I'm not prepared to put the twins or Heath at risk? Are you?'

She didn't hesitate. 'Never! But where can we go?'

'It's all arranged.' He laid a reassuring hand on her shoulder. 'My cousin and his wife are expecting you.'

'Why?'

He caught her uninjured hand in his. 'We both think things could get nasty here.'

She stared at him, a pulse hammering at the base of her throat. 'Dangerous?'

He didn't want to alarm her, but hiding the truth wasn't an option. 'Harkness knows you have all those guns?'

'Grandpa's guns? What about them?' Jenna blinked, then expelled a harsh breath. 'My God, do you think there could be a shoot-out, for real?'

Gabe nodded, not at all surprised by her swift understanding.

'I do. And Harkness—' he paused, shaking his head. 'I may be wrong—and I hope to God, I am—but unless I miss my guess, he's behind a lot of your trouble here.'

'I know he's always given us grief—' Jenna lost what little colour she had. 'You think he's behind this harassment?'

'He wouldn't be the first cop to turn rogue. After all, who better to have on your side, so yeah, I'm serious.' He watched her swallow, her throat working as she digested this information. 'And until we find out what's happening here, you, your brother and the twins are safer well out of the way. You'll go?'

She nodded, gripping the blanket so tightly her knuckles gleamed white.

Her easy capitulation proved his fears weren't too wide of the mark. He didn't know what had been happening to this family, but he intended to find out. His gut instinct told him there was far more going on here and for far longer than Kreagans' interest in buying land.

Cade appeared in the doorway, muttering a soft imprecation when he saw Jenna.

She gripped Gabe's wrist. 'Who's that?'

Cade crossed the room and patted her hand. 'Don't be alarmed, ma'am, you're among friends. We're here to nail those criminals.' He looked at Gabe. 'Everything's ready to roll.'

'I'll carry Jenna out to the chopper. Heath will bring Zach, can you carry Zoë?'

Gabe tucked Jenna in a blanket and cradled her in his arms. She turned her face into his throat, the implicit trust in the gesture, left him humbled.

'Are you sure your cousin won't mind us descending on him?'

He had to bend close to catch the whispered words. 'Alex insisted.'

'But they're strangers.'

'You're my friend.' Even as he said it, Gabe knew that friend was too tame a word for the emotions this woman stirred in him. If the situation wasn't so serious he could almost be amused. 'Kate and Alex will welcome any friend of mine.'

As he spoke, Gabe was uneasily aware he was treading a path into the unknown.

In a few short days his emotionless existence had been blasted into fragments. And he knew there was no way he could go back, and yet going forward scared him witless. He cared what happened to this family, and caring left him vulnerable.

And vulnerable wasn't a place he had visited in a very long time.

Jenna cracked her eyelids as she tried to look at Gabe. Her heart was a dull beat in her chest and an unfamiliar tension threatened her fragile emotions. Earlier, she'd wanted to ask Gabe for his help, but never like this. Exhausted by the whirling turmoil of her thoughts and by the fear she could no longer disguise, she buried her face against Gabe's throat; his heart beat steadily beneath her cheek, and so very reassuring.

She gripped his arm. 'What about you? Will you be safe?'

'You don't need to worry about me, these men are from my cousin's security team and many of them are ex-special forces men.'

Jenna didn't find his ready response reassuring. 'You really think there's that much danger?'

'Those bastards weren't play acting, sweet.'

Sweet? Even as the endearment warmed her heart, his grim tone sent a horrified shiver ripping through her. 'Jace sent those men.'

Gabe stopped in mid stride, frowning down at her. 'You're sure?'

She nodded and he muttered beneath his breath. 'I'll deal with Jace and I'll make damn sure he never hurts you again.'

The deadly tone made Jenna fear for her brother. 'Don't hurt him, please. I love him.'

Gabe didn't respond and her fear grew. He lifted her into the helicopter, guiding her to a seat and helping her put on the safety harness. She gripped his hand, detaining him. 'Please Gabe, don't let Jace get hurt. This really isn't his fault.'

'He doesn't deserve your concern.' His cold voice was clipped and hard.

'He's my brother and I love him.'

Gabe expelled a harsh breath. 'I'll ensure he's not hurt.'

'Promise?' Jenna tightened her grip on his hand, 'Promise me Gabe, that you won't let anyone hurt Jace.'

For a moment he remained silent. 'You have my word of honour. I won't let any harm come to your brother.'

'Thank you,' she whispered, turning her hand in his and clinging.

'Try not to worry.' He gently freed his hand from hers. 'I need to settle the twins.'

Shaken, she watched as he harnessed her babies into child safety seats before he turned to Heath. To her surprise, her truculent younger brother hung on Gabe's every word. What sort of magic did he exert?

Within moments, Heath, too, was strapped in, the door shut, and they were whirling skywards.

Zach rubbed his ears and started to cry. Jenna was tempted to join in.

She leaned across to comfort him and twisted her injured arm. Nausea rose up in her throat. When Zoë started to cry, Jenna thought the top of her head would fly off. Their crying, added to the noise inside the chopper, and it all made her head ache abominably.

She craved a dark, quiet place.

The pilot glanced at them over his shoulder, jabbed downwards with his thumb.

Jenna squinted and realized they were flying over the ranges and across the Hauraki Gulf. In what seemed like no time at all, the chopper tilted to one side as it circled and Jenna guessed they were about to land.

Heath leaned across, gripped her hand and she knew that he was nervous too.

Jenna gnawed at her lower lip as her belly lurched at the sharp descent. She clutched at the harness for balance, the unwary movement jarring her arm. Zach screamed and rubbed his ears and Zoë joined in. The chopper steadied, the engine's roar died, the whine of the rotors faded leaving blessed silence. Even the twins stopped crying.

The chopper door opened to an unfamiliar voice. 'I'm Alex, and you must be Heath. Welcome to The Birches.'

Jenna's head throbbed so much she could barely hear.

Zach began crying in earnest.

'He's scared. I'll take him.' Zach quieted and Jenna knew he was in Heath's arms.

It was her turn, and unable to see, she was grateful for the strong hands that steered her to the doorway. She heard a shocked, indrawn breath, then more hands gripped her under the armpits and she was lifted to the ground. Her arm got bumped and a cry leaked past her tightly gripped lips.

'I'm sorry, Jenna,' Alex growled softly. 'I'll take the little girl then carry you inside.'

Although grateful to be miles from the horrifying events back home, Jenna wished she could clearly see the people offering them shelter. A woman spoke nearby and Jenna gave a start.

'Give me the little girl, Alex. I'm Kate.' A gentle hand rested on Jenna's arm. 'What beautiful babies, you must be so proud of them.'

'Jenna's probably feeling too miserable to care at the moment, Kate. I'll carry you in, it will be easier.'

His terse words found an echo in her heart; she craved silence and a dark room. He touched her shoulder. 'Ready?'

'I'm sorry to be a nuisance.'

'You're no bother. Just be thankful Gabe found you when he did.' Alex lifted her gently and, although she leaned against him, she wasn't comfortable. She tried to identify unfamiliar sounds—a child's excited chatter—echoing footsteps on a paved surface—the quieter steps on carpeted floors.

'Bring her through. I've prepared a bed.'

That wasn't Alex's wife. Jenna braced herself to meet yet one more stranger.

His footsteps slowed and she was lowered onto a bed, his hand firm on her shoulder. 'Maria, our housekeeper, will help you into bed,' he said gruffly. 'Then Luke, our local doctor will take a look at your face and that arm.'

'Where are my twins?' Jenna strained but she couldn't hear them.

'Kate's organizing a meal for them and Heath.'

He touched her shoulder and she lifted her good hand to his. 'Thank you so much.'

'Rest easy, your babies and Heath are safe here.' With these brusque words, he left.

A sigh trembled from her as she heard the door close, glad to be alone.

'Don't let his gruff ways upset you. Alex has a kind heart.' Maria put a gentle hand on her shoulder. 'Let me help you undress.'

Aching, sore, and weary to her bones, Jenna accepted the help.

'Kate's lent you a gown.' Maria slipped a silky garment over Jenna's head. 'I'll fetch a basin of water and you can freshen up.'

Another sigh escaped as she heard the woman leave.

Gingerly, Jenna lifted her uninjured hand to her face. Her fingers met hot, swollen flesh. She winced as she touched a particularly sore spot. If only she could look in a mirror and see the damage. She ran her tongue around her teeth, relieved they seemed to be intact. Her maltreated arm throbbed unmercifully, every movement a test of endurance, the wrenching agony of having it twisted up her back, too fresh.

She trembled; sure they owed their lives to Gabe's intervention.

How was it possible to repay a debt of that magnitude?

The memory of the sense of safety and of being cherished as he'd cradled her against him filled Jenna with unfamiliar warmth, a sensation that left her shivery all over.

Brisk footsteps warned of the housekeeper's return.

'I'll sponge your face and hands.' Maria made a sharp clicking sound with her tongue. 'I'm not usually bloodthirsty, but I'd like to corner the brute that did this to you alone in a dark alley and give him a taste of his own medicine.'

Jenna gave a shaky laugh. 'Gabe made at least one of them regret hitting me.'

'I'm so glad.' Maria gently dabbed at Jenna's face with a soft cloth and then blotted it dry. She lifted Jenna's injured arm and immersed that hand in warm water.

Jenna wiggled her fingers, it felt heavenly. 'Thank you, that feels so good.'

Maria blotted her hands dry, then touched her shoulder. 'I'll go get Luke, okay? You rest.'

Jenna rested back against the pillows, weary and aching.

The door opened, then closed. The side of the bed depressed. Her hand was picked up and held in a cool, smooth one, a caring, healing hand. Despite her misery, she was surprised at how much she learned by touch alone.

'Jenna, Luke Harder. I need to feel your face to see if there are any fractures. I'll also lift your eyelids and shine a light in your eyes. Okay?'

'I didn't think doctors did house calls anymore.'

'Gabe rang me and insisted that I check you over.' The doctor's fingers ranged over her face and scalp and he shone a light in her eyes. He examined her arm.

The slightest movement had her sucking in a sharp breath.

'There doesn't appear to be any lasting damage. You don't have any sign of concussion, but your arm is definitely sprained and your face is badly bruised. Rest and time will fix both.'

Drained of energy, she lay passive as he moved away.

'Kate asked me to check Zach as well.'

'That brute hit him.' Jenna's voice wobbled and weak tears overflowed. 'He held a knife at Zach's throat. I couldn't stop them from hurting my baby.'

Luke sucked in a sharp breath, the sound loud in the quiet room. 'This is not your fault, Jenna. And no one can point a finger at your care of Zach. Gabe said you were worried about child protective services?'

She sniffed, nodding weakly.

'Put that worry out of your mind, my dear. No one can hold you accountable for your boy's injuries.' He patted her hand. 'Children are remarkably resilient. Zach will probably bounce back quicker than you will. Rest assured we'll keep a close eye on him to be sure that nothing unexpected shows up.'

'Thank you so much,' she said on a soft sob.

'I've checked Zach over, his face is bruised but no bones are broken and he'll heal. Now here's something to help you sleep.'

Before she could protest, there was the prick of a hypodermic and her last thought was that Gabe had gotten his way.

He'd ensured she'd seen a doctor.

# Chapter Eight

FOR JENNA, TIME passed in a tired blur. The assault, on top of the demanding job of being sole provider for her family, saw her perilously close to an exhaustion-fuelled breakdown.

Once freed from the burden of responsibility, she slumped like an under-set jelly. She ate when food was brought to her, played with the twins when they appeared and in between times, she slept. The deep, stress-free sleep her overburdened mind and body craved.

Late one afternoon, a soft tap on the door brought her awake. 'Come in.'

Kate Kreagan entered, ushering in a man in a dark suit. 'Jenna, Detective Cameron to see you.'

Apprehension gripped her by the throat as a burly, grey haired man approached the bed. Although the swelling around her eyes had diminished, she was still far too conscious of her bruises.

'Ms Mullein?' He extended a hand so she could see his wallet and official police badge. 'I have a few questions I need to ask you about the assault.'

'I'll leave you.' Kate winked at Jenna and then left, closing the door quietly.

The detective's grey eyes twinkled. His benign smile and forthright manner eased some of her anxiety. This man was as different from Sergeant Harkness as the tropics from Antarctica.

'How are you feeling now?' He pulled a chair closer to the bed.

'Much better. I've done little else but sleep.'

'Mrs Kreagan's been caring for you?'

'They've been very kind.' Her nervous fingers worried the percale of the sheet. She was certain this policeman hadn't come to see her to ask about her health. 'You wanted to talk to me?'

'Callahan told you about the death of Ms Reilly, the librarian at Katherine Bay?'

Jenna nodded. Every time she thought of the librarian's death, she got the shakes and that same sick, queasy sensation. When Jenna first started studying for her teaching certificate, Liz Reilly had been pedantic and unbending in applying library rules, but over time, she'd mellowed and they'd worked together tolerably well.

Why would anyone want to kill her? Or was it a random act?

'I'm the detective in charge of the homicide investigation. Are you happy for me to record this interview?'

'I guess it makes no odds.' She nibbled on her lower lip. 'How did Liz Reilly die?'

'We haven't released details surrounding the cause of death.' His smile took the sting from the terse words as he pulled a small recording device from his pocket and clicked a switch and recited the date, time, her name and the purpose of the interview.

'I understand you had an argument with Ms Reilly on Wednesday morning.'

Jenna sighed softly. 'It wasn't really an argument, more a difference of opinion. I have a regular space booked on Wednesday mornings on the library computer to turn in my assignments for my teaching certificate and download new ones.'

'Why use the library computer?'

'I don't have a broadband connection. On Wednesday morning for some reason, Ms Reilly was being bloody minded because I was a minute or so late. Gabe Callahan overheard her and gave up his space for me.'

'After finishing with your assignments, did you do anything else on the computer?'

Jenna considered the question before answering. 'After I'd downloaded my next assignments, I logged onto the New Zealand Land Information site?'

'Why?'

Jenna looked at him, suddenly apprehensive. How much should she tell this man? He obviously read her hesitation and leaned closer.

'I need you to be completely honest with me, Ms Mullein. After you logged out, the computer you used was re-accessed within moments. All the sites you'd visited online were checked.'

'Why would someone do that?'

'This is what we're trying to find out. Later that day, Ms Reilly was dead.'

Jenna shivered. Her stomach rolled and bile stung her throat.

What was this man implying?

That she was somehow involved in the librarian's murder? 'I had nothing to do with her death.'

'I'm not suggesting you did. You need to understand that a murder enquiry is a lot like putting a jigsaw together, and you may unwittingly hold a vital piece of the puzzle.'

For long moments Jenna looked into the detective's shrewd eyes, then nodded.

Hesitantly, she recounted her mother's dying words and before she realised it she'd recounted her argument with Jace over the paper he claimed he'd signed. Rory Wallace's insistence they had to vacate their family home, his insistence that their tenancy ended with their mother's death, the harassment that ended in that terrifying assault.

Every so often the detective asked her a question to clarify some point.

The need to unburden herself was overwhelming. At last she paused and said ruefully, 'That's probably far more than you wanted to hear.'

'Not at all.' Detective Cameron smiled reassuringly. 'What happened that last morning at the library?'

'After I went on-line, I discovered I needed a legal description to research land titles so I then visited the Katherine Bay Council.'

A smile touched the detective's lips, a mere lift of one corner. 'I've heard about that altercation.'

Heat flooded her cheeks. 'I did get a tad upset at being stone-walled.'

'Don't worry about it. Everyone has a melt-down sometime.'

He then asked her about the assault. Haltingly, she recounted the horrifying details. When he was satisfied he'd extracted all the information he could from her, Detective Cameron switched off the recorder and prepared to take his leave.

With his hand on the door handle, he hesitated and fixed her with a shrewd look. 'Is there any truth to the rumour flying around Katherine Bay that Gabe Callahan is your twins' father?'

For the first time since the terrifying moment she'd seen that thug holding a knife at Zach's throat, Jenna really laughed.

'Good grief! Where did that morsel of gossip spring from?' Another deep, cleansing, belly laugh escaped her. 'How is Gabe handling that little gem?'

The detective chuckled, his teeth a flash of white in his swarthy face. 'Actually Callahan's reaction was very similar to yours.'

After he'd gone, Kate tapped on the door and came in carrying an armful of clothes and a couple of shopping bags. She unloaded the items on a chair. 'Are you ready to escape this bed?'

Jenna nodded, eyeing the clothes uncertainly.

'Your clothes were ruined. We threw them out.'

Jenna shuddered. The thought of wearing those items again made her feel ill.

'I've sorted out a few things I can no longer fit. I've never managed to lose the weight I gained while pregnant with Marc,' Kate grimaced ruefully, 'and we're very similar in height, so feel free to have any of these. I've also got some personal items for you. I had to guess at your size, but they should fit.'

'I don't know how to thank you for everything.'

'Strangers have helped me in the past when I desperately needed it. Pay it forward. When you're dressed feel free to join us.'

After she'd gone, Jenna threw back the covers and slid out of bed. She was still decidedly shaky but after she'd showered and washed her hair, she felt a lot more like herself. She rummaged through the clothes and selected a pair of jeans and a pretty summer weight tee shirt.

Kate was right. The clothes were a good fit.

She saw her reflection in the mirror and grimaced. The swelling had subsided but the bruises were a mix of blue and purple fading to a sickly yellowish green. She moved her arm and although it was still tender, the pain was bearable.

Jenna shivered. Be grateful. Bruises will heal, but for Gabe, I could well be dead.

That night she dreamed...Filled with choking terror, she fought to reach her baby, screams rising in her throat. Fuelled by desperation, she fought the hands imprisoning her—she had to save her baby—but no matter how hard she struggled, she couldn't reach the devils hurting Zach—

A spine-chilling scream echoed through the darkness. Followed by another—and then another—

Jerked from a deep sleep, Gabe leaped from his bed, grabbed at his robe, pulling it on as he ran. Instinctively, he knew it was Jenna. Fear ripped through him.

Has Alex's security been breached?

He found Jenna in the main hallway, caught in the grip of a nightmare.

Gabe caught her shoulders, intent on giving her a shake. It had the opposite effect. Beyond reason, she fought him, her screams echoing through the house.

'Jenna, it's Gabe,' he said sharply. 'Stop it.'

She went crazy. A slap on the cheek was the time honoured check for hysteria—but Gabe couldn't bring himself to do it. He grabbed the vase of flowers off the hall table and upended it over her head.

The shock of cold water stopped her screams mid-spate.

He ignored the water and flowers strewn everywhere, pulled her into his arms and cradled her trembling body close. He rocked her, rubbing her back with a shaky hand. 'You're safe, sweet. It's only a dream.'

'Gabe?' She sucked in a sobbing breath, then let it out in a rush. 'I was so scared.'

'Hush.' He rocked her to and fro. 'Hush, you're safe now.'

Alex came down the stairs, Kate behind him, tying the sash of her robe. When they reached the hall, Alex asked, 'Do you want me to ring Luke?'

'No. Jenna needs to work through the nightmare.'

'Shall I make hot chocolate?' Kate asked.

Jenna shook her head, keeping her face hidden in Gabe's shoulder.

'She needs dry clothes and reassurance.' Gabe wasn't about to relinquish Jenna to anyone, and such possessiveness was a new experience. He caught the glance Alex and Kate exchanged, but he didn't care. 'Do you need Kate's help?'

'No.' Jenna's voice was muffled against his chest.

Somewhere in the depths of the house a clock chimed twice.

'We'll manage.' With an arm around her shoulders, Gabe guided her back to the ground floor guest bedroom. He ignored Alex's frown and closed the door to ensure their privacy. He guided Jenna into the ensuite bathroom, leaned past her and turned on the shower. 'You're soaked and need to warm up. Can you manage?'

'Of course,' she muttered.

'Don't take too long,' he said, leaving to fetch a dry gown. When he returned, the water was still running. 'Are you okay?'

She gave a startled gasp and snapped off the tap.

'I can manage.' The protest was muffled by the bath sheet he wrapped her in.

'Just humour me, okay. You scared seven bells out of me.' Gabe dried her through the towel then snatched up another for her hair.

She glanced up and was shocked. 'You look exhausted. When did you arrive?'

'Earlier. You were sleeping so we didn't disturb you.'

His words were a reminder of all she'd left behind. She caught his wrist, filled with a terrible anxiety. 'Jace? Our home?'

'Jace is fine and so is your home.' He brushed the hair from her temple, careful to avoid the bruises. 'He's still in Katherine Bay helping the police.'

'They've thrown him in prison again? He doesn't deserve that.'

'He's not in jail.' Gabe caught her shoulders and gently forced her to look at him. 'Calm down, your brother is safe—as I promised. Put on this dry gown and I'll tell you everything.'

She stood there nibbling on her lower lip, and looking so vulnerable his heart ached. He caught up a gown and dropped it over her head, and then tugged away the towel. He resisted the temptation to look at the creamy expanse of skin he'd momentarily exposed.

When she was in bed, he sat beside her, drying her hair. 'How are you now?'

'All I've done is sleep.'

'You needed it. Your face looks a picture.'

'It's not funny.'

Sickness invaded his gut as he remembered how she'd come by those bruises. 'Do you want to know what happened?'

She stiffened, clinging to his hand, her eyes wide and fearful. Not that he could fault her for being apprehensive. 'Don't panic, Mama Grizzly. Did you think Harkness would best me?'

She pulled away, and stared at him. 'What did you call me?'

'Mama Grizzly.' He grinned, unrepentant. 'You resembled an evil tempered grizzly when you pulled that shotgun on me.'

'Well, thanks for nothing,' she said with an offended huff.

Gabe chuckled. 'Besides, you can't pull that stunt again. I've made sure of it.'

'You took our Grandpa's guns?'

'I did indeed.'

'Who gave you the right to do that?' Temper made her chocolate eyes sparkle.

'You did, when you accepted my help and agreed to come here.'

Jenna looked away. She had no ready comeback. She had accepted Gabe's help and, the truth be known, she was secretly glad that she was no longer responsible for those firearms. 'Where are they now?'

'In storage for safe keeping. Later, when things have settled and you have time, we can discuss options for their disposal.'

She nibbled on her lower lip, then nodded. 'That's a good idea. Jace and Heath should be consulted; some of those guns are valuable. What happened after we left?'

Her ready acquiescence eased his mind. He hoped she would be just as amenable to his other suggestions. Easy access to guns had put her entire family at risk.

'I'm tired. Shift over and I'll tell you everything.'

Jenna moved and he stretched out beside her on the luxurious queen bed.

He filched some pillows, propped them against the headboard and, sliding an arm behind her, he leaned back against them. It was a long time since he'd been this weary. With her head nestled in the hollow of his shoulder, he was oddly content. Without him being aware of it, Jenna had crept under his skin and into his heart, and long ago he'd thought that organ was dead.

'Kate's been so kind. Thank you for sending us here,' she murmured.

'If anyone deserves cosseting, you do.' Surprise and wariness in equal measure flashed across her expressive face. How would she react to the rest of his revelations?

'After you left Harkness did return.'

'You suspected he would. Did he give a reason?'

'He returned intending to wipe out your entire family.'

Jenna jerked away from him and sat bolt upright, clutching at the sheet. 'Why? What have we ever done to him?'

'Nothing. To Harkness your family posed a risk as witnesses.'

As she turned to him he saw that her eyes were swimming with tears and his heart ached. 'It was nothing personal.'

That elicited a cracked laugh from her. 'Excuse me. To me, the threat of being killed is very personal.'

'I know.' He cradled her small hand in his. 'Harkness panicked when he met me. He attended that callout thinking he would only have you to deal with, or Heath.'

'He wasn't expecting you?'

'No, and I'm guessing that he knew all his cosy little rackets were about to tumble down around his ears.'

'I don't understand.' Her brow puckered. 'What rackets? And how did this affect us?'

'Harkness was taking bribes to ignore, or play down any complaints your family made.'

'Why?' Jenna nibbled on her lower lip.

'I suspect—and it's only conjecture at the moment—the aggravation was to push you into leaving Katherine Bay.'

'So when Sergeant Harkness returned—'

'We were waiting for him,' Gabe said smiling with grim satisfaction.

'We?' She watched him, her eyes wide and apprehensive.

'Alex's security team and the police contingent he requested. After he'd explained the situation, the police sent in an Armed Offenders unit. Harkness walked into the trap and panicked.'

Jenna gasped. 'Are you sure Jace's okay?'

'I'm certain,' Gabe assured her quietly. 'Your brother was in the police cells in Katherine Bay at the time.'

'Arrested?' Jenna stared at him. 'What for this time?'

'Armed robbery. It is alleged that he tried to hold up The Clam Shack.'

'Oh my God,' Jenna whispered appalled. 'Why didn't I know that?'

'Mr Scanlan denied any robbery had taken place, but Harkness and his cronies refused to drop the charges.'

'That figures,' Jenna said with considerable bitterness.

'Had we not brought in outside help, I'm certain Jace would never have left those cells alive.'

'So why is he helping the police now?'

'There's a team of detectives at Katherine Bay unravelling a whole host of scams. Jace is helping them with their enquiries. Harkness and his cronies were taking kickbacks.'

# Chapter Nine

JENNA SHIVERED AND slumped against Gabe. His breath was warm against her chilled skin and his heat burned through her thin gown. He stroked her arm, but she derived little comfort in the gesture.

She swallowed hard, fighting down nausea.

If they'd stayed in Katherine Bay, they would all have died. Any lingering doubts faded. 'Sergeant Harkness?'

'He was shot when he fired on the police.'

A ragged sigh escaped Jenna. 'Dead?'

Gabe nodded.

Horrified, she stared at him, struggling to take it all in. 'A detective came to see me here, but he never mentioned any of this. Who else was involved?'

'A couple of senior detectives and some local roughnecks.'

'Sean Mullaney for one, I'll bet.'

'Yeah, I gather he's been giving you grief for a while.'

'From the time I returned to Katherine Bay to nurse my mother. Where are they now?'

'The cops have been stood down, and the others remanded in custody.'

Gabe caught her ice-cold hands in his and she turned her face into his warmth, but even his heat couldn't warm the chill around her heart.

'Warning flags had already been raised over police activities at Katherine Bay. And when Alex requested support it speeded up exposure.'

All the fight seeped out of Jenna. It was so unfair. Fear was replaced by a strong sense of ill-usage. What had they ever done to deserve this?

Gabe laid a gentle hand against her cheek. 'You'll find big changes at Katherine Bay when you return. Your homestead for one is being completely refurbished.'

'Why? I don't understand.'

'I know you don't. The renovations are courtesy of Rory Wallace.'

'Rory Wallace?' she asked staring at him aghast.

'That man has been getting rich at your expense for years.'

Jenna pulled out of Gabe's arms. She wrapped her arms around her midriff, hugging herself tightly. 'Wallace has? How?' she asked in a voice croaky with disbelief.

'Before I left you to see Ted Janssen, were you about to ask my help sorting out your mother's affairs?'

'How could you know that?' She inhaled a sharp breath.

'I guessed as much, and after that assault I asked Alex to check out if you or your family had any land holdings.'

Jenna frowned, suddenly fearful of where this conversation was heading. 'And?'

'Your mother was right to make you promise not to sell the land.' He caught her restless hands and held them tightly. 'Under the terms of your grandfather's will, Rata Ridge, your grandfather's property, was left in equal shares to you, Jace and Heath. Adam Mullein appointed Rory Wallace as sole trustee to manage his estate until Heath reached eighteen.'

'What? You're kidding me, right?'

'No, I'm serious.'

'Why didn't I know this?' Jenna stared at Gabe, her mind reeling in disbelief. Questions bombarded her from all sides. 'Then we do own land.'

'You do, indeed. All two thousand hectares of it.'

'Why didn't my mother tell me this? So all this time—'

Gabe gave her a swift, appraising look. 'Wallace has been farming the land Adam Mullein entrusted him to look after for you all, and he's raked in the profits. Your persistent questions were making Wallace very nervous.'

'He heard about my inquiries at the council?'

'Without a doubt. Under the terms of Adam Mullein's will, your mother had the use of the house for her lifetime.'

'Had I signed that land transfer—'

'—Wallace could have transferred the legal title from your names to his.'

She pulled away from him. She needed distance to assimilate these startling disclosures. 'How do you know this?'

He hesitated.

Jenna wished she could discern his thoughts. 'I need to know, Gabe.'

'Of course you do.' He flexed his hand against his knee and studied it, his expression thoughtful. 'To gain control of Adam Mullein's estate, Wallace needed to present your grandfather's will for probate. Once probate is granted, a will is a matter of public record. Alex had his lawyer request a copy of Adam Mullein's will from the Public Registry.'

'I could have requested a copy of Grandfather's will?' Jenna asked in an appalled whisper. 'Why didn't I know this?'

'How could you know? I suspect that had that assault not occurred you would have figured this out for yourself. Wallace certainly didn't have any doubt that you were about to expose him as a crook and a cheat.'

Gabe's certainty offset the chill of his disclosures.

Jenna blew out a frustrated breath. She had decided to dig deeper into her mother's affairs, and further back into her grandfather's, and now it seemed as if Gabe had pre-empted this.

'If we do own the land, how come we're not on the council rates roll?'

'You own it, but Wallace leased it from your mother. As the lessee, he has to pay the rates.'

Jenna swallowed hard trying to dislodge the lump in her throat. Was their neighbour the mysterious 'him'? 'Mum leased the land to Rory Wallace?'

'She did, and at a fraction of its market value.'

'Could she do that if it was in trust for us?'

He turned to face her. 'Not legally.'

As she looked at him, Jenna remembered her conversation with Cassie...

Mother was paranoiac about privacy.

What was she trying to hide?

'That must be the reason she never confided in me.' Jenna rubbed her hands up and down her arms, as Gabe's disclosures made a sickening kind of sense. 'Why would she do that?'

'I don't know and Wallace is not talking. As far as we've been able to ascertain, your grandfather's Angus Stud was dispersed and Wallace pocketed the proceeds.'

'How could he get away with it? It makes no sense.'

'No, and now that your mother is dead a lot of it is just conjecture.'

She sucked in a shuddering breath, struggling to absorb the sheer enormity of Wallace's deception. As she remembered her mother's struggles to make her meagre income stretch to cater for the needs of a growing family, Jenna's anger grew. 'That's stealing.'

'It's outright theft.'

'So how was he able to get away with it?'

'Under the Trustees Act, a trustee has sweeping powers, but is bound by Law to protect the assets of the beneficiaries and keep the assets intact wherever possible, until the youngest beneficiary reaches majority.'

She shifted so she could see Gabe's face. 'Didn't anyone check that man's trusteeship?'

'Unfortunately there're few legal checks on private trustees—unless a beneficiary creates a fuss, a dishonest trustee can cheat, and get away with it. History can attest to this, many times over.' He smiled and rubbed his hands together. 'Wallace is currently being investigated by the serious fraud office.'

'Can we end his control?'

'The day of the assault, Alex applied for a High Court injunction to stop Wallace transferring ownership of your land.'

She sucked in a shaken breath. 'That paper—'

'It was the Land transfer document Wallace needed for him to gain legal title to Rata Ridge. Jace had already signed it, unaware of its importance. Wallace could have forged your signature, but he obviously decided that was too risky, hence the assault. He didn't need Heath's permission. Heath is a minor and you are his legal guardian, so you can legally sign anything on his behalf.'

Through her confusion, Jenna heard the echo of his words...you need to consult a lawyer.

Yet again, Gabe was proved right.

'Since then, I've lodged a further application to the High court to end Wallace's trusteeship,' he smiled, 'and in light of the clear evidence of his abuse of Adam Mullein's trust, the court terminated his rights as trustee, then and there.'

And yet again, she was indebted to Gabe. 'How can I thank you?'

'I don't need thanking for doing what's right.'

'I guess,' she said slowly. 'I knew something didn't sit right, but I never suspected anything on this scale.'

'Nor did I. And at a guess, I suspect Wallace gambled on your youth and inexperience.'

She chewed on her lower lip. 'Why did my mother allow it?'

As if Gabe could possibly know the answer to this conundrum.

He caught her twisting hands and held them tight.

'At best we can only guess,' he said soberly, 'but give the scale of his brazen cheating it seems logical that Wallace was blackmailing your mother.'

Blackmail—cheating—theft—it was almost too much to take in. 'Over what?'

'That we don't know, but since she died, Wallace has not paid anything on the lease. Now we're trying to connect him to that assault on you and Zach.'

Jenna heard anger beneath Gabe's words. 'You can't?'

'We know he was behind it, but we need proof.'

His breath ruffled her hair and he tucked her close into his side. As she settled against him, she knew it was her lucky day when Gabe had taken a wrong turning and ended up at their house.

'So what happens now?'

'The Serious Fraud Office has subpoenaed Wallace to produce all the business records from a year before Adam died until the end of this month. As trustee, he was obliged by law, to maintain your home and provide Adele with an income sufficient to support herself and her children.'

Jenna stared at Gabe, stunned.

While they'd struggled, and had often gone hungry, Wallace had raked in money that rightly belonged to them. As she remembered his threats and his bluster, her anger grew.

'The bastard,' she said, 'the miserable, rotten, thieving bastard.'

'The man's greedy and land-hungry.' Gabe hesitated, then said, 'Although the court has terminated Wallace's trusteeship, there is still a huge legal mess to sort out.'

Jenna had not even had time to think this far ahead. 'I guess there is.'

'I've had a talk with Jace and Heath and in the meantime, they've both given consent for me to oversee your family's financial affairs, and suggest that you do likewise.'

Jenna's shock gave way to alarm.

Gabe, although kind, was still a virtual stranger. The idea of giving him control of their affairs left her very uneasy.

'If you give me consent, I'll push for recompense of the money Wallace has stolen from you. I'll appoint, and supervise a farm manager to run your Grandfather's Estate.'

'Is that necessary? I'm an adult and so is Jace.'

'Maybe, but are you capable of dealing with Rory Wallace?'

Jenna couldn't control her involuntary shiver.

'I didn't think so.' Gabe smiled grimly. 'Give me control of your financial affairs and I'll deal with Wallace for all of you.'

'And if I don't agree?'

'There's no way I can coerce you to agree, but unless you do, then I'm afraid you're on your own.'

Appalled, she stared at him. He was insisting on running their affairs—or walking away. Talk about being caught squarely between a rock and a very hard place.

'That's blackmail.'

'Not even close,' he said evenly. 'Think it through, Jenna. You regain control, then what? How will you manage? Jace wants out of Katherine Bay so badly he was prepared to sell you all out. You have two babies and Heath's just a school kid.'

'Do you have farming experience?' she asked, irked that Gabe made it sound both practical and so logical.

'I'm no farmer, but I can vet and employ the right people to do the job and ensure they are adequately supervised.'

Much as she hated to admit it, Gabe was right. None of them were equipped to take on the huge responsibility of running a farm. Jace hated the place. Heath's age made him an impractical choice.

As for me, I wouldn't know where to begin. And if I employed a manager, how can I be sure we're not being fleeced again?

'Do you agree to me taking stewardship of your affairs?'

Jenna chewed on her lower lip. What alternative did she have? She could never take on dealing with Rory Wallace; the twins rendered her far too vulnerable. 'What about Jace?'

'He's about to get a taste of the city he's craving.'

Something in his expression made her nervous. 'What have you done?'

'Marcel Devereau, an old friend of mine, has agreed to take Jace in hand.' He shook his head. 'If anyone can make a man out of that young thug, it's Marcel.'

'Jace isn't a thug.' Jenna was swift in her defence of her brother.

'No?'

Unable to meet Gabe's searching look, she glanced away.

'Marcel will teach Jace a trade and make him give up the booze. If you give me the power, Jace's days as a drunken lay-about are over.'

Jenna resented Gabe's assessment, but honesty kept her silent.

If she withheld permission, the impact on both her brothers would be immense, but she hated being pushed into a corner. She valued her independence, and she disliked Gabe's ultimatum and yet what other choice did she have?

'Will you let me manage your affairs?'

She nibbled on her maltreated lower lip. 'It seems I have little option but to agree.'

'You won't regret it. You do realize that Wallace won't just give up without a fight?'

'You mean it's not over?'

'Not by a long shot. Your land is valuable now, but will soon become even more so. And Wallace knew this which is why he was hell bent on acquiring title to it. He knew he stood to get seriously rich.'

Apprehension and suspicion slithered through her mind. How could Gabe be so sure of this? She turned to look at him. 'Why would Wallace still trouble us?'

'Are you aware that Alex is the CEO of Kreagan Enterprises? Or more accurately, he is Kreagan Enterprises.'

Holey, dooley, Alex was that Kreagan?

Jenna stared at Gabe in shock and lifted her hands to cover her burning cheeks. She must be the dumbest bunny on the block not to put it all together.

'I didn't realise,' she muttered. 'No wonder the police listened to him.'

'Be fair, crooked cops are few and far between.' He stroked her hand as he tried to comfort her. 'I know that doesn't help when it happens to you.'

'We're lucky you happened along.'

'I didn't just happen along. It was indirectly my fault you were assaulted.'

A deathly stillness swept over her.

I knew there was a reason why Gabe appeared from nowhere and came to my aid.

She managed to inhale a shaky breath. Would she never learn that men always had an ulterior motive? Had she learned nothing from that disastrous affair with Blair?

'Why?'

'Jace told you that a developer wanted to buy shore front land?'

'That was you?' She recoiled as shock vied with betrayal.

She was so very stupid. She'd known this from the beginning, and had ignored it because of her attraction to the man, when all Gabe Callahan had been attracted to, was her land.

'Yes, I was scouting out property, but not yours.'

If Kreagans are looking for land it won't be for any paltry reason...Cassie's words surfaced.

'Ted Janssen's?' she asked, her mind spinning. 'Why?'

'Kreagans is planning to build a luxury hotel and resort complex.'

'In Katherine Bay?'

'Yes. It going to a big development, and will put Katherine Bay on the tourist map. And bring jobs and prosperity to the region,' Gabe said meeting her eyes steadily. 'And this made your land worth taking great risks to obtain legal title.'

Jenna listened filled with anger and dismay. Just when she'd begun to trust Gabe, she discovered he, too, had betrayed her.

'A resort will ruin Katherine Bay,' she said pulling away from him. 'How can we trust you to run our affairs fairly? Or is this an underhand way for you to get our land, too?'

Anger darkened his grey eyes.

'Listen up, Jenna. I never attained my position as Second in Command of Kreagan Enterprises by being dishonest. My only interest in you—and your affairs—is a sense of responsibility for my inadvertent part in your plight. I'm not responsible for you being defrauded, but I will rectify the situation.'

Mortified heat surged through her entire body, but she refused to retract the accusations.

'I can't continue to accept the hospitality of people who intend to ruin Katherine Bay.'

Gabe's expression remained inscrutable, but she held his gaze without flinching.

He stood up, hands in his dressing gown pockets. 'Very well, I'll take you back to Katherine Bay tomorrow.'

He walked out and shut the door softly behind him.

As she watched Gabe leave, Jenna knew she'd lost something precious. Just what, she wasn't sure, but it hurt in a way she'd never experienced before.

# Chapter Ten

JENNA SWALLOWED HARD as she surveyed her home. Workmen were crawling over and under it. Piles of debris littered the ground. The bare bones of the roof were open to the sky and several men swinging hammers worked to replace trusses and beams. The grounds closely resembled a demolition yard.

Half turning in the car seat, she saw Gabe watching her with a cynical smile, well aware of her discomfort. Since she'd insisted on returning home, she'd seen a whole other side of him.

'I had no idea.' She hated the tremble in her voice. If the inside of the house resembled the outside, how could she keep her babies safe? She'd not expected her home to be virtually uninhabitable.

'I did suggest you stay on with Alex and Kate.'

His amused mockery stirred conflicting emotions. While it pleased her to see the old place being rejuvenated, she resented Gabe authorizing the work without the least hint of consultation.

The man was a human juggernaut.

'Who gave them permission to do this? You?'

'Who else?'

'You were that cock-sure I'd agree to you managing our affairs?'

Red ran up under his tan and he rubbed the back of his neck. 'It's work that desperately needed doing.'

'I'm not disputing the need, just your arrogant lack of consultation.'

He tapped his fingers on the steering wheel and glanced over his shoulder at the twins asleep in their car seats. 'You can't live here.'

'Talk about stating the obvious.'

Gabe gave her a look of pure dislike. 'I've arranged a rental for you so if that meets your approval, I suggest we get the twins settled and return later to look over the renovations.'

The sarcasm got under her skin even as the intimate 'we' left her disconcerted. Now she was over the initial shock, other questions clamoured for answers. 'Where's my furniture, the rest of our things?'

'They've all been packed and moved.'

She was torn, but presented with the accomplished fact, what else could she do except agree? When Zoë and Zach woke after the long drive they would be fractious, hungry, and need room to stretch.

'So where is this house?' It took considerable effort to mask her sarcasm.

'Taparoa Lane. It's just north of town and more convenient for you.'

With a startled gasp Jenna swivelled in her seat to look him.

Taparoa Lane.

This was the most sought after area of Katherine Bay. Gracious homes, many of them historic, were set among mature grounds. It was rare for any house there to come on the open market.

'Who owns the house?'

'It's an Auckland businessman's holiday home.'

Of course.... all along the Coromandel Coast, Aucklanders were buying up premium properties for holiday homes that for most of the year remained vacant.

They drove towards Katherine Bay in silence.

Gabe turned down a side street that took them towards the waterfront. Jenna couldn't suppress a shiver. Sick to her stomach, she looked along the old wharf and the derelict boat sheds beyond it. 'What on earth was Ms Reilly thinking to venture down there?'

Gabe placed a hand over hers clenched tightly together in her lap. 'That has everyone baffled. It's certainly not a place any lone woman should venture.'

'Have the police any leads?'

He glanced at her and shook his head. 'If they have, they're being very close-lipped about it.'

Jenna nibbled on her lower lip. 'What about Harkness. Was he involved?'

Gabe was silent for several minutes as he negotiated a group of road workers repairing a stretch of Marine Avenue. 'That would be the convenient solution, but somehow I don't think so.'

Apprehension dug its talons into her. 'One of the local roughnecks?'

Gabe gave her one all-encompassing glance. 'Jace isn't a suspect.'

'You sure?'

'He had a water-tight alibi as he was in the police cells when Ms Reilly was murdered.'

Jenna released a breath in a sigh. 'Where's Jace now?'

Gabe indicated and turned into Taparoa Lane. 'In Auckland with Marcel Devereau. When detectives swooped on Katherine Bay, I engaged a lawyer to represent your brother. He was released from the cells and all charges were dropped.'

Jenna sighed again. Gabe made it so hard to stay angry with him. 'Thank you, again.'

'I don't need thanks. It was the right thing to do.'

He activated a remote control and black wrought iron gates opened.

Jenna gazed at the Victorian villa set in park like grounds and stifled an envious sigh. Its paintwork gleamed and intricate fretwork trims set off the wide, shady verandas. The gardens were manicured and majestic trees anchored the house to the land with an air of permanence no amount of money could buy. This house bore little resemblance to the dilapidated place she'd called home.

Gabe stopped the car and faced her.

Her nerves and apprehension weren't so easily subdued. Too clearly, she recalled the fear that had dogged her in the very recent past. 'I have to live here alone?'

'Not alone. I'll be living here, too.' On that audacious statement, he alighted.

She stared after Gabe, her thoughts in one chaotic tangle.

He expects me to share a house with him? Why didn't I see this coming?

Good grief, what sort of a housemate would he be?

As he walked around the car, her pulse did a frenetic dance as excitement competed with nerves. She got out of the car and watched him unload their luggage. A change bag and several smaller bags were added to the pile, courtesy of Kate Kreagan.

'Toddlers grow so fast they're out of clothes before you can blink,' Kate had said as she'd shown Jenna the pile of clothes that no longer fitted her pre-schoolers. 'These are going to The Sallies so you're welcome to anything your twins can use.'

With Zach and Zoë growing like proverbial mushrooms, Jenna took advantage of the offer.

'Can you carry these in and I'll bring the larger cases, then the twins?' Gabe's pragmatic question jerked her back to the present, he handed her two small bags.

Slinging the change bag over one shoulder, she bent to pick up one of the large cases. Gabe caught her wrist, preventing her from lifting it. 'Leave those.'

For a few moments their gazes duelled, and then with a shrug she left the case and turned to walk up the path to the house. Gabe's high-handed decisions were beginning to annoy her intensely.

Witness his decision about Heath.

Gabe insisted that Heath stay at The Birches with Alex and Kate.

Jenna resisted, still angry with Gabe over his deception, but he'd shot down all her protests and arguments with masterful skill.

'You know Heath needs a stabilizing male influence; why else did you approach CYFS? If he stays here with Alex and Kate, you will know for certain that he'll be well treated. Can you be assured of this in any placement a welfare officer will find for him?'

Disconcerted, Jenna knew that Gabe understood her well enough to hone in on her fears for her younger brother's safety. She'd heard too many horror stories about young people placed in the foster care system. Much as she wanted to object, she couldn't refute his logic.

But that didn't mean she had to like it.

'The door's not locked.' Gabe said at her elbow as he put the cases side by side on the step.

She was jerked from her thoughts and opened the door.

Jenna stepped into an airy foyer, and then through a set of open French doors into a large room dominated by picture windows framing a stunning view of Katherine Bay and the outer Mercury Islands.

The room was furnished simply.

Willow weave furniture with plump, colourful cushions and matching drapes either side of the wide windows sat on polished Kauri floors spread with plush rugs. The whole decor one that invited the relaxed lifestyle expected of a seaside home.

As she stood there, stunned, Jenna was gripped by the uncanny sensation that someone had looked into the secret corners of her mind, garnered all her dearest desires, and turned them into reality. Then other details registered. Where was all their furniture Gabe said he'd moved here?

She turned on him, eyes accusing. 'Did you rent this house furnished?'

'No.'

'This isn't my furniture.'

'I know.' He set the twins down in the middle of the floor, giving her a surprised look. 'Most of the stuff in your house ended up at the tip.'

For several stunned moments she just stared... surely I've misheard?

She shook her head, tugging on an earlobe. 'Come again? You tossed out my furniture?'

He glanced at her, clearly exasperated. 'Nothing of any value was thrown out. The few good pieces are at the restorers. When they're done, they'll be brought here.'

Jenna was momentarily rendered speechless. She stood clenching and unclenching her hands in impotent anger. 'How dare you? Who gave you the right to touch my things?'

'Is that how you see it?' His grey eyes flashed with temper. 'You agreed to me overseeing your affairs.'

In this mood, Gabe's likeness to her grandfather in a belligerent mood was uncanny. He turned his back on her and walked into the kitchen to fill the kettle. The casual dismissal infuriated her. She stormed after him, the tumult of the past week coalescing into ungovernable rage.

New dining room furniture and matching high chairs added to her anger.

'You are one arrogant bastard,' she yelled at his back. 'You backed me into a corner, Callahan. I agreed to you managing our financial affairs, but I sure as hell never gave you permission to paw through my personal possessions and throw things out.'

An expression of utter revulsion crossed his face. 'I never pawed through your belongings. The only things we threw out were derelict and not worth refurbishing.'

'We?' She pounced on that admission.

He raked an impatient hand through his dark hair. 'Your brother helped sort through the stuff in your old home.'

'Jace?' She shook her head in disbelief. 'And I'm meant to be reassured? If my brother had his way he'd set a match to the house, and everything in it.'

Gabe gave a sharp bark of laughter. 'Then be grateful for my restraint. I refused to let him toss out things willy-nilly.'

'Grateful?' The word spurred her temper and bruised her pride. 'Grateful for your display of high handed arrogance?'

'Oh for heaven's sake, stop acting like a shrew.' He paced across the kitchen and then turned to face her, his expression harsh.

'I won't calm down,' she shouted. 'I spent my entire childhood under my Grandpa's cruel thumb. I won't tolerate your or any other man's, presumption of control.'

He stepped toward her, hands clenched.

Jenna took an involuntary step backward, tendrils of panic weaving through her anger. In her experience, men were never altruistic, their eye firmly on the reward. What was Gabe expecting from her as payment?

'God! I don't need this.' He rasped in a harsh breath as he gripped the back of his neck. 'An unreasonable, hysterical female.'

'I'm far from hysterical. Does being rich confer a God-given right for you to do as you please? My family, Gabriel Callahan, isn't some unfortunate business you've taken over, intent on raping and reshaping.'

Gabe threw his hands up in the air. 'For God's sake, woman, be realistic. Don't you think it's time you grew up?'

The icy words lacerated her already bruised pride.

Humiliated, she turned and raced into the nearest bedroom and slammed the door. She leaned against it, trembling, tears clouding her vision. She blinked and her mother's antique brass bed, spread with the vintage wedding-ring quilt, came into focus.

It was so familiar and so out of place.

Her shaky control overbalanced. She threw herself face down on the bed and burst into tears.

In the kitchen, Gabe grappled with anger. Jenna's angry words hit him. Hard. So much for thinking he was impervious to hurt. With unerring instinct, her verbal darts found vulnerable chinks in his armour, stirring banked down emotions. Did she really see him as some control freak, intent on bending her to his will? He massaged the tense muscles at the base of his skull.

And I had to stoop to such brutally frank retaliation.

'Way to go man, pick on the person closest, then humiliate her.'

A tiny hand tugged at his trousers and he looked down at Zach. The little boy's lower lip trembled and his dark eyes were swimming with tears.

'Ma-ma. Mama cry?'

Gabe was reduced to scum, lower than pond slime.

He crouched and slipped an arm around Zach's shoulders. 'Mama's tired, she'll be fine. Want a drink?'

Zoë clung to the doorpost watching him; her wariness slugged Gabe in the gut. What a time to lose his cool. These children had endured more trauma and upheaval than any child should ever have to face. And he'd promised Heath that he would care for Jenna and the twins, a promise that now had a very hollow ring.

He held out a hand to Zoë. 'Come here, Little Miss.'

Her hesitation and trembling lower lip fuelled his self-disgust. He lifted Zach into one of the new high chairs before peeling and slicing an apple and putting it on his tray.

Zoë ran over. 'Up. Me, up.'

'Okay, Little Miss, ups-a-daisy.' He lifted her into the other highchair and gave her some apple slices and milk in a sippy-cup.

Zach finished his apple and banged his on the highchair tray. 'Down! Down!'

'In a minute, Zach,' he said while he finished making Zoë's sandwich. 'You want one?'

Gabe put a second sandwich on Zach's tray. He took one bite, squished the rest through his hands and threw it on the floor, squirming in his chair. 'Down. Me down.'

As Gabe bent to pick up the discarded sandwich, Zach threw his sippy-cup onto the floor. The lid came off and milk went everywhere.

'Zach, enough.' Decidedly harried, Gabe grabbed paper towels to wiped up the spill.

He looked up.

Zach had slipped down in his chair, his chin held by the tray.

Hell, I forgot to harness him in!

Panicked, his heart bucking like a rodeo bronc, Gabe, leaped across the space, grabbed Zach and hauled him upright in the chair. How did Jenna manage these two little dynamos on her own? He got a facecloth and tried to wipe Zach's face and hands, but the kid was slipperier than an eel.

'For Pete's sake, Zach, sit still.'

Finally, he managed to clean him up, lifted him down and he put him into the playpen he'd installed in a corner of the room.

Zach was having none of it. He clung onto the rail, yelling and shaking it with all his might.

More than a little desperate, Gabe grabbed the box of toys Kate sent down with them and upended it beside Zach. Intrigued, the little boy sat down to investigate.

Gabe turned in time to see Zoë slide down in her chair to dangle precariously, her chin caught on the tray. He bolted across the room. Good grief, a man needed two sets of eyes and two pairs of hands to cope with this pair. Once he had Zoë in the play pen with her twin, Gabe sighed with relief.

Running a marathon had to be easier than wrangling these two kids.

He watched them scrabble among the toys, then assured they were occupied, he risked leaving them to retrieve the remainder of their luggage.

He put the twins' case in their bedroom and then knocked on Jenna's door. When there was no answer, he turned the handle and looked in.

Shame swamped him.

She slept, knees drawn up under her chin.

Moving silently, he pulled a comforter from the cupboard and, removing her shoes, tucked it around her. He stood for several moments watching her as she slept. The bruising on her face had faded to a sickly hue, but this didn't disguise the tearstains.

Guilt kicked like a mule.

Hurt and harm dogged his association with any woman as surely as night followed day, and now he'd hurt Jenna. It seemed he never learned.

# Chapter Eleven

IT WAS DARK when Jenna woke. She stretched and yawned and rubbed her eyes, reluctant to leave the warm cocoon of sleep. Her heavy slumber left her lethargic and disoriented.

The silence, broken only by the rhythmic pulse of the surf running hard, assured her the twins were sleeping. The familiar sound had her eyelids drifting down until another sound penetrated her befuddled senses.

Frowning, she stared up into the blackness, every sense alert.

Music.

Memory came crashing back. Gabe Callahan had brought her home to Katherine Bay. No, not home, to the house he'd rented. And she'd stormed off, leaving him to cope with Zach and Zoë. Belated guilt hit her; the twins were her responsibility, not his. Sitting up, she found she was fully dressed; the warmth was from a comforter tucked around her.

Gabe had covered her?

Her skin prickled and she rubbed hands up her arms It was illogical, but knowing he'd watched her sleep was too intimate by far. Sliding off the bed, she wriggled bare toes in a fleecy sheepskin rug. A faint strip of light showed beneath the door and she opened it. The music was louder and following the sound, she found Gabe, relaxed in an armchair. A small table lamp gave the scene an unfamiliar intimacy. As she was about to creep away, he turned his head and saw her.

'Ah, so you've woken?'

She nodded and walked into the room.

'Have a seat and I'll get you something to eat.'

'Zach and Zoë?' They were no longer at The Birches where there was so much help, and she couldn't afford to relax her vigilance.

'I fed and settled them for the night.' He stood, moving closer and she caught his now familiar scent, a mix of pine and warm healthy male. 'Want to check on them?'

She nodded, unable to speak past the dryness of her mouth.

He led the way to a bedroom at the end of a side passage, off the main corridor that ran the entire length of the house and opened a door. Light spilled ahead of them. In the bedroom, a rose night-light illuminated more new furniture. Zach was on his back, covers kicked off, arms and legs stretched out starfish fashion. Zoë, a quieter sleeper, was snuggled under a lightweight cover, thumb firmly plugged in her mouth.

Seeing the new nursery furniture, Jenna's mouth tightened.

Gabe leaned over Zach's bed, pulled up a sheet and covered the sleeping child. In the glow of the night-light, his austere features softened into rare tenderness.

'Did they give you any trouble?'

He chuckled in wry amusement. 'Put it this way, my appreciation of your management skills has grown.'

'They can be a handful.' She pulled a face.

'So I discovered.' He touched a hand to her shoulder and guided her back to the lounge. 'I'll get your dinner.'

'I can get it.'

'Relax. It only needs heating in the microwave.'

Knowing that protest would be futile, she dropped into a squashy beanbag close to the chair where he'd been sitting and watched him in the kitchen. He disturbed her on a primeval level, and she was too aware of his every move. Embarrassed, she recalled her furious tirade. Talk about ungrateful.

It was his take charge attitude that rankled.

What was the military saying... see the hill; take the hill... that about summed up Gabe.

The microwave beeped and he returned with a tray. She nestled deeper into the beanbag and as he set it on her knees, her belly grumbled.

'Thank you.' She picked up the fork and speared a morsel of meat. It was tender and tasty. 'Mmm, delicious. Did you cook it?'

'Kate sent it down.' Gabe sat in his chair, a steaming mug of coffee in his hand.

She forked up another mouthful, batting down her self-consciousness.

Should I apologise?

She stole a glance at him through her lashes, but gleaned nothing from his expression. And soothed by the music, the counterpoint of the surf and the safety his presence engendered, she settled to enjoy her meal.

Although, why she was so comfortable with him was a puzzle.

Gabe was tough, often taciturn, rarely pulled punches and was decisive to the point of intimidation, and yet she was more at ease with him than with any other person.

She finished eating and sighed, replete. Gabe took the tray. 'What would you like to drink?'

'Tea, please.'

He brought her a steaming mug and sat in the armchair.

As she sipped her tea she studied him.

His profile was clear cut, the high patrician forehead accentuated by the straight blade of his nose. And then her eyes fastened on that sculptured mouth, with its sexy under lip. A few strands of silver threaded through the ebony hair of his sideburns, and the hair curled around his crown gleaming like polished jet in the lamplight.

Was it as soft as it looked?

His chin, firm and determined, epitomized the man. His mouth, with its firm upper lip, was at complete variance to the full lower one. It was a deliciously sexy mouth, and, recalling the fleeting pressure of those lips when she'd kissed him in the library, heat pooled in her belly.

'Penny for them?' he asked, his lips twitching.

Warmth bloomed in her cheeks and she asked the question that had bugged her for days. 'Why did you come back? You were pretty disgusted when you left to visit Ted Janssen; I never expected to see you again.'

He gazed at her, frowning. 'Wasn't that your intention?'

'Perhaps.'

He snorted. 'Oh no, Jenna, you set out to shock me. And you succeeded.'

The flat contradiction sent blood pounding through her veins. She stole a glance at him and knew she hadn't heard the last of that outrageous claim. For a moment, she was tempted to explain, and then caution kicked in. Earlier, she'd thought him a human juggernaut. If he knew the truth and he meddled—it was a risk she dared not take.

'So why come back?'

'Guilt. Worry and—'

Her heart tripped and breathing became was difficult as she was trapped by his glittering gaze. 'And?'

'And to see if you were as desirable as I'd thought you were.'

Desirable?

Jenna went hot and then cold all over. She swallowed, but the constriction in her throat refused to budge. 'I find that hard to believe.'

'Why' One mobile eyebrow rose, his smile a mere twist of his stern lips. 'I thought that was the reason you kissed me in the library. Not that I'm complaining, mind.'

She moistened dry lips with the tip of her tongue. 'You know I only wanted to shock Liz Reilly.'

'You sure about that?'

Why can't I come up with a pithy response when I need it?

'Wouldn't you like to know how it would be to make love to a man experienced enough to treat you gently?' He held her immobile on his grey, steady gaze. 'Not like the young thugs who fathered your twins.'

It was several stunned moments before his meaning sank in. Jenna set aside her tea. 'Just how did you come up with that idea?'

He put his coffee down, one hand sliding around the back of her neck, the pressure warm and comforting. 'It wasn't difficult to guess.'

Gabe thinks my babies are the result of rape.

For one, reckless moment, she considered letting his assumption stand, but honesty refused to let her take the easy way out.

'Well you guessed wrong.' The denial was flat and fierce. 'Just who do you think is my babies' father?'

Gabe frowned, his grey eyes shrewd and intent. 'Mullaney, or his cohorts.'

A shiver rippled through her. 'That's ridiculous?'

'Is it?' He dropped his hand and leaned back in his chair. His dark eyebrows arched and she found it difficult not to squirm. 'Look, I don't know how you've come up with that idea,' she snapped, goaded, 'but you're totally wrong.'

'Then what was that interview with Harkness all about?'

His narrow-eyed look left her exposed and feeling far too vulnerable.

'After the assault,' he clarified.

Jenna gave a brittle laugh. 'After I came home from 'varsity, Sean and his mates thought I was easy.'

'Did they rape you?'

The silence lengthened as he waited for an answer. She gave a careless shrug. 'They thought it a great idea. I thought otherwise.'

He leaned across the space, caught her chin and looked directly into her eyes. 'What happened? Tell me.'

Faced with the direct question, she couldn't lie. With a resigned sigh, she said, 'They came to our house one night, boozed up and primed for fun. There was a bit of rough housing and I ended up bruised. A few shots were fired and they re-thought their ideas.'

'That's not what I heard?'

What the hell had he heard? And how had he managed to connect with local gossip, come to that?

'Tell me why this is any business of yours?'

He expelled a harsh sigh. 'It could well become my business. There's already one woman dead in this town.'

Horror inched through her. 'What are you getting at?'

'A little over a week ago, you were seriously assaulted,' he said, his voice low and deadly. 'This may not be over. Are you sure that's all that happened?'

'Oh what the hell, somehow Rory Wallace got wind of it. He turned up and sent them packing and called the cops. He insisted that we lay a complaint. Not that it did much good.'

For several minutes she met his gaze; his expression sent goose-bumps shivers cascading across her skin.

I take it back. He's not inscrutable!

'Wallace came to your aid?' The question was so lethally quiet, she shivered. 'Why would he do that?'

'Who knows?' Unable to sit still under his scrutiny, she stood and walked to the window, staring out into the darkness. 'After what you've discovered, it could well be that he was suffering from a guilty conscience.'

His snorted. 'I'd wager anything you like Wallace doesn't have a conscience.'

She shrugged ... Do my secrets have any bearing on recent events?

Gabe's silence made her uneasy, and guilt weighed heavier by the moment. She found it hard to remain motionless under his shrewd scrutiny.

'Let's hope that's all it is,' he said in a considering tone. 'So who is the twins' father?'

Anger swamped out every other emotion. 'How is that any of your business?'

Her offended question sat between them.

It was Gabe who broke the impasse. 'I'm sorry. That was out of line.'

She lifted a hand then let it fall. 'Apology accepted.'

'So will the twins' father re-appear and lay claim to his children?'

Jenna's heart beat out a panicked tattoo. His silky question exposed a deep fear, and a festering hurt ... If Gabe knew, and he meddled, she was afraid of losing custody of her precious babies.

'They are my children, their father denies any responsibility.'

He muttered something under his breath she couldn't catch, but she guessed it was far from complimentary. 'Can he do that?'

'If you have enough money you can do anything.' She met his gaze defiantly. 'After all, didn't yours and Alex Kreagan's wealth smooth your way into our affairs? You'd do just that in the same position.'

His expression changed to one so dangerous, she took an involuntary step backward. His eyes blazed through the screen of long, ebony lashes.

Instinctively, Jenna knew she'd just crossed an unseen, but unforgivable line. Then, in less than a heartbeat, his expression went blank. Such control was scary to witness.

'As I'll never be a father, your supposition is academic.'

Jenna had the weird sensation that in saying this, Gabe folded in on himself.

And his reaction added yet another layer of mystery to the man. He was like an onion. And peeling away the layers could prove just as difficult, and fraught with stinging hurt. Unnerved by this insight, she decided to push. He wasn't the only one looking answers.

She would never be caught again.

'Why not?'

'Is that any business of yours?'

'Well, I do wonder.' She watched, fascinated as his hand curled into a fist.

'What are you implying?'

'Most men your age are married with children.'

'So?' There was no mistaking the dangerous edge to the word.

'Are you gay? Is it men who turn you on?'

His reaction was as swift as it was unexpected. He hauled her into his arms, absorbing her startled squeak. For several moments shock held her motionless.

Then she melted, hands splayed against his chest.

Hard muscles flexed beneath her palms as he took her mouth in one long, sweet stroke of lips and tongue, hot, wet and hungry. Strong fingers twisted through her hair and curled around the back of her head, twisting her to just the angle he wanted as he plundered her mouth.

One hand pulled up the hem of her shirt and found the bare skin of her midriff sliding up to shape the underside of her breast. She moaned, arching upwards, and as he absorbed the sound, something cold and hurt deep inside her, unfurled and blossomed.

And with it, the femininity she'd thought cauterized forever.

It had merely laid dormant, waiting for this man's touch. This was possession, need, gratification, all rolled into one erotic kiss that fanned a raging need to touch him, as he was touching her.

It bloomed, fierce and proud.

Her hands delved deep in his hair.

It is as soft as I imagined.

She explored his patrician skull with sensitized fingertips. Fire skipped along every nerve and conduit in her body. His hands were busy, seemingly everywhere. He held her flush against the contours of his hard body as his fingers found a pebbled nipple and he rolled it between clever fingertips.

His masculinity jutted against her belly, hard, male and, oh so, aroused.

He shifted slightly, one hand splayed across her lower back until she fitted snugly within the cradle of his thighs. The clothes separating them added a delightful friction, even as they became a serious impediment.

Need burned and ached.

Aroused to the point of pain, she arched against him. An inchoate moan escaped, only to be swallowed as he deepened the kiss, making her desperate for even more. She melted into weightlessness as she craved to touch skin. Tugging his shirt from his pants, she splayed her hand across his back. Hot satin met sensitized palm.

The woodsy pine of his cologne teased her senses.

The heavy thud of his heart, the rapid rise and fall of his chest against her breasts, added to her excitement. Her knees threatened to give out. She leaned into him, delightfully weak and boneless.

One moment she was lost on a haze of desire.

The next, Gabe peeled her off his body.

And, in one lithe movement, he was across the other side of the room.

Bewildered and befuddled, Jenna stared at him, her lips trembling and her body aching with unfulfilled need. She held shaking fingers to kiss stung lips as she struggled to formulate one single, coherent thought.

Wow! Could he kiss! She'd never been kissed like that before.

'Does that answer your question?'

Dumbstruck, she stared at him. What question?

Then she remembered taunting him about his sexuality. Heat scalded her cheeks and she buried her face in one hand. Tension fairly simmered in the air.

'We have to forget that happened.' Gabe ran an unsteady hand through his hair.

Forget?

How could she forget? That kiss had rocked the foundations of her world.

'I wish you luck,' she muttered, aching with unfulfilled need. If only she were strong enough, she'd throw him onto the floor and she'd finish what he'd started.

Fists tight, expression grim, his lips moved but whatever he was about to say was drowned by the obscene sound of smashing glass.

Jenna screamed as a rock whistled past her ear, crashing to the floor at her feet.

# Chapter Twelve

'BLOODY HELL!' GABE lunged and toppled Jenna to the floor, yanked the lamp cord from its socket and plunged the room into darkness as he rolled with her behind the sofa.

This wasn't quite what I had in mind.

She clung to him and he held her crushed against his heart in a protective embrace, his breathing a harsh rasp in her ear.

'Stay down and don't move,' he whispered, his breath hot on the chilled skin of her cheek. He loosened his hold.

He was gone without a sound and once alone, she shivered with fear. The night light in the twins' room went out and the dark turned eerily silent. The rush of blood in her ears made it impossible to hear anything.

Gabe touched her shoulder and she barely suppressed a startled yelp. 'I'm going out.'

Jenna caught his wrist. 'Be careful.'

'I will.' His grip tightened for a moment. 'Stay clear of the windows.'

After he left, she lay motionless, straining to catch any sound that was out of place. The moan of the surf was loud in the shattered stillness. The hardwood floor bit into her bones. Careful to keep screened by the sofa, she wriggled into a sitting position, looped her arms around her upraised knees and buried her face on them. The thud of her heart hurt and the ticking clock was as loud as thunder.

That incredible kiss replayed through her mind.

Now, she understood what was missing in her relationship with Blair. There was no chemistry, no passion and nothing to lift sex from the mundane. Back then she hadn't known the difference; now, after Gabe's kiss, she did. And to think someone had stood outside the window and watched that intimate embrace... her stomach churned.

Something so beautiful was irreparably smirched.

A scrape of sound sent shivers skittering across her skin. She inched her way to the end of the sofa and sifted the darkness. The lace curtain that screened the entryway window stirred in a huff of breeze. The breath eased out of lungs tight with tension and her nerves stretched to breaking point.

Was that rock intended for me?

The safety of Gabe's presence vanished.

A cool draft touched her cheek and the surf sounded closer. She strained toward the door but could hear nothing. A hand touched her shoulder and she gave a startled yelp.

'It's only me.'

Relief made her smile, there was no only about Gabe. 'See anything?'

'No, but I heard a car take-off up the lane.'

'So—'

'Tomorrow we're getting a dog.' He moved away and switched on the lights. 'And we'll organise the installation of security lights.'

Jenna blinked in the bright lights and saw the rock on the floor, and the paper wrapped around it. Mesmerised she stood up intending to take a closer look.

'Don't touch it. The police may be able to lift fingerprints.'

She jumped at the peremptory order. 'Can they?'

'Probably not from the rock but they can from the paper.' He walked toward the phone. 'I'll call them.'

Jenna wrapped her arms around her midriff, afraid despite Gabe's presence. The thought of living in here alone again scared her witless.

Gabe prowled, scowling.

Jenna checked the twins, but they slept on, blissfully unaware of all the drama. She returned to the kitchen, filled the kettle and set the coffee brewing, before turning her attention to washing up the few dishes, all the while Gabe's words were an echoing drumbeat ... there's already one woman dead in this town.

Was this a warning from a murderer?

Gabe's arm curled around her shoulders. 'No one's hurt.'

Jenna gave a queer, soft little sound as she rested against him. 'This time, perhaps Jace's right and we should sell and move away.'

'Giving in to cowards isn't the answer.'

'Neither is being killed.'

'It's not going to happen. This district has been shaken up, and this is just a hiccup.'

'What did the note say?'

'It's only poison.' Gabe met her eyes steadily. 'Now's not the time to become spineless.'

'I'm just plain scared.'

'And you have good reason, but we need to give the new order a chance.'

A heavy knock echoed through the house.

'That will be the police.' Gabe gave her shoulder an encouraging squeeze. 'Why don't you finish making drinks and I'll deal with them?'

Gabe opened the door and greeted two fresh-faced constables, introduced Jenna, and then outlined the evening's events.

Glad of something to keep her hands busy, Jenna prepared a coffee tray and placed it on the low table in the centre of the room so they could help themselves. The policewoman indicated that she wanted Jenna to sit beside her on the sofa.

'You've had a very rough time.' The policewoman stirred sugar into her coffee. 'But we are here to protect you. Please don't hesitate to call us, anytime, day or night.'

'I thought this would stop.' Jenna's voice trembled.

'This most probably has nothing to do with the other. After a clean-up in a district, there are often copycat incidents. Rock throwing is the most common.'

'I suspect it's someone wanting a moment of glory,' Gabe said quietly. 'We intend to get a dog and install security lights.'

'Both excellent suggestions,' said the policewoman. 'That will probably solve the problem.'

After requesting Jenna and Gabe visit the police station the next day to give their statements, the constables bagged the missile, and took their leave.

Jenna and Gabe stood side by side on the front step as the police car drove away. He turned to her. 'There's some plywood in the garage. I'll go get a piece and board up the window. Will you clear the broken glass inside? We don't want the twins' cutting their feet.'

That reminder of their first meeting was the final straw. Jenna turned her face into his shoulder and clung to him, shaking.

He hugged her close. 'It was probably only a teenage prank.'

'Why in hell pick on me?' She stiffened and pulled away, suddenly filled with fury. 'What have I ever done to deserve this?'

'Don't go all cowardly and soft on me now, Mama Grizzly. It was only one measly rock.'

'I'm not soft.' Jenna yanked away from him. 'And stop calling me that God-awful name.'

'Good. Clean up the mess while I deal with the window.' He strode off without a backward glance.

With an infuriated huff, she stalked to the utility room and returned with a bucket and broom. With swift, angry movements she picked up the biggest shards of glass and tossed them in the bucket.

Where did Gabe get off calling her a coward?

As for calling her Mama Grizzly—what a cheek!

Aggravated, she plied the broom with extra force as she swept up the glass fragments.

'Can you pass the bucket for the rest of this glass,' Gabe asked through the broken window. 'And hold the curtain back for me.'

She handed him the bucket, and catching the net curtain, held it away so it didn't become entangled with broken glass as Gabe pulled jagged pieces from the frame. As they worked together to limit the damage done by that attack, it dawned on her how cleverly he'd refocused her attention.

'There's another flashlight on the fridge,' he said as he removed the last shards. 'Could you get it and give me a light to nail up these boards?'

The thought of venturing out into the dark sent a chill up her spine. Jenna longed for the comfort of Grandpa's old shotgun. Without it, she felt naked.

She sucked in a sharp, impatient breath. Gabe was right. Now was not the time to go soft. No cowardly bastard was going to intimidate her, nor would she allow fear to rule her life.

Katherine Bay was her home and she would not be driven to leave.

She fetched the flashlight and, resolute, put on shoes and ventured outdoors. The land was bathed in moonlight and everything looked so normal, so placid. And yet this peace had shattered, as fragile as the glass in the windowpane. Jenna shivered as she turned from the moonlit scene and approached Gabe, silhouetted against the light.

'Shine it here would you.'

Within a few minutes he'd secured plywood over the broken window and together they walked back up the path. On the porch he paused and murmured, 'The sea looks surreal in this light.'

The ocean rippled as the moonlight caught its restless movements, primeval in its appeal, a scene as old as time itself.

'Why did you choose this area for your hotel and resort?'

'Its beauty and deep-water anchorage and there's the added advantage of a deep, navigable river feeding into the sheltered bay. These aspects make it an ideal choice.'

That made sense. He'd said they planned a jetty and marina.

'You'll ruin its beauty once you begin building.' She resented the wealth and power this man had at his command.

'Why should you care? A few minutes ago you wanted to cash up and leave.'

'Oh no, Callahan, you're not getting rid of my opposition that easily.'

His dry chuckle infuriated her. She grabbed his arm and shook it, gesturing toward the moonlight saturated bay. 'Look at it. My family have lived here and loved Katherine Bay for generations. I want my children to enjoy its unspoiled beauty in their turn.'

'You can't live on scenery. Katherine Bay is dying and without development and new investment it will become yet another rural ghost town.'

Unable to refute his words, mortified heat seeped into her cheeks. She scuffed a shoe in the shell-strewn path. 'Maybe, but does that justify ruining it with a glass and steel monstrosity?'

Gabe's resigned sigh was loud. 'We won't ruin Katherine Bay. A resort will bring people and inject vitality into the whole area.'

'It will become another glossy Pauanui.' Jenna turned away, upset that people like Callahan and Kreagan equated wealth and growth with success.

Pauanui further down the coast with its canal waterways and luxury mansions was a holiday Mecca for the rich and famous. Once, it had been a wilderness of pristine beach, wildlife-rich salt marsh, vast tracts of native bush and pine forest. Now, its rugged beauty had all but vanished under the overwhelming tide of human development.

Gabe's hand on her shoulder turned her toward him. He traced a finger down the curve of her cheek. 'It won't be like that. We will ensure development is in sympathy with the environment.'

'You mean there won't be boats and hordes of people crowding the beaches?'

'There will be people and boats,' he conceded, 'but our development will be smaller, and sensitive to the environment. That's our trademark.'

'Can you guarantee it will stay like that? Once Kreagan Enterprises build, other farmers will cash in on their beach front properties and Katherine Bay will be overrun with people.'

Jenna knew she sounded parochial but this was her home. And Kreagan Enterprises, with their wealth and influence, were intent on despoiling it. Gabe dropped his hands and moved toward the door, but stopped on the threshold.

She shivered at the gleam in his eyes.

'You know, I never pegged you as a snob,' he said with soft scorn. 'You don't care about the long-term health and well-being of the district. As long as this beach remains available to the few locals who can manage to survive here, you'll be happy. Such thinking is pure self-interest. You not prepared to share it with anyone else, are you?'

Jenna was left grappling with the echo of his soft question in the quietness of the night.

# Chapter Thirteen

GABE GUIDED THE twin's stroller down the ramp of the Katherine Bay police station. Jenna released a pent-up breath, glad that this ordeal was behind her.

Try as she might, she couldn't relax near the police precinct. The young sergeant who took her statement was polite and professional, but bad memories almost brought on a panic attack. Only Gabe's pragmatism kept her from bolting out the door.

'You okay?' His hand was firm under her elbow.

'I'll survive.' And that was a blatant lie. Any interaction with cops threatened her mental stability.

'Let's go in here.' Gabe guided her through the doors of The Beachcomber Café. 'Sit down. I'll get you a coffee. Fancy anything to eat?'

She shook her head; food would choke her. She sank into a chair at a vacant table, perturbed to find her legs had as much strength as cooked noodles.

Gabe parked the pushchair close by. Zach was asleep but Zoë was fighting it.

Jenna ran shaking fingers across Zach's head before gently brushing a lock of hair off Zoë's flushed cheek. The little girl snuggled her face into Jenna's hand, the contact soothed her agitation.

Gabe returned with their coffee and sat opposite.

As she sipped her latté, her shakes gradually eased and her ragged nerves settled.

'That really upset you?'

She gave him a speaking look.

He leaned across the small table and laid a hand over hers. 'You'll find the police deployed here now will take you seriously if you need them.'

She fiddled with the teaspoon on her saucer. 'Intellectually I know that, but —'

'—emotionally you have difficulty believing it?'

She nodded, dredging up a smile.

'This is a new era for Katherine Bay.'

She glanced around the café. With its mismatched furniture and retro fittings, it was an icon in the town. 'I hope it doesn't change too much.'

As Gabe spooned sugar in his coffee, he studied the quaint décor. 'This café is a gem. I'm sure any redevelopment will follow our lead. Our aim is to preserve the character of the town.'

'I hope you're right,' she murmured, although she had her doubts. 'As big a development as you're planning will certainly bring more people.'

Am I selfish, and uncomfortable with change? And when did I lose my sense of adventure?

These thoughts brought her up short.

'And you think that's a bad thing?'

Gabe's soft question forced Jenna to look and really see what was happening in this town. It was the middle of a weekday morning in late summer and yet there was only a handful of patrons in the café and the streets of the town were almost deserted.

Education is your only way out of here, Heath... as she recalled her conversation with her younger brother, shame curled through her.

'I guess more people would really help the town's business people,' she said, sipping her coffee.

A woman entered the café in a whirl of retina-searing colour and cloaked in vibrant energy. 'Jenna, it's been an age since I've seen you, so I had to stop by.'

'Cassie!' Jenna put her coffee down, stood up and was enveloped in a fragrant hug. 'It's so good to see you.'

Her friend's eyes widened. 'Wow! What a shiner!'

'Believe me, it was much worse.' Jenna couldn't help laughing.

'I'll bet. You're looking stressed, but that's not surprising with all that's been going down at your place.' Cassie turned to Gabe, frankly curiosity. 'And you must be Gabriel Callahan, the changing face of Katherine Bay.'

'I am.' Gabe stood and held out his hand.

'Cassie Piper.' She gripped his hand in both of hers, studying him, her head on one side, her vivid eyes narrowed. She turned his hand over and stared at his palm, her expression thoughtful.

Jenna watched the interaction, curious as to what Cassie would glean about Gabe.

'Interesting.' She released his hand and looked directly at him. 'You've seen the extremes of life, the highs and lows. Try striving for balance and life will be so much easier.'

The shocked surprise on Gabe's face was priceless. That inscrutable mask he hid behind slipped and revealed a flash of genuine emotion. His unease was palpable and seeing it, Jenna steered the conversation in another direction. 'Cassie owns the property next to Janssen's.'

'I'm pleased to meet you, Cassie. May I call you that?' he asked with an aplomb Jenna could only admire.

'Of course, no one stands on ceremony here. You've bought Janssen's? Is it true you plan to build a resort there? The town's abuzz with rumours.'

'That's the plan,' he said with a lazy grin. 'But we've a long way to go yet.'

Cassie shook a finger at him. 'Semantics! I don't think anything will stop you achieving whatever you set your sights on.'

Cassie's laughing confirmation of her own thoughts increased Jenna's wariness.

'Thanks, I think.' He looked at her, eyebrows raised. 'Care to join us?'

Cassie glanced at her watch.

'I can't, sorry. My shift at day care starts in a few minutes.' She kissed Jenna's cheek then looked directly at Gabe, blue eyes narrowed. 'Take care, there's danger hovering close by—and you, Gabe, of all people, should know that pretence is unnecessary.'

'Come again.' His thick eyebrows nearly reached his hairline.

'Pretence!' She pointed a finger at him, her smile knowing. 'You have way too much pride. In the past it's prevented you seeking out the truth. Now, it threatens to blind you to a second chance at happiness. And remember, my friend, trust is a two way street.'

With those words she was gone in a flurry of feminine, flowery skirts.

'Phew!' Jenna sat down to finish her coffee. 'Cassie's a whirlwind. She never changes.'

Gabe picked up his coffee, shaking his head. 'That's one spooky lady.'

Jenna laughed; seeing Gabe at a loss for words was priceless, something she guessed seldom happened.

'Cassie's okay.' She was more shaken than she cared to admit. 'I don't know how she does it, but more than once she's helped police find children and hikers lost in the bush.'

'So if she sees danger—' his expression was suddenly grim. 'It's as well we've decided on a guard dog.'

Jenna shrugged, unsure if a dog would be enough. When Gabe pushed aside his cup and stood, she did likewise and together they left the café.

'Where to now?' he asked when they were out on the pavement.

'I'd like to get my hair cut. Have we time?' She nibbled on her lower lip.

First I need to check my balance at the ATM.

Gabe's shrewd scrutiny made her uneasy. He laid a hand over hers on the pushchair handle. 'You do realize it's now common knowledge that you own a substantial property, so you no longer qualify for a welfare benefit.'

Jenna stared at him, shocked. 'True? It never crossed my mind.'

'You'll most likely find it's already been stopped.' He pulled his wallet from a hip pocket, opened it and extracted a wad of notes. 'Use this to tide you over until I can arrange for the estate to pay you a regular allowance. I'll do the same for Jace and Heath.'

Embarrassed, she shook her head, evaded his outstretched hand, walked away and almost running, she crossed the road to the park.

It was one thing to be broke, another entirely to accept money from him.

She leaned against a pohutukawa, her hot face pressed into the striated bark. Before she had a chance to catch her breath Gabe was beside her, his hand curled around her wrist. 'Why did you run off?'

Where are my kids?

Her alarm subsided as she saw the stroller beside him. She shook her head and shrugged.

'Now who has too much pride?' He smoothed a thumb over her erratic pulse.

'I'm not your pet charity.'

'I have never regarded you as a charity case.' His eyes flashed with barely concealed temper, his lips thinned to a grim line.

'No?' she challenged. 'Would you accept charity? I don't think so.'

Emotion turned his grey eyes dark as he hauled in a harsh breath and took a step closer. 'You don't have the monopoly on hard times, Jenna. I've had to accept charity, and believe me, this isn't even close.'

'Something I find hard to believe.'

'You can't exist without money, Jenna, and until I get Rata Ridge up and running you are stranded financially.

The truth of this observation made her feel worse. 'We can never repay what you've already spent on us.'

'I'm not asking you too. Regard this as a loan.'

She gave a hollow laugh. 'Some loan.'

The hand holding her wrist tightened and something about his intensity sucked the oxygen from the air.

'Rata Ridge is a prosperous property and once its income comes directly back to you, what I've spent to start the ball rolling will quickly balance out.' Gabe laughed, the bitter sound full of self-mockery. 'How is this charity?'

'It just is,' she muttered.

Turbulent emotion darkened Gabe's eyes as he caught and held her on his angry gaze 'I've been forced to accept charity, and believe me this isn't it.'

'Isn't it?'

The hand on her wrist tightened and seeing his expression, Jenna felt a dart of fear. What had put that tormented look on Gabe's face?

'Charity is what I had to stomach after being pulled out of a Los Angeles gutter,' he said in a stark, sibilant whisper. 'If you don't believe me ask Alex.'

She gaped at him, unsure she'd heard him correctly. 'That's damn hard to believe.'

'Please yourself.' He dropped her hand and turned away.

Jenna caught his arm. 'You can't make a statement like that and walk away without an explanation.'

'What's to explain?' He shrugged refusing to look at her. 'Can't you see me as a dirt-poor, filthy drunk?'

'Why were you—'... God, where's my tact?

'Why was I such a derelict?' His lip curled in a sneer, his self-derision too genuine to doubt. 'I'd jilted my bride at the altar, and fled to America where a mate on a collier smuggled me ashore.'

Bereft of words, Jenna stared at him, shaking her head. Gabriel Callahan oozed integrity and honour, and yet he claimed to have committed such a heinous act.

'Don't tell me I've managed to shock you?'

He had succeeded in doing so, but he'd also aroused her curiosity. Seeing his expression, compassion seeped past her astonishment. Gabe no longer looked invincible. In a moment of clear insight, she caught a glimpse of the anguish he hid beyond his habitual mask. She glimpsed the desperate vulnerability he tried to hide. Why had she not seen this wounded side of the man she often regarded as a human juggernaut?

'How did you manage to survive?'

He was silent long enough to make her wish she'd not asked.

He glanced at her and shrugged. 'I had no money, passport or work permit, but I survived. There's always subsistence pay for the desperate, and food to be scavenged from dumpsters.'

You've seen the highs and lows of life... once again Cassie had nailed it.

Jenna rubbed the heel of her hand over her breastbone. It hurt to think of such a proud man reduced to such circumstances.

'How did Alex find you?'

'I'm certain he was a blood hound in a former life.' He grinned and shook his head. 'He searched every dive and backstreet until he found me.'

'He didn't give up?'

'Alex never gives up on family.' There was a wealth of affection in that simple statement. 'He yanked me up by the bootstraps, screaming obscenities; frog marched me here to New Zealand and set me to work.'

This was so much easier to imagine. 'A battle of the giants.'

Gabe let rip a belly laugh and his amusement lightened the atmosphere.

'You'd better believe I didn't go willingly. And God alone knows what the management of that hotel thought when he dragged me in through their plush front door.'

'What happened?'

'I was set to make a scene when Alex looked me in the eye and gave me an ultimatum. Come quietly, or be knocked out and carried in.'

Suddenly, Gabe's laughter was replaced by raw emotion. He punched a closed fist into the palm of his other hand.

'Would he have done it?'

'I had enough sense not to provoke him further, which, in hindsight, was probably wise.' He saw her puzzlement and chuckled. 'Ever since his twin was killed, Alex and his family go nowhere without security, a bunch of handpicked gorillas.'

'Who would have—'

'—taken great delight in manhandling me.'

Gabe pulled back behind his habitual, but invisible barrier.

But Jenna had been granted a glimpse of the man behind the mask, and she was determined not to let him backslide. Too often in her dealings with him, she had the sensation she was boxing with shadows.

She laid a hand on his arm, and his muscles tensed beneath her fingertips. To her surprise, he covered her hand with his. 'What is it about you? I've never talked to anyone about that awful time.'

'Then I'd say it was way overdue. Bottling up the bad stuff isn't healthy. After all, wasn't it you who told me that the bad stuff doesn't just go away, you have to deal with it.'

Would he ever trust her enough to open up completely?

Like I'm willing to trust him with my secrets?... she pushed the uncomfortable thought aside.

'Why is it so hard to hear your own words quoted back at you?'

'Get used to it.' She laughed softly. 'You don't intimidate me.'

He caught her hand and squeezed it, a gesture that conveyed more than words. Zach stirred and sat up rubbing his eyes and this brief respite was over.

'Take this.' Gabe handed her the wad of notes and, after a slight hesitation, she accepted the money. 'I'll arrange for an automatic deposit into your account each week. Consider it a loan until I've got things working at Rata Ridge.'

'Are you sure?' She still hesitated.

Gabe lifted a hand and rubbed his knuckles down her cheek. 'Alex told me years ago, Jenna, to pay it forward. And for the first time I can actually do so. You go get your hair cut and I'll watch the twins.'

'We'll call at the vet's before heading home.' Gabe started the car. 'He'll point us in the right direction to get a dog.'

The reminder dampened her pleasure.

Without the constraints of keeping up with twin toddlers and with a wad of cash in her purse, Jenna had enjoyed the brief respite. After the stylist had cut and thinned her unruly mop of hair, she'd been tempted to buy some tops and a pair of jeans she'd seen on sale.

For the past few hours she'd managed to push worry to the back of her mind. Now with Gabe's reminder, it returned in full force.

'What sort of dog?'

Gabe parked in the shade of a pohutukawa tree outside the vet clinic, and he turned to her. 'I thought a German Shepherd. They're great pets, excellent guard dogs and reliable with children. Is that okay with you?'

To her, one dog was as good as another. 'Get whatever you think best.'

'You'll be cool enough?'

The late summer sun heated the car interior to an uncomfortable level.

'With the windows down, we'll be fine. It's shady under this tree.'

He activated the electric windows and a cool breeze flowed through the car. 'I won't be long.'

Jenna watched him stride into the clinic, admiring his long limbed grace.

She turned to look at Zach and Zoë. Their contentment clutched at her heart. They adored Gabe, and it was obvious he cherished them, so why was he so adamant he would never be a father? And why had he jilted his fiancée? Were the two things linked?

Today, she'd glimpsed the disturbing darkness that rippled beneath the surface of his charm. She vowed to guard her heart.

Too late, mocked an inner imp.

She shook her head. That explosive kiss had not only rocked her world, it had exposed, with glaring clarity just how tepid her love affair with her babies' father had been. She huffed out a harsh breath that lifted the hair off her forehead. One kiss from Gabe packed more voltage than sex with Blair.

Now, it hurt to know just how blind and naive she'd been.

Desperate to divert her thoughts, she looked across the water to the wharf and the boat sheds and saw the red and white crime scene tape as it fluttered in the breeze.

Sudden tears blurred her vision.

She had no particular fondness for Liz Reilly, but she'd never wished the woman a violent death either. Who could possibly want the prim and fussy librarian dead? It made no sense.

When did murder ever make sense?

Katherine Bay had a murderer on the loose. Was it someone she knew? Icy goose bumps crawled across her skin.

It was a question that preyed on everyone's minds.

All day Jenna had heard the whispers, she'd seen people's fearful glances, and felt the all-pervading miasma of unease that hung like a pall over the entire town.

Danger lurks... close... Cassie's warning surfaced and added to Jenna's unease.

Tired of the treadmill of negativity, Jenna made an effort to push aside the dismal thoughts.

A movement down the street caught her attention.

A young boy of about ten walked toward her, leading a multi-coloured dog. He leaned down and rubbed the dog's head, then scrubbed at his face with a dirty sleeve.

Was he crying?

When the boy and dog stopped beneath the pohutukawa tree, they both looked at the vet clinic. The boy's expression was so sad her curiosity turned to compassion.

Jenna opened the car door, stepped out and crouched to pat the dog. 'Having problems?'

'Me dad sez I've gotta get rid of Mungo.' The boy clutched the lead so tightly the knuckles on his grubby hand gleamed white.

The dog sensed the boy's distress and leaned against his young master's leg.

'Why?' Jenna was angry with his unknown father.

'We're movin' to Aucklan'.' The boy sniffed and wiped his nose on his sleeve. 'To a flat, and we can't have no pets.'

'That's sad. None of your friends wants your dog?'

'Jamie's dad sez he'd be a good pig dog.' The boy's expression turned fierce. 'Dad sez he'd sooner have Mungo put down if the vet can't find him a home.'

Jenna nodded in agreement. Living out on the farm she'd seen more than one dog torn up by wild pigs.

Surely, this was pure serendipity.

She rubbed the dog behind its ears and was rewarded with a doggy kiss. 'Is Mungo good with little children?'

'My bruvver and sister crawl all over him.'

'Does he bark at strangers and do as he's asked?'

'Me dad helped train Mungo, He's a beaut watchdog.' Pride puffed out the boy's skinny chest, and his hazel eyes brightened with dawning hope. The dog's tail thumped against his leg. 'Sit, Mungo.'

The dog's rump connected with the pavement.

'Do you want him, miz?'

Looking into two pairs of hopeful eyes, Jenna couldn't refuse. 'We do need a dog.'

'You'd look after him?' The boy's anxiety was palpable. 'He's my bestest friend.'

Jenna laid a hand on the boy's skinny shoulder and gave him an encouraging smile. 'If you trust me with Mungo I'll look after him, I promise. What's your name?'

'Jeremy.' The boy held out a grubby hand.

'I'm Jenna.' She was impressed by his engaging manners. 'You can visit Mungo whenever you want.'

'Thanks.' Jeremy knelt and buried his face in the dog's orange and white ruff. 'You be good, okay?'

Jenna looked up as Gabe strode toward them and hoped he'd support her impulsive decision. She put a hand on the boy's shoulder. 'Gabe, this is Jeremy. He's moving to Auckland and he can't take his dog. Mungo needs a home.'

'You said you'd take him.' Jeremy turned to her, his expression fierce. 'Won't your old man let you?'

Jenna choked back a laugh, not daring to risk so much as a glance at Gabe. 'Mungo's coming home with us.'

'He won't stop you?' The boy jerked a thumb in Gabe's direction, not at all impressed.

'You want to take that mongrel home?' Gabe glared at her.

'Yes.' Jenna smiled sweetly. 'Mungo is good with children and Jeremy assures me he is an excellent watchdog. What more do we need?'

As Jeremy's gaze skittered between the two adults, the dog walked up to Gabe and lifted his paw.

'He wants to shake hands, mister,' Jeremy pleaded, desperate tears clinging to his long lashes. 'Please let Jenna have him. I don't want Mungo to die.'

Gabe looked from the dog with its outstretched paw to the grubby, pleading boy. With a rueful grin, he shook the dog's proffered paw and laid a hand on the boy's shoulder. 'What say we let the vet look him over? If the vet says Mungo is healthy, he can come home with us. Deal?'

Jeremy chewed his lip then thrust out his hand. 'Deal.'

Gabe solemnly shook that grimy hand and winked at Jenna. 'Will you be okay?'

'Take as long as you need.'

Grinning, she watched the trio head toward the clinic. Jeremy positively bounced, the dog's tail waved like a triumphant banner and Gabe Callahan, hard-nosed businessman that he was, he could no more refuse to help that boy than she could.

Satisfied, she wiped her hands on a baby wipe.

If Mungo played in the same places as Jeremy, the first thing he'd receive when they reached home was a bath.

That thought pulled her up short.

Since when have I considered that the house I'm sharing with Gabe is my home?

'That mongrel stinks to high heaven.' Gabe gave her a dirty look. Out of Jeremy's hearing, Gabe was outspoken about their acquisition.

'It's nothing a bath won't fix.' Jenna struggled with laughter. 'Did you get dog shampoo?'

'And flea and worm treatment. The vet gave him distemper, parvovirus shots and micro-chipped him. Your old man has his uses.'

Jenna gurgled with laughter. Jeremy's words had rankled.

'I wonder if God knows what breed that mutt is.' Gabe scowled.

'He's no German Shepherd,' she said with dulcet sweetness.

'You're not wrong! I had to ring the breeder and cancel our visit.'

His sideways glance made it impossible for her to maintain her gravity. Gabe, poker faced, thumped the steering wheel, then let rip with a belly laugh. 'Can you imagine Alex's reaction to that animal?'

'He'll look better after a bath.' She defended Mungo, still chuckling. The dog whined softly. 'It's okay. We'll take care of you.'

'That was one plucky kid,' he said sobering. 'His dad wanted to take the dog to the vet, but Jeremy refused. The dog was his pet so it was his responsibility to find him a new home.'

'Even if it broke his heart.'

'No.' Gabe's hand was warm on hers. 'He's ecstatic. If he'd had to have him put down—' he broke off with an eloquent shrug.

'Life can be tough.'

'But he learned there are choices. Today he made a good one.'

Gabe's insight was enlightening.

There were always choices in life, both good and bad. Understanding this lessened her angst at accepting his help. Gabe had decided to help the Mulleins. Her choice lay in accepting, or rejecting his help.

As they parked the car she turned to him. 'Thanks for backing me up.'

'You made that kid's day so don't sell yourself short.' Gabe framed her face with his big hands, his grey eyes warm with approval. 'You saw an unhappy little kid and set about fixing what was wrong with his world.'

Her heart beat slow and heavy in her chest. Was he going to kiss her? Her lips tingled in anticipation.

Zach stirred and grizzled, rubbing at his eyes and the moment was broken.

Gabe opened the car door and released the child from his car seat. She alighted, holding the dog as it strained against its leash.

'I'll put Zach down and come back for Zoë.' Gabe scooped up the grumpy toddler, and Zach slumped against him, rubbing at his eyes. 'It may pay to tie Mungo to the clothesline so he can't take off looking for Jeremy.'

'I never thought of that,' she said as the dog strained against the leash. 'Get in behind, Mungo.'

The dog immediately walked behind her.

'They're pretty attached to each other, so yes, it's possible.' Gabe gave her a guarded look. 'There are treats in that bag of dog stuff. We'll use those until he's accustomed to being with us. He's well trained so we shouldn't have any trouble.'

'Jeremy told me his dad had helped him to train the dog,' she said, rummaging in the bag of provisions for the treats.

Gabe carried Zach indoors while she secured Mungo to the clothes line pole. 'Sit.'

Mungo sat and she gave him a treat, crooning as she rubbed the white and sable ruff behind his ears. 'You like that, don't you?'

The dog whined, his tail thumped and he wriggled with pleasure.

'Mungo is already eating out of your hand,' Gabe said as he returned for Zoë.

'He's gorgeous,' she said, rubbing the dog's head. 'We used to have a Spaniel; Heath called her Sophie and taught her all sorts of cunning tricks. We never got another dog after she died.'

'Perhaps you should have.'

'Maybe.' Jenna shrugged. 'But a dog was just one more thing for me to worry about feeding and taking care of it.'

He put a hand on her shoulder. 'You did the best you could.'

She resisted the urge to rub against that hand and rekindle the passion that they'd shared last night. Gabe looked at her, his expression dark with intent, and suddenly Jenna found it difficult to breathe.

'I need to get Zoë out of the car,' he said gruffly.

'And Mungo needs a drink of water.'

Jenna hurried indoors, unable to shake the heat roused by Gabe's intent look. The memory of that mind-blowing kiss made her hot and cold all over. She knew the attraction wasn't one sided, but she also knew that beneath his self-contained veneer, Gabe was still burdened by the demons of his past.

Gabe walked inside carrying Zoë. The little girl was fast asleep draped across his shoulder, and one of his huge hands was splayed across her back supporting her.

For one brief moment, Jenna saw a raw, unguarded yearning in his expression.

He glanced at her way and the expression vanished, but it left her more than a little uneasy.

'I'll settle Zoë for her nap,' he said in a gruff voice.

Jenna watched him walk away and the feathering of unease vanished as she admired his sexy butt, his firm thighs and masculine grace. The man was flat out gorgeous.

Gabe looked back over his shoulder and winked at her. Flustered at being caught ogling, she hurriedly searched for a container to fill with water for the dog.

'Shall we eat first?' Gabe asked when she returned inside.

'We'd do better bathing Mungo while the twins nap.'

'Gotcha.' Gabe chuckled.

'You're getting the hang of it.' Her answering laugh was appreciative. 'Nap time is too precious to waste. I need to change.'

She escaped to her room and leaned against the closed door. Gabe in this mood made her hyperventilate. Swiftly, she changed into an old pair of jean shorts and an ancient tee. She returned to the kitchen for a glass of water. Through the window she watched Gabe fill an old tin baby bath. He'd also changed into old jeans, and the worn fabric lovingly moulded every curve and angle of his thighs and legs, the material white at the seams. The black sleeveless tee that stretched over his impressive torso was little better.

Jenna's mouth went dry and hot sensation curled in the pit of her belly as the hunger he'd stoked with his kiss fanned to white heat.

'You're ogling, girl,' she moaned softly

She downed the cold water, but it did nothing to cool the burning lust. Unable to resist, she enjoyed one last, lingering look before she headed outside.

Head tilted on one side, Mungo watched Gabe, the bath and the hose.

'Mungo's not happy.' Jenna looked at Gabe, grinning as she stroked the dog's head. 'You pong, dog. You'll smell much better after a bath.'

'You'd have better luck pushing water uphill with a rake than getting that dog to believe you.' Gabe grinned and untied the leash from the clothes line. He tightened his grip on it as the dog strained to escape.

'Come on, Mungo. That's a good doggie,' Jenna crooned trying to coax the animal.

It sat on its haunches and refused to budge.

Gabe resorted to brute strength.

He lifted the stubborn animal and deposited it in the bath of water. Mungo scrabbled frantically as he tried to find a toehold, and in the process the dog sprayed then both with water.

'You hold the leash.'

Jenna grabbed it from Gabe hanging on for grim death.

When struggling didn't win his freedom, Mungo sat on his haunches, lifted his head and howled.

'You great big baby.' Jenna laughed. The dog shook himself, drenching them both. 'Ugh!'

'That'll teach you to laugh at him.' Gabe gave her a wicked grin as he rubbed the shampoo into a thick lather. 'This'll kill the fleas.'

'He's not impressed. Jeremy would think we're torturing him.'

Gabe gave an appreciative laugh. 'Jeremy probably regards having to bath himself as torture. Can you reach that packet of cotton buds?'

Leaning past him for the packet, her shirt pulled tight across her breasts. She tore it open and handed them to him. Catching his intent stare, she glanced down and saw that her breasts were visible through the wet shirt; her pert nipples erect. She blushed, lifting an arm to shield them.

'Thanks.' Grey eyes alight with devilment; he took the cotton buds and began to clean the dog's ears. 'You have pretty breasts. Why hide them?'

'Pardon?' Her colour and confusion deepened.

'You heard me.' Passion smouldered in his eye and his sensuous undertone made her pulses race. 'You're a very beautiful woman.'

His expression had heat flooding her face and her breasts tingled against the constraint of her bra.

Seizing on their inattention, Mungo leaped from the bath and shook vigorously.

Jenna shrieked and jumped backwards.

Gabe swore and grabbed at the dog's lead. As he picked up the hose to rinse the suds off the dog, Mungo wrenched free. The dog bit the hose and yanked on it and a jet of water caught Gabe in the face.

'You stupid, mutt!' Gabe lunged at the hose.

Mungo darted to one side; hose held firmly in his jaws. He drenched them both. Gabe made another grab for it but the dog darted away, and the water caught him broadside on, soaking him from head to foot. Watching them, Jenna doubled up with laughter.

Gabe lunged again and finally managed to snag the hose.

Mungo thought that this was an even better game and dropped to his haunches, tugging on the hose with all his might.

Finally, Gabe managed to wrest the hose away from the dog. He secured Mungo to the clothesline and gave Jenna a dirty look before he set about rinsing the shampoo suds from the dog's coat.

Jenna laughed and handed him a towel. 'I never thought I'd see you bested by a dog.'

As Gabe dried the dog, Mungo's coat gleamed. Now that it was clean, they could see his coat was a rich mixture of tan, sable, black and white.

When Gabe finished, Mungo shook himself, barking madly.

'He looks like a different animal.'

'Is he?' Gabe asked in dulcet tones, his grey eyes glittering.

Before she guessed what he was about, he picked up the hose, flicked open the nozzle and saturated her.

She screeched and took off running. Gabe chased after her, hose in one hand. A jet of water caught her square in the back and she squealed, and dodged to one side as she ran.

Mungo danced and barked on the end of his leash.

Gabe hooted with laughter when the water caught her again. Racing around the house, she turned the tap off, looking back over her shoulder in trembling anticipation.

He rounded the corner, eyes gleaming and dark with intent.

With a desperate spurt of speed she dodged sideways, escaping his outstretched hand, heat fluid in her veins. He was so aroused he tented his wet jeans. She glanced back over her shoulder and saw that he was gaining on her, and in a further burst of speed, she skirted shrubs and flower beds with effortless ease.

She could hear the thud of his footsteps and her heart pounded, her breath came in sharp, sporadic bursts. Her nipples hardened as she ducked between the stand of trees, excitement driving her forward. Just as she reached the gazebo, he caught her, swinging her up into his arms.

'Caught,' he whispered exultantly, his eyes black and glittering with lust.

# Chapter Fourteen

JENNA'S BREATH CAME in hectic gasps. She'd never been so excited in her life, or so turned on. In a peripheral part of her mind, she heard Mungo bark and a bird singing in the treetops. Gabe swooped and captured her mouth in one long, sensuous stroke of lips and tongue. She was floating, and then the vinyl seat of the gazebo was cool on her back.

He stripped her shirt off in one economical movement.

The sea breeze cooled her damp skin, but did nothing to calm that inner fire.

With a deft flick of his wrist, her bra followed her shirt and sailed through the air. His hand warmed her cold breast and strong fingers stroked a pert nipple.

'We can't do this here.' She grabbed at his wrists.

'Yes we can.' He caught her lips in a slow, drugging kiss as his hands worshipped her breasts. His lips left a trail of heat down her neck and everywhere else they touched, at last closing over one pert nipple, his fingers finding its twin.

Sensation exploded in frenzied starbursts. She twisted her head, trying for reason. 'But we're outside.'

He lifted his head, looked at her and chuckled. 'Exciting, isn't it?'

The vibration of that sexy chuckle ignited an inner fire that streaked through every cell in her body.

'What about the twins?'

'They're out for the count, Mama Grizzly,' he murmured, kissing the tender flesh below her ear before his lips skimmed hers. 'All day I've thought about this. Kissing you, touching you; tell me you feel the same.'

That evocative kiss had shimmered behind her every thought. She looked up into eyes turned storm-cloud dark with passion as she said, 'Me too.'

'You're beautiful,' he breathed against her lips, before his hand plunged through her hair tilting her head for his kiss, bold, possessive and demanding.

He devoured her mouth.

The need to have her hands on his skin was a fire in her blood and she pushed his shirt up his body. He pulled away, long enough to strip it off and toss it to one side. Her mouth went dry and eyes wide, she splayed her hands across his chest, the dense black curls silky-soft under her fingertips.

A questing finger traced the indentation from the centre of his chest, over taut ridged muscle to the silky hot skin of his abdomen.

He was all hot, coiled strength.

She inhaled a shuddering breath and male pheromones overloaded her senses and hot need built inside her, writhing and demanding.

'Like what you see?'

Like?

Any better and she would be burnt to a crisp.

The instant before his lips fused with hers, passion blanked his features, his hands moved down her body sliding off her shorts and her underpants in one smooth move, and they were tossed aside. His hand delved into the curls at the apex of her thighs, exploring her feminine folds.

She was wet and eager.

Slowly, he slid one long finger inside her soft, warm sheath, then another. Her hips lifted to meet the thrust of his hand. He bent his head and absorbed her cry of restless excitement. With shaking hands, she worked open the snap on his jeans, her fingers grazing his arousal behind the wet denim.

'Don't.' He caught her hand and held it tight, his guttural whisper scraping her senses. 'Unless you want this to be over before we start.'

'No fair.'

He chuckled, bent his head and suckled one nipple, hard.

Desire jolted through her. She gasped and her spine arched as she rode the crest of a fiery wave. He gripped her hips, his hands sliding down until they reached her inner thighs. His mouth left her nipple and he planted hot kisses on her ribcage and down her abdomen. He paused to swirl his tongue around her belly button.

She tossed her head restlessly as his hands slipped under her hips and he lifted her. Of their own volition, her knees parted. And then he was there, a hot swirl of tongue and lips, all fiery sensation.

Her hands scrabbled for purchase, clutching at his head as she strove for balance.

Dark, dangerous sensation twisted inside her as she reached for something she couldn't quite name. Her head thrashed from side to side as tension inexorably built.

Suddenly the world exploded in a fire-burst of sensation and pleasure and she was falling ... falling ... but before she'd regained any sense of equilibrium, he was there.

All naked skin and taut masculine strength, his erection prodded at her entrance, then he was inside her, filling her as he drove home with one powerful thrust.

Before she could savour the sensation, he was driving her higher and higher toward that same magical pinnacle. She met him, thrust for thrust, helpless against the overwhelming tide of sensation. And then she was beyond rational thought. Her vision greyed as she tumbled over the edge in a spinning vortex of sensation.

In some dim recess of her mind, Jenna was aware of Gabe's guttural shout.

He lay lax and heavy on her, all his proud masculine strength sapped. After timeless eons, he slipped his arms beneath her, flipped them both over until she was sprawled across him, limp and boneless.

'You okay?'

'Mmm.' Jenna wasn't capable of movement. 'You're sneaky. When did you get rid of your jeans?'

'While you were busy.'

His satisfied sound made her feel so wanton, so sexy. Satiated, she was so relaxed she couldn't move a muscle.

He flexed inside her, and the erotic sensation made her breath catch in her chest.

Gradually the erotic haze cleared and rational thought intruded and dismay impinged on her consciousness. Scrabbling for purchase, her elbows dug into his ribs as she struggled to sit up.

'Hey, steady on. Those are lethal weapons.' Gabe shifted and lifted her with effortless ease. 'What's wrong?'

'Did you use a condom?' Agitation destroyed her lethargy.

He stiffened, his eyes narrowed to pinpoints of grey radiating tension. 'No. Why?'

'Why?' With a screech she pulled free. 'I'm not on any form of birth control. That's why.'

Gabe lay stretched on the seat like some great satisfied cat. 'There's no need, I'm clean.'

She snatched up her clothes, disentangling her shorts from his jeans, scorching him with a glare. 'You may be clean but I could well be pregnant.'

She turned on her heel and fled.

In her room, she stood shaking from head to toe.

How dare Gabe let her run such a risk?

And how could I be so stupid—so caught up in the moment I forgot all thought of birth control?

Agitated, Jenna stepped into the adjoining bathroom and under the scalding water, and scrubbed at her skin in a futile effort to rid herself of Gabe's touch, all the while cursing herself six ways to Friday. Had she learned nothing from Blair's betrayal?

Like mother, like daughter.

The taunt had dogged Jenna's footsteps from the moment she'd returned to Katherine Bay, pregnant. She recalled Grandpa railing at Jace—the rotten apple never falls far from the tree.

Did I inherit stupidity from my mother?

No amount of scouring would help her out of this situation. As she dried and dressed, she vowed never again to succumb to Gabe's charm. She refused to follow in her mother's footsteps.

Too late, chickie, that horse has well and truly bolted.

Shut up, Mum. I don't need your censure too.

Jenna sucked in a shivery breath as she rubbed her hands against her cheeks. Dear God—how was she meant to face Gabe?

The dilemma was taken out of her hands.

As she reached the kitchen, Mungo began barking up a storm. Deep, threatening barks. She looked out and although she could see nothing, the dog's orange and black ruff was standing on end as he strained at the end of his leash. Jenna ran out the kitchen door to let him loose. This, after all, was why they'd gotten a dog.

'What's upset him?' Gabe reached her side just as she released Mungo. The dog took off, racing around the house, barking fiercely.

'I don't know.' Heat seeped into her face when she realised that he'd also showered and changed.

'You okay?' he asked softly, hand on her shoulder.

Heat scalded her from head to toe as she shrugged off his hand and followed the dog, but as she rounded the corner of the house, she came to a shuddering stop.

Mungo, growling low and deep in his throat, was on one side of the gate, and on the other was the last person she'd not expected to see.

Her father.

# Chapter Fifteen

'WHAT THE FUCKING hell are you doing here?'

A ruddy flush stained Frank Parrish's whiskered cheeks. Those dark eyes, so similar to her own, glittered and his lips thinned to give him a dangerous edge.

'Jenna!' Gabe's gentle rebuke scorched her pride. He snapped his fingers at Mungo. 'Sit.'

The dog obeyed the curt order and Gabe opened the gate. 'Come in.'

'What do you want?' Jenna stood in the gateway, barring Frank's entry. She did not welcome his presence and had no intention of making it easy for him.

'I thought you might need help, you're in danger.' He met her hostile glare then looked past her.

Gabe's hand was warm on her shoulder. 'You know him?'

'My mother claimed that he's our father.' Jenna's voice dripped scorn.

'Frank Parrish?' Gabe gave her a questioning look.

Jenna nodded, too choked up with bitterness to speak.

The man's ruddy flush ebbed. He looked from her to Gabe. 'Do you want me to leave?'

'I wish you'd never come.'

Where was he when they'd suffered under their grandfather's tyranny, or when they were grieving for their mother? And more recently, Frank was nowhere to be found when she was being harassed by young thugs, and Jace was being victimized, or when Heath was slipping through the educational cracks.

Gabe entwined his fingers in hers. 'Do you want me to see him off the premises?'

Jenna looked from one man to the other and slowly shook her head. Gabe's support gave her the courage to find out why Frank was here. She stepped aside so he could enter.

'Thanks,' Frank muttered.

Mungo pressed close into her side. Inside, the dog dropped onto his belly, head on his paws, immobile, but alert. Jeremy certainly hadn't exaggerated about his obedience.

'You okay?' Gabe said softly, for her ears alone. 'We'll talk later.'

She knew she couldn't avoid this conversation, but leaned on him for courage. 'Why is he here?'

'Is it possible he wants to mend fences?'

'Now?' She glanced at their visitor, very uneasy. 'It's way too late.'

'Is it? There are two sides to every story. Was he denied the chance to be your father?'

Shocked, she nibbled on her lower lip as the memory of her irascible grandfather was all too vivid. This was a very real possibility.

'Will you be okay for a few minutes?' Gabe asked quietly.

She nodded and no sooner had he left than Frank stepped closer. 'Has that bastard married you?'

The hypocrisy made her seethe. 'Like you married our mother.'

'Not my choice. If your ma said different, she lied.'

Against all odds, she believed him. No, she corrected grimly, I want to believe him.

'Where have you been since Mother died?'

'Wanganui, I've been there since your ma threw me out.'

'Mum threw you out?' Struggling with disbelief, Jenna stared at him. She'd never once heard her mother mention that she'd asked Frank to leave.

'She wouldn't come and I couldn't stay. What'd your ma tell you?'

Jenna took her time answering as she studied him. He was unshaven, his clothes dirty, ill-fitting and the cuff of his jacket was mended with wire. What had her mother seen in him? 'Mother said you couldn't handle having a family.'

Frank gave an inelegant snort. 'That figures. Your ma was under her pa's thumb. You remember him?'

'Who could forget Grandpa Mullein?' Jenna asked with considerable irony.

Grandpa had ruled his family with an iron hand and she'd learned very young not to anger him.

'He'd promised your ma to another bloke.' Frank gave a bitter little laugh. 'No outsiders were welcome here in Katherine Bay in old Adam's day.'

Discomfort prickled Jenna. Did she, like her grandfather, think Katherine Bay should stay the domain of a select few? Her grandfather was the very last person she wanted to emulate, but it seemed to her that her opposition to progress could be eerily similar.

'You lived here?'

'For a few years, I was an agricultural contractor and did hay baling, silage and stuff like that.' He paced restlessly in front of the window. 'Until Adam wrecked me gear and ruined me business.'

Jenna tested the claim for honesty. Would her grandfather have done such a thing? Of course he would. Grandpa was a tyrant and eminently capable of sabotage.

Frank nailed her with a harsh glare. 'The old rogue warned me dough wasn't all I stood to lose.'

'He threatened you?' This stretched her credibility. 'If you could prove it, why didn't you prosecute?'

'Grow up, Jenna; you're surely not that naive. Old Adam held one hell of a lot of clout around here in his day.' Frank's brown eyes glittered with triumphant malice. 'And I'll bet nothing's changed in this Godforsaken hole.'

This was so true, she choked on a cough.

'Didn't think so.' He rubbed his hands together and gave her a twisted smile that reeked of smug satisfaction.

'So you left Mum and me behind?'

'I begged Adele to leave, but the old sod said she could go, but he was keeping you. Adele was too scared of his threat to take the risk.'

Jenna suppressed a shiver, this wasn't about her and her fears; it was about her parents and their fractured relationship. 'If this was the situation, why did you have more children?'

Frank's harsh expression softened and he laughed. 'Jace just happened. You're young and randy; you must know how these things escalate.'

Jenna cursed the heat that flooded her neck and face, and Frank's sly look did little to ease her discomfort. 'This is not about me.'

'Sure it is,' he said harshly. 'You're the one sitting there judging me, just like old Adam did. And don't try telling me you're not a chip off the old block. When I left, your ma promised to follow.'

Jenna refused to be side-tracked by Frank's malice. So often, she'd wondered if her parents had ever loved each other. If Frank was to be believed, they had once been in love. 'She didn't go?'

'Nope.' He sighed. 'She was pregers an' sick as a dog. Old Adam threatened me, forced me to leave, so I did and came back when Jace was two.'

'And you didn't take us with you?'

'I wanted to, but this time your ma refused. Old Adam brainwashed her, he did, said I was after her money and her land.'

Jenna frowned. Grandpa had been a despot, but he was also a very shrewd man, and as she looked at Frank now, Jenna could understand her grandfather's reservations.

And finally she understood.

This man was the reason Grandpa had not left Rata Ridge to Adele. Not spite. Not bloody-mindedness. Grandpa must have been afraid Frank would pressure his daughter into squandering her inheritance. Instead, Grandpa had placed his trust in their neighbour.

Unnerved by these insights, Jenna asked, 'Were you?'

Frank's whiskered face twisted in a scowl. 'You think I'm lying?'

Jenna didn't so much think that he was lying as presenting the truth as he perceived it. 'Did you love Mother, or were you in love with the property she would inherit?'

'I loved your ma.' His lips thinned and his flat brown eyes narrowed. 'I tried taking both you kids with me once.'

Truth burned through layers of childish dreams as vague memories surfaced. She remembered driving in this man's ramshackle truck, and being very afraid.

'You kidnapped us?'

'Would've made your ma come,' he said giving her a sly wink. 'But old Adam chased after us and took you back.'

Jenna flinched. Now, with children of her own, she understood. Her mother would have been distraught when Frank had absconded with her and Jace. Had Grandpa feared for their safety? This seemed to her to be far more likely.

'Why would he refuse? He barely tolerated us.'

'He used you kids to control your ma.' Anger underscored Frank's words and he spread his gnarled hands in an impotent gesture.

She was repulsed by his black, dirty fingernails. Bombarded by memories of injustice, cruelty and shame, she took a step closer. 'Yet years later you created another child.'

'Heath's no get of mine.'

Shock knocked the breath clean out of her.

Suddenly, she recalled Grandpa's anger. In her mind's eye she saw him bellowing and stomping through their house, and her mother's wretched tears, and her own sense of bewildered helplessness. 'If not you, then who is Heath's father?'

'How would I know?' Frank blasted her with a scorn-filled glance. 'Adam changed his tune then, he wanted shot of all of you.'

'So you abandoned her?' Jenna asked slowly, shaking her head.

'Said I'd take her, Jace and you.'

'What about Heath?'

'Me take another man's get? As far as I cared, Adam was welcome to the brat.'

Anger and shock coiled in Jenna's belly.

Frank expected her mother to abandon one of her children? It was obscene.

Unable to bear being in the same room, breathing the same air, Jenna escaped to the verandah. She sat on the swing seat, arms wrapped tightly around her midriff. There were two sides to the story, and the violence of her dislike for Frank's made her nauseous.

Gabe sat on the seat beside her and the frantic rocking slowed. 'Do you want me to thump him?'

She shook her head; she was not a child and refused to hide behind Gabe. It was years too late for Frank to claim paternal interest, so why would he suddenly appear out of the woodwork? It was a question she wanted answered.

She walked with Gabe through the French doors, aware that Frank was watching them. Gabe leaned against the table, but didn't speak and Jenna appreciated his restraint.

'You appeared at Mum's funeral and have shown up again now, why?' She braced for a hurtful answer.

'I wanted to see if you were okay.'

'Really?' She looked at him, eyebrows raised. 'Or were you checking to see if there's anything for you in our changed circumstances?'

Frank sucked in a harsh breath and jerked a thumb in Gabe's direction. 'Is that what he reckons?'

His snarled words helped her to understand. Liz Reilly's murder and police corruption in Katherine Bay had received extensive media coverage, and this was why Frank Parrish was sniffing around.

'You're here to trade on our relationship.'

Frank flushed crimson and Jenna knew she'd nailed him.

'God, talk about a chip off old Adam's block. You're an ungrateful little b—' Frank cut off whatever he'd been about to say when Gabe stood away from the table, his hand clenched.

The sarcasm left her unmoved.

Jenna didn't want him in her life, but more importantly, Zach and Zoë didn't need a man like Frank in their lives. Her children would never suffer under their grandfather's hand as she and her brothers had suffered under Adam Mullein's.

'When we needed you, you were not here. You deserted us,' she said coldly. 'Gabe has stepped forward to manage our affairs, and the three of us know we can trust him to look after our interests and treat us fairly. Grandfather didn't trust you. And now I fully understand why. It's best if you leave.'

A ruddy flush seeped under Frank's leathery skin and he jerked a finger in Gabe's direction. 'What's he after? Your dough?'

'Gabe doesn't want or need our money. He has more than enough of his own.'

Frank let rip with a string of venomous obscenities.

'That's enough!' Gabe gripped Frank's shoulder, and frog-marched him out.

At last Jenna understood. Adam Mullein had vented his hatred for their father on two defenceless children. Frank Parrish had abandoned them to that fate when Adele refused to leave Heath behind.

Nor was her mother blameless.

Grandfather Mullein may have played God, but Adele, Frank, and Heath's unknown father had created a mess of their own lives.

And it was the children who paid.

# Chapter Sixteen

JENNA STARED AT her old home. It no longer listed in the corners. The sagging roof line was straight and square. Two men were perched on it, swinging hammers as they nailed shingles. Two others carried a heavy beam suspended between their shoulders. The whine of a power saw and the tang of freshly sawn timber permeated the air.

'Do you want to have a look at what they're doing?' Gabe turned in the car seat to look at her.

Jenna gave a start. 'Will it be safe for the twins?'

Gabe glanced at the toddlers who were sleeping soundly in their car seats. 'I'll park in the shade, leave the doors open and they'll be fine.'

She shrugged. 'Whatever.'

Her reluctance came as a surprise. The house she shared with Gabe held no bad memories, this house seethed with them. Moving slowly, she alighted and Mungo, now her faithful shadow, leapt out too. 'Stay.'

At her command, the dog dropped to his belly on the grass beside the car and lowered his muzzle to his paws.

'I need to see the foreman,' Gabe said and disappeared around the corner.

Evidence of repair was everywhere. The rotten boards in the front steps had been replaced, the sagging verandah posts now stood straight. The ornamental fretwork had been stripped, and as she watched, a workman eased nails out of the fragile pieces.

Were they intending to have replicas made?

The attention to detail surprised her, but when she thought about it, she knew Gabe would never be satisfied with anything less than perfection. When the restoration was finished, Rata Ridge homestead would once again stand proud.

She swiped loose sawdust off the steps and sat down.

Looking over the familiar scene, she marvelled that, while it remained the same, her life was now fundamentally different. Old, festering hurts had been ripped open and cleansed.

Now, she could view the past with more balance.

With Gabe assuming responsibility for their financial stability, Jenna's worries had diminished.

She no longer worried about having enough money for their next meal, nor was she afraid that one of her babies may get sick and need to go to the doctor. She no longer worried about Heath wagging school, or what trouble Jace's surly temper would propel him into.

So why did she feel so off balance?

How often had her mother sat here looking down this road waiting for Frank Parrish? When had she grown tired and sought solace elsewhere? Jenna sighed, wondering if she'd ever find any answers.

You'll do alright now, chickie.

Jenna gave a start. It was so long since she'd heard the whisper of her mother's voice.

You think?

For sure, you don't need me anymore.

Mum... Mum?

But her mother's spirit was gone.

A firm footstep on the verandah intruded on Jenna's melancholy. Gabe settled on the step beside her. 'Tell me about your mother.'

The perceptive question had Jenna giving him a startled look. How could he know what she was thinking? 'She was a gentle soul, easily upset by loud voices.'

'What did she see in a rough character like Parrish?'

'God knows? My earliest memories of him are sketchy.' Her hands twisted in her lap. 'But by far the clearest is the shouting as he and Grandfather faced off, and Mother's tears. But he's probably changed over the years. And like a lot of men, he was probably a charmer when he was a young man.'

'Life has a way of changing most people. You always lived with your grandfather?'

'We did. He was loud, always bellowing and he bullied Mum unmercifully.'

She sensed Gabe intent gaze. 'And you?'

'Not so much,' she grimaced. 'I learned early how to deflect his anger from Mum and protect Jace as best I could.'

Gabe was silent a moment. 'That's one hell of a burden to place on a child.'

'Maybe.' Jenna shrugged, not willing to go down that road. 'It's just how it was.'

'Heath? How did he fare?'

'Grandfather was kinder to him, but not by much and I was older then, and better able to protect him.' She swiped a hand at the stray tear that trickled down her cheek. 'But I'll never forget, or forgive, his cruelty to Jace.'

'Why did your grandfather pick on him?'

'I don't know.' She sighed, consumed with all the old feelings of anger and helplessness. 'But I sure as hell don't blame Jace for wanting to leave. This place was killing everything decent in him.'

'And you? Surely you'd prefer to see Katherine Bay in your rear vision mirror?'

The soft question made her frown, but she said quietly, 'Not really. It's my home. I love Katherine Bay, despite the bad memories.'

'It's your bolt hole, a safe place to hide and lick your wounds?'

The accuracy of that observation made her squirm.

Gabe was silent and she wondered what he made of her halting confidences.

'I didn't understand.'

'People don't.' She stood up and brushed sawdust off her skirt. 'They're too quick to judge and condemn. The narrow minded busybodies in this town took their cue from Grandfather. You helped Jace more than you'll ever know by getting him away from here.'

'Marcel is a good man. If anyone can persuade your brother to change his ways, he will.'

She glanced up at Gabe as she asked hesitantly, 'Will he treat him kindly?'

He gripped her shoulder. 'The last thing Jace needs is kindness. He's an angry, resentful and bitter young man. He's already had a spell in prison. What he needs now is structure, discipline and purpose. Marcel will give him those.'

She bit down on her lower lip. 'I want him to be happy.'

'Jace has to find his own way, his own salvation. His happiness is in his own hands.'

'I know,' she murmured bleakly. 'But I love him.'

'And I'm sure Jace knows this.' He stood and extended a hand to her and they walked toward the car. 'The view from here is spectacular and yet so different.'

The change of subject was welcome. 'It's the same all along the coast, every view is different. From here you see the whole bay, including the land Kreagans has purchased.'

Eyes narrowed against the glare, Gabe looked where she indicated. 'Those rocks form the boundary of Janssen's?'

'Yes, from there up to the skyline.' Jenna sketched a hand in the direction of the bush-clad ranges. Only the busy noise of the carpenters intruded on the tranquillity. Would a steel and glass monstrosity ruin this incredible view?

'So from here you'll be able to see the resort?'

'For sure. And once the bulldozers move in we'll have a bird's eye view of all the changes.'

Rata Ridge would be the property most impacted by the proposed development. Would knowing this make him understand that her fears and resentment were justified, and not a parochial whim?

He gave her a thoughtful look. 'I'm inspecting the site next week. Do you want to come?'

Eagerness dispelled her melancholy. 'Could I?'

'Have you revoked your hostility to our proposal?'

Had she changed, or had recent unnerving events and revelations given her a fresh perspective? 'Not exactly, but I'd like you to show me what you have in mind.'

'Are you planning to sabotage our plans?'

She stared at him, shaking her head, her mouth agape. Hurt lodged beneath her breastbone; surely Gabe understood and knew her better by now? 'Now who's being paranoiac? How do you think I could manage to carry out sabotage?'

'Then why the change of heart?'

Jenna scuffed a sandaled toe in the pile of sawdust, and then glanced up at him as she said slowly, 'On the surface, Katherine Bay appears to be the perfect, idyllic sea-side town.'

'Appearances can be very deceptive.'

'Tell me about it.' She gave a bitter little laugh. 'Deceptive! The whole place is rotten, from the police to the land owners.'

Gabe squeezed her hand. 'This is an old district and sometimes these things creep in so gradually that no one takes any particular notice.'

'Does that give people the right to swindle others, to manipulate lives and harass those less fortunate?'

'No Jenna, it doesn't.'

'My grandfather was a tyrant, and Rory Wallace is just a more modern version.' After a moment's painful silence, she asked bluntly, 'Do you really think this area is dying?'

'I do.' He made no attempt to soften his response.

She inhaled a shaky breath. 'A resort complex to inject new life into the district has a lot of merit.'

'I'm pleased that you can see that there are advantages to a sympathetic development.'

Jenna scuffed a foot in the long grass at the edge of the path as she hesitated over voicing her request, not at all sure how Gabe would react. 'I'd like to evaluate Kreagans' ideas and plans from their inception.'

For long, fraught moments, her words sat between them and then Gabe huffed out a sardonic laugh. 'What do you think you can you contribute to an undertaking of this size?'

Heat crawled up her neck and face as his question spawned yawning embarrassment, but she faced him, determined not to be intimidated. 'I'm as much affected by this proposal as anybody, I do have good local knowledge and I love Katherine Bay.'

'And you think that will help? Alex will have a stroke at the idea of you interfering in this project.'

'Tough.' Her lower lip jutted mutinously, not prepared to give an inch. 'If your proposal succeeds, I'd like to ensure as little despoiling of our environment as possible.'

Gabe shook his head, grinning with genuine amusement. 'You are really setting your sights pretty high, aren't you?'

'Perhaps I am, but I'm not a complete novice about this type of business.'

He stared at her, his expression betraying his surprise.

'I had more than a few credits toward my degree in architecture before I came home to nurse my mother.' She wasn't about to let him think she regretted sharing her thoughts. 'Do you still want me to come?'

'I didn't know you'd studied architecture.' He laid a hand on her hot cheek and turned her face upwards. 'Any suggestions you do make will be considered.'

'Tokenism?' The sarcastic question escaped before she could censor it.

The anger that flared in his grey eyes caught her by surprise. 'Surely you know by now that I never say what I don't mean.'

Before she could find a ready comeback, one of the carpenters walked toward them, carrying a battered tin trunk. He looked at Gabe as he asked, 'Where do you want it?'

'In here.' Gabe walked to the back of the car and used his key to unlock the boot.

'What's in it?' Jenna asked, curious despite her previous disinterest in what was happening inside her old home. She'd never seen the trunk before.

'Old papers, letters and photos,' Gabe said as he helped the builder put it in the car. 'They found it in the ceiling space and I thought you'd want it back at the house where you can go through it at your leisure.'

'Good thinking.' Jenna flashed him a smile, her previous hostility forgotten. 'I wonder how long it's been stashed up there.'

'Years, I'd say.' He leaned a hand on a door. 'Do you want to see any more?'

She cast a thoughtful look at her old home, but it no longer called to her. These ambivalent feelings came as something of a surprise. 'Why not come back when they're not working?'

'You're happy to leave the renovations up to me and the builders?'

'Are you satisfied with what they're doing?'

'Of course, I've used this builder and his gang previously and have always found their work to be top-notch.' He watched her, a frown darkening his eyes.

'Then I'm sure I will be satisfied with their work.'

Her heart raced as his hand curved around her neck, drawing her close. 'You trust me that much?'

Unable to speak past the dryness in her throat, she smiled. He leaned down and touched his lips to hers, a gossamer brush of thistle down. 'Thank you.'

Her lips tingled and she wanted so much more.

Despite his promise, they hadn't talked and now, constraint created a barrier she didn't know how to bridge.

Jenna ducked her head as she got in the car, clicking her fingers for Mungo to sit on the floor at her feet. They drove in companionable silence for the short ride back to Taparoa Lane.

Rounding the last bend in the road, Jenna's startled breath was audible.

A police car was parked in the driveway.

As Gabe slowed behind it, two constables got out, putting on their hats. That meant official business.

Please God. Don't let it be Heath or Jace.

Her throat dry and heart thumping, Jenna alighted from the car. Gabe was at her side, his hand firm at her waist. Apprehension fisted around her heart.

'Ms Mullein?'

'What's happened?' she asked, her heart beating madly.

'It's your father, Frank Parrish,' the older man said quietly. 'He's been badly injured in a car smash.'

Jenna stood in front of the huge windows and watched the late summer twilight fade into dusk and the distant hills become one with the night sky. Closer, spears of raupo and estuary grasses merged into the jumbled darkness and obscured the ragged salt marsh that contrasted so sharply with the manicured gardens of Heron Lodge. he herons that had been fossicking for snails and other insects had all glided away to their roost in the trees. With shoulders slumped, heart and mind bleak, Jenna watched the night swallow day.

Frank Parrish would never see another sunrise.

Two days ago, she'd sent him out of her life and now he lay dead. And the police suspected murder, the second such happening in Katherine Bay within a few days.

Shivers cascaded in icy ripples across her skin.

Frank had been found critically injured in his wrecked car at the bottom of a cliff north of Katherine Bay. He'd been airlifted to Middlemore Hospital and for two days he'd clung to life.

At Gabe's insistence, she'd gone to Frank's bedside.

'He's critically injured, Jenna,' Gabe said to her when she'd resisted his suggestion. 'Once he's dead, it's too late for regrets, or to wish you'd changed your mind.'

On the way to the hospital, they'd detoured here to Heron Lodge, his Clevedon home, and they left the twins with Mrs. Fliss, Gabe's housekeeper.

Frank's battered condition left Jenna reeling and instinct took over. He may have abandoned her, but the man was still her father and his vulnerability pulled at her. An inner compulsion, as unexpected as it was compelling, saw her offering him what comfort she could.

As she kept that gruelling bedside vigil, she grieved for her father, their lost years, and the relationship they'd never had.

Frank only rallied once. He caught Gabe's wrist, his eyes clear. 'Look out for my girl. Promise?'

'Rest easy, I will,' Gabe said solemnly as he returned Frank's grip.

Jenna held his hand until the last breath trembled from his shattered body.

Afterwards, she unashamedly leaned on Gabe's strength. With infinite patience and kindness, he guided her through the necessary formalities so she was able to have Frank's body taken back to Katherine Bay for burial.

When they left the hospital, Gabe brought her to Heron Lodge and her children.

She needed them.

They ran to greet her and weariness forgotten; she took comfort from the eager press of small, warm bodies. She buried her face against Zach, inhaling the sweet smell of baby powder, soap and little boy, and fought the overwhelming urge to weep. Little hands stroked cheeks she knew were pale.

'Mama sad.'

Zoë pressed in for her share of attention, face lifted, little lips puckered. 'Mama kiss.'

Jenna's laugh was ragged as she leaned in and kissed her daughter's rosebud lips. Zoë giggled, her little arms tightening in a strangling hug. Jenna pulled away and blew a raspberry against Zoë's neck. The girl giggled, her face scrunched up with laughter.

'Me too, me too.' Zach pushed Zoë aside.

Seeing her daughter's face, Jenna headed off a tantrum by quickly intercepting Zach. 'One raspberry, okay.'

Gabe walked into the room with a tea tray and placed it on a low table. 'Zach, you want a biscuit?'

'Mz Fizz, bickie?' Zach bounced off Jenna's knee and went to investigate the tray.

Jenna looked from Zach to Gabe and, for the first time in hours, she managed a smile. 'He loves Mrs. Fliss.'

'What's not to love? Her chocolate chip biscuits are as good as my mother's.' Gabe poured her a cup of tea and placed it on the table beside her chair and handed her the plate.

Jenna took a biscuit and gave one to Zoë, and the little girl content to nibble her biscuit as she snuggled on Jenna's lap.

Gabe poured his tea and sat in the armchair opposite and Zach clambered up into his lap. Gabe opened his mouth to speak, but Jenna held up a hand.

'Later,' she said needing this uninterrupted time with her babies.

Mrs. Fliss bustled into the room, her plump, homely face wreathed in smiles. 'Do you want me to put these two to bed for you?'

Jenna shook her head, smiling at Gabe's housekeeper. 'No, I'll settle them soon. Thank you for caring for them for me.'

'It's no trouble, lass.' She collected the used cups and put them on the tray. 'It's wonderful to hear children laughing; they certainly liven up this quiet old house.' This last was said with a pointed look at Gabe.

Zach wriggled off Gabe's knee and ran over to her. 'Mz Fizz, bickie?'

'No more tonight. You need to clean your teeth before bed.' The housekeeper bent and tousled Zach's hair and looked at Jenna, her eyes twinkling. 'He's a real pistol. I'll bet he keeps you on your toes.'

'You're not wrong there.' Jenna slid Zoë off her lap and stood. 'Okay kidlets, bed time.'

As Mrs. Fliss bustled off with the tray, Jenna watched her leave. 'She reminds me of Mrs. Doubtfire.'

Gabe chuckled, shaking his head, but whatever he'd been about to say was lost when Zach ran to him, tugging at his hand. 'Storwee, storwee?'

Jenna hesitated, glanced at Gabe and nibbled on her lower lip unsure of his reaction.

He looked at her, eyebrows raised. 'He wants me to read him a story?'

'He does, but you don't have to.'

'Oh but I do.' He tousled Zach's dark hair. 'You go find a book, slugger.'

Zach raced out of the room and down the hallway. By the time they reached the room with the low twin beds, Zach was already bouncing on his bed hugging a book.

'Teeth first, Zach,' Jenna said quietly as she carried Zoë into the adjoining bathroom. Zach bounced off the bed and joined them, brushing his baby teeth with more vigour than accuracy.

She glanced up at Gabe standing in the doorway watching them. For long, timeless moments their gazes clashed as he held her trapped by his intense expression.

It took considerable effort to break that connection.

She turned her attention to the twins and as she shepherded them through their bedtime routine, she worried about the fierce intensity of that moment. She would give anything to be privy to Gabe's thoughts.

'Storwee, storwee,' Zach demanded as he bounced up and down on the bed.

Gabe sat beside Zach, holding him and the book. Zoë clambered up and sat at Gabe's his other side. Jenna sat on the other bed watching Gabe read to her children. They were lapping up the attention, giggling when Gabe made all the appropriate noises.

Watching them hurt her heart. This was the kind of family she had always dreamed she would provide for her children.

Gabe looked so natural with Zoë and Zach.

Jenna knew it would be far too easy to imagine him in this role permanently, but it would never happen while he kept his emotions walled off and refused to open up about the dark secrets that haunted him. Despite his saying they needed to talk that day Frank had arrived, they'd not done so. If anything, Gabe had retreated further behind those invisible barriers.

After kissing the twins goodnight, Jenna and Gabe returned to the lounge, and she settled back into one of the overstuffed armchairs.

The weight of worry and sadness settled on her shoulders.

'Did you get in touch with Jace?'

'The police did, but he declined to come.'

'I guessed as much.' Although sad, she understood. Had it not been for Gabe, she may well have done the same. Now, she was thankful she'd gone to Frank, because sometime during that vigil, an intolerable burden lifted.

Did her presence ease Frank's dying?

As his strength ebbed, the fingers she held went lax. One moment Frank was there, then in the space of a heartbeat, he was gone, proving to her once more just how tenuous the thread of life was, and just how quickly it snapped.

'The police have confirmed that the accident that killed Frank was deliberate.'

Jenna had suspected, but Gabe's comment left her shaken. 'How?'

'Skid marks on the road indicate two vehicles were involved. The police retrieved Frank's ute for forensic testing and found paint embedded in its door.' He paused a moment, and then said grimly. 'The other vehicle was found burnt out north of Whitianga. It had been stolen earlier that day from Thames.'

She huffed out a shaken breath. 'What possible reason had anyone to kill him?'

'There's little point in us speculating.' Gabe shook his head, his brows drawn together in a heavy frown. 'It's better to leave it up to the police.'

Jenna rubbed at the ache that bloomed above her temples. She was weary beyond reason. Frank's sudden reappearance and death on the heels of Liz Reilly's murder left her scared witless. What was happening in Katherine Bay?

'Is this connected with Kreagan Enterprises' purchase of land?'

'It's hard to know.' He gave her another of those sober, penetrating looks. 'Would you and the twins prefer to stay here?'

That startled her into looking at him. 'You think we're in danger?'

His hesitation was more frightening than any rushed denial.

Jenna closed her eyes, tired, worried and feeling more than a little guilty. Would Frank still be alive if she hadn't sent him away? Tears burned behind her eyes.

'It's a possibility,' Gabe said as he sat on the arm of her chair, picked up her hand and held it in his. 'Tomorrow's soon enough to think about this; you're exhausted. Mrs. Fliss has prepared a room for you.'

That sounded so inviting.

He stood up and helped her to her feet. 'Once you're rested, you'll be able to see things much more clearly.'

And after that, Frank will still be dead and I'll still be scared.

His arm circled her waist and she leaned against him, the steady beat of his heart a balm to her ragged nerves.

'Let's get you to bed.' His husky undertone set her heart tripping.

He swung her up in his arms and carried her toward the promised room. Spending the night cocooned in Gabe's arms held infinite appeal. Eyes closed, she snuggled deeper into his embrace, sliding her arms up around his neck, savouring the moment.

A quirk of fate had crossed their paths.

Now, he'd edged his way into her life and heart so completely, she was unable to imagine living without him. She murmured in protest when he sat her on the edge of a bed, missing his warmth.

'Stay with me.' She gazed up into his eyes.

The side of the bed depressed. He caught her hands and held them pressed against his lean cheek, his eyes filled with a hot intensity.

I never said that! She closed her eyes, mortified.

'Are you sure?' His husky whisper set her heart racing. 'If I stay with you we won't just be sleeping. Are you going to wake up in the morning regretting it?'

Her mouth dried, a pulse hammered out a hectic tattoo at the base of her throat.

'If we make love again, is it about us? Or do you want a stand-in for the father you've never had?'

'No!'

'Will you regret it in the morning?'

'No,' she said, suddenly shy.

'Don't worry. I won't be careless with birth control.'

In that moment, she tumbled the rest of the way in love.

She fiddled with his shirt button before looking directly up at him. 'I'm just as guilty. We were both too caught up in the moment. It was the wrong time of the month for me to conceive, so we should be okay.'

The strangest expression crossed his face. He caught her hand, crushing it in his before he curled it against his chest in a protective gesture.

'Go have your shower.' He pulled her to her feet and steered her toward the ensuite. 'I'll check in with Mrs. Fliss and the twins.'

'You'll come back?'

His grey eyes narrowed to gleaming slits. 'I'll be back.'

Her heart thudded like a crazy jack-hammer in her chest. For once, he was so easy to read.

She met his gaze, unable to drag hers away. He stepped closer, and bent his head to claim her mouth. Hot, drugging sensation swept away every vestige of lethargy. A hand slid down her back pressing her firmly against him.

'Do you want that shower?' He growled against her parted lips.

She nodded, incapable of speech.

Strong hands guided her through the door into the adjoining bathroom. 'Want me to join you?'

Words failed her and at her nod, he leaned past her and turned on the water. Jenna had a blurred impression of opulence, a sea of jade-green and white. Gabe swiftly and efficiently helped her undress before guiding her beneath the water.

Then he was there, pulling her close against the naked length of him, the tender skin of her back abraded by the dense thatch of hair on his chest.

There was no way she could mistake the heat of his desire, his jutting maleness hard pressed against her. Soap in one hand, he lathered her body, his hands massaging her breasts, across her stomach and down to her thighs in possessive sweeps. She yielded to his touch, letting her head loll back against his chest, dazed with tiredness and pleasure.

Slowly, he turned her to face him and, bending his head, he kissed her, a sweet, tender meeting of lips.

The steady, pummelling water added to the sybaritic pleasure.

He guided her away from him. 'Lean against the wall.'

She obeyed the husky instruction. His hands massaged her back in long, sensuous sweeps from shoulders to hips. Strong fingers dug into the tense muscles along her spine. With a sure touch, he kneaded muscles cramped from the long hours spent keeping vigil over a dying man.

She groaned as he found a particularly tender spot.

He massaged and probed until she was weak, boneless and so relaxed. Her eyelids drooped as weariness overwhelmed her. When the water snapped off, she made a sleepy murmur of protest.

Gabe smiled wryly as he wrapped Jenna in a towel, lifted her and carried her from the bathroom. She lay slumped in his arms, boneless in her exhaustion. He laid her on the bed and removed the towel.

Returning to the shower, he turned the jets to cold before stepping under the icy blast. After showering, he returned and looked down at Jenna, sleeping peacefully, her hair dark against the pristine linen. She was where he wanted her to be.

In his bed.

He savoured the precious moment, knowing it may well be the only time. He inhaled sharply. When Jenna knew—regret knifed him, as keen now as it had ever been.

Shrugging into a dressing gown, he went in search of his housekeeper. When he returned, he slipped into the bed behind her, but Jenna never stirred.

It was the warmth that penetrated first, a delicious, furnace-worthy heat the length of her back. The weight on her belly moved. She cracked open an eyelid. Gabe, raised on one elbow, was watching her. 'It's not going to work.'

'What time is it?'

'Tomorrow. You've slept for nearly twenty four hours.'

That had her sitting bolt upright. 'The twins?'

'They're fine. I took them over to Kate and Alex earlier.'

She slumped down, arm over her eyes. 'They'll be sick of baby-sitting for me.'

'Hey, cut yourself some slack. You've just spent forty-eight hours sitting at a hospital bedside.'

The reminder brought the recent horrifying events crashing back.

The hospital vigil—making the dreary arrangements—returning to Gabe's home—a hot shower—

'Did we—' She broke off, unsure how to continue.

'Make love? No, I managed to restrain myself,' he murmured, bending to kiss her neck and she could see that he'd recently shaved. 'You fell asleep in the shower. When I love you, I much prefer you to be awake.'

She took a slow, deep breath and was surrounded by the heady scent of his minty cologne and hot, aroused male.

He turned her to face him and began to kiss her, a languid caress that swiftly turned into a conflagration. His chest hair abraded her breasts as he crushed her back into the pillows. His hands delved through her hair as he tilted her head at just the right angle to devour her mouth in a kiss that was as carnal as it was erotic.

She burned with urgency, her body soft, supple, and receptive.

He was menacingly strong, and yet she was unafraid. Despite his great size, Gabe possessed great gentleness. His hand closed around her breast as he kneaded and caressed it, gently tugging on the engorged nipple.

Her breast rose and fell on each shallow breath. She laid a palm against his jaw and he turned his head to nuzzle at her hand.

Lying half over her, he lifted his head watched her as his hand moved in a caressing stroke down her ribcage over her hips to her thigh, and then back again in languid, possessive strokes, his eyes glittering gleams shielded by the fan of his extravagant lashes. A secretive smile curved his sexy lips. Each caress burned deeper until she didn't know where he left off and she began

'I've dreamed of you, sweetheart,' he whispered in a husky undertone, 'here in my bed.'

Jenna touched him, caressing his body as he caressed hers.

She explored the hard planes of his chest, the shallow indentation of his navel, the bony rise of his hipbones. She traced a hand through the dense whorls of hair on his chest and a fingernail gently scraped the small, male nipple hiding there.

She exulted when he shuddered at her touch.

Questing fingers traced the line of dark hair that arrowed down from his chest to his belly and she delved into the thicket of black curls that sheltered his penis, jutting and proud, and growing bolder, she traced its length. The hot satin of skin rippled at her touch.

Gabe hissed through his teeth, and she was fiercely satisfied.

She watched as he pressed her knee outwards and caressed the inner side of her thigh and moved tantalisingly close to the nest of curls that shielded her sex.

Jenna shivered in anticipation and she moved, so he could touch her there.

She shuddered as he parted her, probing and caressing until her breath came in short, jagged little gasps and her world narrowed to pinpoints of darkness. When he left her and moved away slightly, her eyes opened as she missed his touch. She heard a rustle, and watched as he rolled away from her and swiftly sheathed himself with a condom.

He lifted against her and in one sure thrust, joined with her.

Then he moved, and she gasped, arching upwards, meeting him thrust for powerful thrust. This was possession in its most elemental form. She burned in his heat, his passion, the slick sweat dewing his body and hers, in a steady escalating rise toward the pinnacle they both sought.

The world imploded as her cry mingled with his.

For timeless, enervating moments, she held him cradled between her thighs. His weight, a heavy, sapped delight. Her hands moved in slow, sated circles across the lax muscles of his back. He lifted his head and cradled her face between his hands. His kiss, soft and gentle, soothed her and yet laid claim.

Their gazes caught and held.

Jenna waited for him to speak, to say something, anything.

But he remained silent.

And despite the heat they'd generated, she was oddly cold inside, and more than a little apprehensive.

# Chapter Seventeen

ON A STILL, late summer morning, Frank Parrish was laid to rest in the Katherine Bay cemetery. The few mourners who attended the graveside service took the ferry across the river and now stood shaded by the towering pohutukawa trees. Jenna leaned on Gabe, glad of his strength and his strong arm encircling her waist, as Frank's casket was lowered into the earth.

Again, Jace had refused to attend.

Her brother's absence saddened Jenna. His refusal meant he'd denied himself healing and closure. Jenna, although sad, didn't experience the same wrenching grief as she had when her mother had been lowered into the earth.

That day, she'd lost part of her soul.

Today, the brief service over, she found it far too easy to leave ... and how sad is that?

Gabe invited everyone to return to the house for refreshments. Mrs. Fliss had come with them to Katherine Bay to prepare afternoon tea and babysit Zoë and Zach.

As they left the graveside, Cassie walked over and hugged her. Jenna was touched by her presence. 'Are you coming back to the house?'

'No, I only came to give you my support.'

Jenna glanced across at Gabe and saw him watching them both with disturbing intensity. Cassie intercepted that glance and squeezed Jenna's hands. 'Gabe's watching you like a starving man watches his next meal. It's time to let the past go and take what he's offering.'

'That's just it. I don't know what he's offering,' Jenna said in a frustrated whisper, 'apart from fantastic sex.'

Cassie's delighted laugh rippled on the air. 'Glad to know someone's getting that pleasure.'

Jenna cursed her wayward tongue as a blush heated her cheeks.

'You need to let go of the past and enjoy the ride. Gabe's surely earned your trust—' Cassie paused '—and you need to tell him the truth.'

A cold chill slithered down Jenna's spine. Cassie didn't know what she was asking. 'I'm afraid to take the risk.'

'It's your call. There are some risks you need to take.'

'What if he interferes?'

'What if he doesn't?' Cassie gave her a steady look and leaned closer. 'Frank was here because he was afraid.'

'Of what?'

'I don't know, but he wasn't here alone, and you and Gabe need to take care.'

Jenna stared at her friend more shaken than she cared to admit.

Cassie squeezed her hands. 'I've had this recurring vision of a group of men sitting around in a fire, each trying to top the last guy's lies.'

'That makes no sense.'

'I know.' Cassie shrugged. 'I have to go, I've got medicine for Granny Barnes; she's poorly again. I'll catch a later ferry home.'

As Jenna watched, Cassie strode up the path toward the houses on the cliff top, her floral skirt billowing around her shapely figure as it caught in the ocean breeze. How did she know these things?

Heath caught up with her, and as he hugged her, Jenna blinked away tears. She barely recognized her ragamuffin brother in this handsome, well-groomed young man. His crushing hug evidence the feeling was mutual.

'Are you okay?'

'Never better. What about you?' He held her away and looked at her with a new maturity.

'Much the same.' Overcome with emotion, she pulled him close, burying her face in his shoulder. When did my baby brother grow so tall?

'You okay, sis?'

She nodded. She missed him and Jace something fierce. For so long there'd only been the three of them against the world.

The others stood back, giving them privacy.

'Jace didn't come?'

'No, Gabe tried to persuade him,' Jenna said as she straightened and brushed tears from her cheeks. 'Jace is adamant he'll never set foot in Katherine Bay again.'

Heath frowned. 'He needs to learn that good or bad, Katherine Bay is woven into his soul.'

'When did you become a philosopher?' The change in Heath obviously went deeper than grooming.

'Living with Kate and Alex has changed everything.' Heath shrugged, clearly uncomfortable. Keeping a grip on her hand, they joined the others. He gave Gabe a cheeky grin. 'You've survived; she hasn't nagged you to death yet?'

'I'm not such a faint heart.'

Heath's playful humour eased her sadness. Her grip on his hand tightened. 'How's school?'

'Great. I'm back on track for a scholarship. Then I'm off to Massey.'

This made her both happy and sad.

Heath was growing up. Soon he'd be making his own way in the world, and even though this was right and proper, she knew she would miss him. Theirs had been a very close relationship.

The decision to leave Heath with Alex had been the right one and knowing this, a heavy weight lifted from her shoulders.

'Living with Alex and Kate is neat, but surf boards don't work in a pool.'

She laughed softly. 'I'll bet.'

'He's worked so well, we've let him bring his surf board with him today,' Alex said, with a dry chuckle. 'It's a fair reward for acing his latest assignments.'

Walking from the cemetery back to Ferry Landing, Kate moved closer to Jenna, leaving the men to their conversation.

'How are you bearing up?'

'I feel sad. As you do for the death of another human being, but it's a difficult situation.'

'Gabe explained. How are you getting on with your house-mate?'

'We have our moments.' Jenna smiled; every time they met, her liking for Alex's wife grew.

'I'll bet.' Kate's chuckle was infectious and Jenna joined in. 'He's a cool customer is our Gabe.'

'Sometimes, but rub him the wrong way and his temper flares.'

Kate halted mid step, staring at her. 'Temper? Gabe? You're kidding me, right?'

'We've had more than a few very fiery arguments.'

And even more passionate interludes.

The sneaky thought made her too aware of Kate's incredulous look.

'Oh, he has this polished veneer, but once you scratch the surface—watch out.'

'You're serious? Gabe's self-control is legendary.' Kate's expression was rife with speculation. 'How very interesting.'

The rush of protectiveness for Gabe caught Jenna by surprise and she steered the conversation away from him. 'How are you coping with Heath?'

'He's a sweetheart. The girls adore him and Sarah has a major crush on him, but he bears up well.'

'He's experienced! Ever since he started college, the girls have chased him, and Heath hated it. The twins have Gabe wrapped around their little fingers.'

'That was to be expected.' Kate softened her voice as they approached the others waiting to board the ferry. 'He adores children. I'm surprised he's never married and had a score of them.'

Jealousy caught at Jenna's throat.

To have children, Gabe needed a wife. And the mere thought of him with another woman coiled her stomach in knots.

After they boarded the ferry Alex sought her out. 'You're looking so much better.'

Jenna nodded, unaccountably nervous. 'Thanks for your influence with Heath. The change is little short of remarkable.'

'He's a good lad. He only needed some male guidance.'

'And with the best will in the world, I couldn't provide that for him, and Jace was in too bad a place to help.' She worried about Jace. Would he ever find his way?

'Marcel and Jace are reaching an understanding. It's been a tough road for your brother.'

'Will he make it?'

Alex chuckled, his eyes twinkling with amusement. 'He has no option. No one I know has ever bested Marcel Devereau.'

'I worry about him.' She chewed on her lip. 'His life here was awful.'

'Don't let loyalty and love for your brother cloud your judgment. Jace has to find his own way; you can't do it for him.'

She nodded, sighing softly. 'Gabe said much the same.'

The way his eyes narrowed made her uneasy. 'You have my self-contained cousin in a tailspin.'

How was she meant to answer that observation? Alex's hand covered hers on the rail, his grip tightening. She eyed him warily. 'What is it?'

'Be careful with Gabe. Don't be fooled by the calm face he shows the world.'

'I'm not, but I don't understand why he considers he's not worthy of being loved?'

The question had been burning at the edge of her mind for days. Even though they were lovers, she'd made little progress in penetrating the barriers Gabe had erected around his emotions.

'Gabe admitted that?'

'Of course he didn't,' she said impatiently. 'But it's as plain as the nose on his face.'

'You have gotten close.'

'No, you can only go so far with Gabe before you hit a wall. For all that it's invisible, it's impenetrable.'

Alex watched her and something in his shrewd gaze made her uneasy. 'Gabe has a lot in common with your brother.'

'Jace?' She stared at him in frowning surprise. 'What makes you say that?'

'It's just an observation.' Alex gave her a shrewd look, 'Why else did he pull out all the stops to get Jace out of police custody and away from here? He had one hell of a fight, the Judge wanted to lock Jace up and throw away the key.'

'Judge Pritchard?'

Alex nodded.

Anger burned Jenna. 'That man may be a judge, but he's also a proper bastard.'

'From what Gabe told me, you'll get no argument from me.' Alex gave her a grim smile. 'Gabe went to the wall for your brother because you asked him to, and—'

Heat and something else soft and tender made her hold her breath. 'And?'

'Because he also recognised a lot of himself in Jace.'

Alex told me to pay it forward.

Comprehension dawned. 'That makes sense. He's told me a little about how you found him in Los Angeles. Do you know why he split on his fiancé?'

His shock was almost comical. 'How—? Only Gabe could have told you that.'

'He did and it makes no sense. It's so not like him. Why would he do such a thing?'

No sooner had Jenna spoken, than she wished the questions unasked. What right had she to pry into Gabe's past when she resented him prying into hers?

He's surely earned your trust ... Cassie's words added to her guilt, but it was Alex's expression that made her wish she'd bitten her tongue.

'That isn't a subject for discussion.'

'Why?'

'Take care you don't hurt Gabe, Jenna, or I'll make you wish you'd never been born.' He delivered the threat so casually.

'Really?'

'You'd better believe it.' He held her hand a little tighter. 'I want Gabe back at his desk, not here playing nursemaid.'

'Interesting.' She looked him directly in the eye. 'And here's me thinking it was you who'd kicked him out of head office.'

His eyes narrowed and she knew she'd struck a nerve.

'Enough, Alex.' Gabe interrupted them. 'Leave Jenna be.'

Alex dropped her hand, and after one studied look, he walked across to join the others.

Jenna glanced at Gabe, worried. How much of their conversation had he overheard? He massaged her maltreated hand. 'Alex has no right to lay into you.'

'He wasn't.' She caught his wrist, and seeing his scepticism added, 'We were only talking. Is staying with me getting you into strife at work?'

'Work is my problem. Let me worry about it.'

'You said you were on holiday.'

'Listen up, you little shrew. It was Alex who insisted that I take indefinite leave of absence. I have you to thank that my job is no longer on the line.'

'Me?' His expression made her melt inside. 'What have I done?'

He shook his head, laughing softly. 'You've made me remember that I'm human, Mama Grizzly. I've been in deep trouble from the moment you caught me in the cross hairs of that old shotgun.'

She flushed at the reminder, and he smoothed his knuckles down one cheek, lifting her face so he could meet her eyes. 'Nothing will induce me to leave you until this situation is resolved.'

Relief made her limp. 'Alex won't sack you?'

He laughed, his eyes dancing with amusement. 'No chance, he depends on me too much.'

She lifted a hand and covered his. 'After recent events I'd be scared silly here alone.'

It was a relief to admit to being afraid. For so long, she'd had to be the strong one, her babies and Heath relied on her, they had no one else.

'Rest assured, Jenna; Alex would never condone me abandoning you, despite his huffing.'

Jenna kept her doubts to herself.

'Are you two going back across the river?'

Heath's question jolted Jenna from her absorption. The ferry had docked and the other passengers were disembarking. As she saw the frank curiosity in their gazes, heat surged through her.

'Don't worry.' Gabe threaded his fingers through hers and they walked down the ferry ramp. 'We're not about to make the return journey.'

'Just checking.' Heath waggled his eyebrows at their linked hands.

Strangely, Jenna didn't care what any of them thought. They were adults, able to choose their own direction. She looked at Heath. 'Are you coming with us?'

'Is that okay?'

'Of course,' Gabe said, frowning at the teen.

'I thought you two lovebirds might be desperate for some privacy,' Heath said, with a suggestive wink.

Was their intimacy so obvious? She gave Heath a playful punch on the arm. 'We can put up with you for that short a time.'

'Stop teasing your sister.'

One quiet word from Gabe and Heath subsided and climbed into the rear seat. As Gabe assisted her into the passenger seat, he touched her shoulder in gentle reassurance. Jenna was amazed all over again at the change in her brother. The surly teenager had morphed into a pleasant young man.

'The service went well.' Jenna was first to break the silence once they were travelling back to the house.

'It was weird,' Heath said quietly. 'I know that Frank was our father and all, but it didn't mean that much. Not like when Mum died.'

Jenna and Gabe exchanged a swift glance.

They had never discussed Frank's admission that he hadn't fathered Heath, but with that one shared look they decided that now wasn't the time to discuss this.

When did we learn to communicate with a look?

'There's no cause to feel guilty. Frank Parrish was never your father in any way that counts,' Gabe said, 'and he was the first to admit it.'

'Nor are you alone.' Jenna sighed. How different it should have been.

'I don't mean that I'm not sorry he died,' Heath said, frowning. 'But don't you reckon it's real odd him turning up after all this time?'

'Frank said he came to see me.'

'Why? What about?'

'I'm not at all sure.'

'He must've wanted something,' Heath muttered with bitter cynicism. 'He always does.'

Jenna winced to hear Heath echo her own thoughts. 'He said he came to warn me.'

'Warn you?' Heath leaned across the seat and gripped her shoulder. 'Why? What the hell has he done he needs to warn you about, sis?'

'He didn't say.' Jenna looked at Gabe and seeing his frown, her uneasiness grew.

'What the heck's he up to?' Heath's question echoed in the oppressive atmosphere.

'Cassie—' Jenna broke off, nibbling her lower lip.

'What did Cassie have to say?' Gabe asked. 'I noticed you two talking.'

Sure, he'd noticed. Gabe missed nothing and it was obvious that he expected her to share.

'She warned us both to be careful. She said that Frank wasn't here alone and all she could see was a group of men sitting around in the firelight as they tried to outdo each other's lies.'

'Lies?' Gabe echoed her bewilderment. After a lengthy pause he said musingly, 'I wonder.'

Jenna and Heath both turned to watch him. She was first to ask the burning question. 'What are you thinking?'

'He visited in the guise of mending fences,' Gabe said slowly. 'He wanted to warn you. I sensed at the time he was in some sort of trouble, and that whatever troubled him, concerned you.'

'What makes you think that?' she asked on a harsh indrawn breath.

'Remember, he asked me to look out for you?'

Jenna had heard Frank's words, but assumed they were a dying man's wish.

'He was worried about you, and guilty,' Gabe said slowly. 'And because he came to see you is most probably the reason he was murdered.'

Gabe's hands tightened on the steering wheel. He saw the exact moment Jenna grasped the implications. Her body tensed and her small, capable hands clenched in her lap, anxiety darkened her eyes.

He held no illusions.

Frank Parrish's murder following so closely on the heels of Liz Reilly's murder changed annoying harassment into very real danger. And although he couldn't see how, Gabe's instincts warned him both murders were linked.

Her friend Cassie sensed danger.

He was no clairvoyant, but so did he. And now her friend was suggesting they were both targets. Or was Jenna the real target? If his suspicions were correct, someone wanted her dead.

Jenna's continued secrecy over the twins' paternity worried him.

This may have no bearing whatsoever on recent events, but the possibility that it could, made him uneasy. Was this man playing an unscripted hand?

The chilling thought made him far too aware that he now regarded Jenna as his, her children a blessing he'd thought he'd never have. Her lover had abandoned her, leaving her without financial or moral help. The bastard didn't deserve a woman so brave and loyal.

And if he's trying to hurt Jenna, he'll have to come through me.

But when she learned the truth about his past, Gabe suspected he would once again be alone with these precious few memories to light his life.

He loved her, but could not act on that love.

Once before, Gabe bared his imperfection to a woman and he'd been spurned. He would protect Jenna and ease her way, but she deserved a whole man.

For now, this had to be enough.

# Chapter Eighteen

'YOU'RE VERY PENSIVE.' Gabe's observation broke the mellow silence. Jenna loved the time when the twins, worn out from a hard morning's play, took an afternoon nap. For so long it had been her only respite, her one chance to relax her vigilance.

She turned from her contemplation of the ocean. Its power and majesty had the ability to render human concerns puny, and she never tired of watching its ever changing face. Heath's comment came to her in a teasing echo... good or bad; Katherine Bay is woven into our souls.

Her young brother had obviously been quoting Alex which to her indicated some serious male guidance and bonding. Alex, like Gabe, was also very astute.

Jenna glanced at Gabe searching his face, unsure what it was she sought.

'Do you think Frank returned to warn me of danger,' she asked the question hovering at the edge of her mind, 'or to trade on our new-found inheritance?'

He crossed to her side, standing with his hands in his pockets. 'I wish I knew the answer.'

Jenna leaned against the windowsill and a brisk, cooling sea breeze lifted strands of hair from her forehead. 'Do you think his visit was about our newly discovered ownership of land?'

'That would be a fairly safe assumption.' He frowned and his dark brows almost met above his piercing grey eyes, his brooding expression more than a little disquieting. 'You're pressured to sign a land transfer one month. Frank returns the next. Give me a break!'

Jenna sighed. No matter how she tried to make sense of recent events, she couldn't. 'I can't see any connection.'

'Neither can I,' Gabe said, his frustration obvious.

'Now that the provisions of Grandpa's will have been clarified, I can't see how Frank thought he could benefit from our changed status.'

'There's nothing obvious, but I've discovered Parrish was on the ropes financially. He may have thought he could move in and live off you.'

Jenna stared at Gabe and swallowed hard. 'And when I made it plain that was never going to happen...'

He turned to her and laid a hand on her cheek. 'You never sent him to his death, Jenna, so get that idea right out of your mind.'

She leaned into his touch, grateful for his reassurance, but that worry niggled just the same.

'I think I need to pay Rory Wallace a visit.'

'Didn't Cameron warn both of us not to approach him?' Jenna curled a hand into a fist and guilt tightened the knot in her belly. Surreptitiously, she wiped a damp palm on her jeans.

I must've had maggots in my brain to think Blair was different.

'He did, but I hate this inactivity, this waiting to see what happens next.'

'And you think I don't?' She watched him through the veil of her lashes. 'Do you think he's involved?'

'He's in it up to his neck. Why else are you so afraid of him?'

She swallowed hard. 'He hates me, and has done so ever since I was a child.'

Gabe leaned back against the window sill. 'Doesn't that strike you as strange?'

Jenna shrugged. 'Grandpa in a rare, benign moment warned me to keep clear of Wallace.'

'And your grandfather left him as his trustee?'

'I know,' she said on a heavy sigh, 'and that adds one more layer to this tangled mess.'

'You can say that again.'

She grinned, shaking her head. 'Didn't you tell me not to speculate, to leave the investigation to the police.'

Gabe gave a rueful laugh. 'There's no need for you to rub it in, and there's no point brooding either. Do you still want to visit the site?'

Jenna eased out a relieved breath. She needed to talk to Gabe soon, but was quite happy to leave that fraught discussion for another day.

'Have you secured the title yet?'

'No, but it should come through any day. We have to submit proposals for Resource Consent. Alex has asked me to oversee the preliminary surveys.'

His quizzical look made her pulse rate pick up. 'He wants to wean you away from my problems.'

'For sure.' Gabe chuckled, his grey eyes sparkling with pure devilment.

'And you find that amusing?'

'No, but I'll bet you'll find Alex's reaction to my solution amusing because I know I will.'

She watched him, her head on one side. 'Are you going to share the joke?'

'You wanted input into the project from its inception.'

'That was a pipe dream.' Jenna's amusement faded, was he making fun of her dreams?

He touched her shoulder, making her start. 'I thought when you asked that you were serious.'

'You thought it was a joke.'

'At first I did, but since then the situation had changed and the police are taking seriously the threat wrapped around that stone that was thrown through our window.'

Jenna froze as she searched his face. 'That was a threat?'

'It was.' He smoothed warm thumbs over her chilled cheeks. 'At the time we considered it was just a prank.'

'What did it say?' Somehow she managed to get the words out past the constriction in her throat.

His hand went around the back of her neck in a warm secure grip, 'It was a threat against your life.'

'Some-one wants me dead?' The words scraped past her frozen voice box. She pulled away and wrapped her arms tightly around her midriff as fear slithered through her in chilling increments. 'You should have told me.'

Gabe pulled her into a tight hug. 'We did consider telling you, then decided if it was just a sick prank, there was no need to worry you.'

'Who could want me dead?'

'No one, not even Wallace,' he muttered darkly, smoothing a hand up and down her spine. 'I have no doubt that he knows a damn sight more than he's letting on, but he's also arse deep in trouble over Adam Mullein's Estate. Cameron now suspects we're dealing with a crank.'

Gabe's calm rational words eased her fear. 'And cranks are unpredictable.'

'They are, and hence my solution.'

His cheerfulness grated on her sensitivities. There was nothing about a death threat that was amusing? 'What are you suggesting?'

Gabe frowned. 'I promised to protect you and the twins, a commitment I take seriously.'

Do you?' she asked, suddenly defensive and challenging.

Gabe took a step back, his face blank and his eyes cold. 'Do you want to hear my proposal?'

'Yes,' she muttered, refusing to meet his eyes knowing he could too easily pick up on her doubts.

'A team is arriving tomorrow to begin preliminary work on drawing up plans for the project.'

The prospect of being granted an inside glimpse of such a huge project excited her, even as it stirred up all the old yearnings. Once she'd dreamed of being involved in projects like this one, but those days were gone.

She eased out a sigh. 'How many people are coming?'

'There will be three at first, engineers and geologists, and then more as and when they are needed.' He paused, and his smile set her heart racing. 'And that doesn't include you; Ms. Jenna Mullein is now on the payroll of Kreagan Enterprises.'

She stared at him, shaking her head in disbelief. 'Doing what?'

'You're now my PA and Kreagans' local area consultant.'

For once, she was rendered speechless. 'Y-you're s-serious?'

'I am.' He smiled.

'And what does Alex think about this?'

'What can he say?' Gabe's smile dimmed. 'He's handed the project over to me, and as I no longer have a PA, I need to hire one.'

'What happened to your PA?' she asked, curious. 'Did she resign?'

'Hardly!' Gabe snorted. 'She threatened to, but instead of leaving, Alex promoted her and she now occupies the position I held at head office.'

'Wow!' Jenna stared at him. 'That had to be one huge slap in the face! I'll bet that stung!'

Gabe's bark of laughter caught her by surprise. 'Put it this way. I wasn't thrilled.'

'Why would your cousin do something like that?'

'Family and sentiment have no place in business.'

'That's pretty harsh.' A shiver rippled across her skin.

'When my PA threatened to resign, Alex was furious and gave me an ultimatum, either take indefinite leave and have an attitude adjustment, or don't return.'

'He threatened to sack you? Could he do that?'

He shrugged, looked at his hands, then at her. 'Alex is the Principal. His is the ultimate power.'

'Was his ultimatum unreasonable?'

Again, Gabe hesitated. 'In retrospect, perhaps not.'

'Why were you so difficult to work with?'

'According to Alex, I wasn't a robot and nor were the staff at Kreagans. So take that how you will.' Gabe smiled and his expression softened. 'Your influence has made me positively mellow.'

'Yeah, right!'

'You wound me.' He laid a hand over his heart. 'Besides, working on this project will be a real change, and different from being cloistered in head office.'

Jenna was surprised by Gabe's openness. It was a far cry from his usual taciturn manner, and afforded her a glimpse of the man and world he worked in. 'Who'd usually handle a project like this?'

'One of our consultant engineers.'

'And they'd never give me the time of day.'

'Does that surprise you?'

'No,' she admitted with painful honesty. 'I had dreams of being an architect once.'

He caught her hand in his, rubbing his thumb over the back of it. 'You still can, Jenna. It's never too late to realise dreams'

She shook her head, she'd faced this reality when she'd become pregnant. 'With two small children?'

'That does present problems,' he conceded. 'Anything's possible if you want it badly enough. Do you?'

'Once I did. Now my dreams are tempered by practicality.'

'It's death to the soul to relinquish dreams, especially at your age.'

Impatient with the subject, she cut him off. 'At the moment my children's needs have to be my first priority. Why do you want me to act as your PA?'

For a moment she thought he was going to protest, then he let it go. 'There's safety in numbers. As my PA, you would be with me all the time.'

'What about the twins?' Jenna found it difficult to remain pragmatic when faced with the prospect of being involved in what to her was a dream come true. It took all her self-control not to do a little jitter-bug of excitement.

'Mrs. Fliss is arriving tomorrow, along with the rest of the team. Originally we were going to house everyone in Katherine Bay. Now, this house will become the temporary headquarters during the initial planning stages. Once work starts, everything will be relocated out to the site.'

Jenna was intrigued to see a very different side to Gabe's personality, his focus and professionalism as he outlined the practicalities involved in such a huge project. 'Where will these people sleep?'

'Mrs. Fliss will live in with us. The others will be housed in the mobile homes. A fleet of mobile homes is due to arrive later this afternoon and along with them, a contingent of security personnel. Kreagans will maintain a twenty-four-seven security detail both here and on site. These teams will be stationed in Katherine Bay.'

'Where will you put so many mobile homes?' she asked, trying to come to grips with the logistics involved. 'Do you think the project could be threatened?'

'We have no way of knowing, but understand this, Jenna; Kreagan Enterprises takes staff safety seriously. There's something afoot here in Katherine Bay and until we have a handle on exactly who, or what, is under threat, we will take all the precautions necessary to keep everyone safe.'

Tears stung her eyes. How like Gabe to wrap her and the twins within a mantle of security and call it staff protection. What had she ever done to deserve such consideration? And would Gabe still care if he knew the secrets she held close to her chest? She pushed aside the niggling guilt.

'Alex approves?'

'He's left security and staff deployment to my discretion,' he assured her. 'Can you offer a better solution to ensure you and your children's stay safe?'

'No.' She laid a hand on his arm. 'Thank you.'

'The mobile homes will be set up in the outer paddock and Mrs. Fliss will care for the twins during the day and serve the evening meal in the house.' Gabe continued to outline the practical details. 'Everyone is responsible for their own breakfast. Kreagans have contracted a catering firm from Katherine Bay to provide all on-site meals, also kitchen help for Mrs. Fliss.'

Jenna chewed this over. Just the servicing of the initial planning stages of Kreagans' resort would inject millions into the local economy. She imagined that the local community would be only too eager to embrace the proposed development. Such a financial boost to the town and the region rendered her initial concerns petty and parochial.

'What about showering and laundry?' Jenna had an innate dislike of sharing her bathroom with strangers.

'The mobile homes are self-contained and there'll be extra port-a-loos here and on site. As for laundry, three washers and driers will be installed in a prefabricated outbuilding to be brought on site with the caravans.'

She pondered his plans, watching him frowning in concentration. 'What about office space?'

'We'll need your help there. A third extra unit will be transported on site for a communal office. When we need a bigger area to have group meetings, would you object to using the lounge here in the house?'

'How can I object?' She gave a noncommittal shrug.

Gabe caught her shoulders and dragged her so close their faces almost touched. She was close enough to see dangerous sparks leaping in his grey eyes.

Fingers of excitement zinged through her.

His touch was electrifying. Meeting his intense gaze, her breath hitched in her throat. Her gaze dropped to his parted lips and longing tore through her. Would he kiss her?

'While you need it, this house is your home,' his soft whisper made her shiver. 'It's your right to object. Do you?'

'No.' The pressure on her shoulders eased and she took a choppy breath, wondering what had ignited his volatile temper. 'Does the landlord approve?'

Gabe gave a sharp bark of laughter. 'Of course.'

He turned away, but not before she caught his guilty expression. A nagging suspicion crystallized into certainty. She caught his arm. 'You own this house and land?'

For a moment she thought he wasn't going to answer. When he shrugged and nodded, suddenly so many things made sense. Why hadn't she guessed this at the outset?

'How long have you owned it?'

He hesitated, frowning. 'Does it matter?'

Tense and uneasy, she touched her tongue to dry lips. 'Yes, it matters.'

He gave another of those expressive shrugs. 'I bought it five years ago.'

'You've owned this house for five years?' Jenna didn't know what surprised her more, that he owned this, or the length of time involved.

He shrugged off her obvious curiosity, his smile wry. 'It looked even worse than your place at Rata Ridge when I bought it. I intended it to be a holiday home, but it's mostly sat empty so it seemed sensible for you to live here.'

Maybe from his perspective it did seem sensible, but Jenna wasn't so sure that being so reliant on him was a good thing. 'So why buy a house and refurbish it if you never intended to use it?'

He hesitated, and a strange expression flickered across his face. 'Nostalgia.'

She gaped at him, shocked. If asked, she would emphatically state that she was certain Gabriel Callahan didn't know the meaning of that word.

'Nostalgia,' she echoed, 'that's non—'

'Nonsense?' he quipped with wry, self-directed mockery. 'I know, but Katherine Bay reminds me so much of my home.' He looked up and caught her disbelieving expression. 'The whole of the Coromandel reminds me of Morley Island, and I can never go back.'

And this, she was certain, grieved him. 'Are you telling me that you bought this house because you were homesick?'

'So?' he challenged. 'Sue me.'

Disbelief vied with sympathy and compassion. To hear Gabe admitting to such human emotions made him vulnerable. She laid a hand on his arm and felt the tense muscles beneath her fingertips, and knew he was hurting.

'If you miss your home that much, why don't you go back and visit?'

'That's not possible.' Gabe covered her hand with his. 'You'd need to know my father to understand why.'

'But surely he can't prevent you visiting?'

He was silent so long she thought he wasn't going to answer. 'His reach is a long one, and very powerful.'

'What about your mother? Your sister? Surely they must hate being estranged?'

He shook his head. 'I can't do that to my mother.'

She stared at him, taken aback. 'Why not?'

He sighed softly. 'I can't ask her to take my side against my father.'

'Why ever not?' she asked, scandalized. 'She's your mother.'

'She's my father's wife,' he said grimly. 'And she would never go against her husband's wishes.'

Jenna shook her head and with one hand, waggled her earlobe. 'Pardon?'

'You heard.'

'It's no wonder you're an autocrat,' she muttered under her breath. 'If you espouse those views, you'd best not plan on marrying a New Zealand woman.'

He gave a crack of laughter and she turned on him. 'There isn't a man alive who would make me turn my back on one of my children—no matter what they did.'

The vehement words sat between them.

He looked at her, shaking his head. 'Those little rug rats don't know how lucky they are to have you. Every child deserves a Mama Grizzly in their corner. '

Looking up at him, the pressure of his hands warm on hers, she stared into the depths of his eyes. The memory of past hurts and shattered dreams, injustices and prejudices, swarmed as fierce as hungry locusts.

'Maybe I am over protective, but my children will never suffer for my mistakes,' she retorted, watching him through narrowed eyes. 'I find your father's attitude incomprehensible, but you, Gabe, are just as much at fault.'

'Oh?' There was no mistaking the dangerous edge to that question.

'How long is it since you left?'

'More than fourteen years? Why?'

'How could you allow this situation to go on so long? Why haven't you tried to heal the breach with your family? Don't you care about your mother and sister?'

He stiffened and his eyes glittered with anger. 'Did Alex put you up to this?'

'Alex?' She stared at him, flabbergasted. 'Why would you think that? Has he been on your case too?'

As colour flared under his tan, she knew she was right.

'You know, Gabe, you're a hypocrite,' she said fiercely. 'And I never imagined that you could act like a cowardly wimp.'

He stiffened, grey eyes narrowing as tension arced between them.

'I would give anything to see my mother walk through that door,' she said without giving him time to answer. 'And to think it was you who insisted I go visit Frank. Your family is still alive and you have the luxury of time to heal this rift. So why don't you? Cassie was spot on when she said you had too much pride. You've let pride stand between you and your family.'

His lips compressed so tightly, a white ring surrounded his mouth. 'There's more involved than you know.'

'What? Money and status?'

'Among others.'

'No amount of money or status can compensate for the severing of family ties. Blood is thicker than water and that may be clichéd, but deny it if you can.'

'That's so easy for you to say.'

'Easy! Easy!' Fury fizzed through her like an out of control firecracker. 'It's you who's taken the easy way out. It's far easier to remain an emotional coward for the rest of your life than to face the people you've hurt and make amends.'

Jenna spun on her heel and stalked off.

Shock ripped through Gabe and for stunned moments, anger hazed his vision. How dare she accuse him of being a coward?

But she's right, isn't she?

The insidious whisper ghosted through his mind. Since Katya, who had breached his defences? He scowled and walked to the window, staring out with unseeing eyes.

Jenna's accusations stung.

Katya had decimated his pride and his self-esteem. Since then, he'd allowed no one close. He'd never tried to heal the breach with his family because he knew only the truth would satisfy his father.

And the truth was impossible to share.

Now, reserve was as ingrained in him as breathing.

Jenna had pegged him right. It was easier to be estranged than to swallow his pride and tell his family he truth. How did she know where to aim that deadly arrow? Dig where others never dared probe? She challenged him at every turn.

Gabe, who'd never cried since boyhood, felt the hot sting of tears behind his eyes.

Jenna challenged him because she cared. But did she care enough to accept him, flaws and all?

That was something he was afraid to put to the test.

# Chapter Nineteen

JENNA LIFTED ZACH from his bed before he wakened Zoë. One thing she'd learned about Gabe was how much he valued family, values that were as intrinsic to him as breathing. Values he must have learned from his parents. His mother—and his father for that matter—must have endured years of torment.

Who, or what, had hurt Gabe so badly, that he'd not only fled from his home, but has sunk so incredibly low? And caused him to remain estranged from his family for more than fourteen years?

Even as the question formed, Jenna knew.

Only a woman had the power to inflict such devastating hurt on a man. His fiancée? The woman he claimed he'd jilted.

'What do you think, baby boy?' Jenna blew a noisy raspberry on Zach's bare tummy.

He wriggled and squealed. ''abe?'

She grinned at his attempt to say Gabe's name.

'Yes, Gabe,' she said enunciating his name clearly. 'How do you suppose that witch made him call off their wedding?'

Without one single shred of evidence, Jenna knew that it was his fiancée who had made Gabe call of that wedding. Why she didn't know, but she was determined to find out. She would like a few minutes alone with the scheming witch.

Zach tried to wriggle away from her.

She caught him and hauled him back as she struggled to do up the snaps on his pants. 'Dressing you is like trying to dress an eel.'

''abe, 'abe.' He was hell bent on escaping.

'For Pete's sake, Zach, stay still,' she said as she struggled to snap up the last stud, and when she'd managed it, she put him down. 'Now you can go find Gabe.'

And see if you can coax him to smile again.

He was out the door like a shot.

Jenna was about to follow when she heard Zoë stir. She lifted the little girl out of her bed. Zoë burrowed a sleepy face into her neck in a gesture of implicit trust. And in that moment Jenna knew she would do anything to protect her babies. Anything!

Zach and Zoë were woven into the very fibre of her heart.

It wouldn't matter if they were four, or forty, she would do whatever it took to help them. It was such a natural parental instinct. How could Gabe not know his parents would feel the same?

'Have you got everything?' Gabe asked, his voice cool and distant

Jenna looked up. Ever since that fierce argument yesterday, he'd been like this. She hadn't cherished the rapport they'd established until she was confronted by this icy stranger.

'Yes.' The monosyllable was as cold and clipped as his.

The tension escalated as they settled the babies in their car seats in the back of the Volvo. Jenna checked Zach's harness then Zoë's, before sitting in the passenger seat. She wracked her brain for a neutral subject. 'How long do we have? What time do you expect Mrs. Fliss, and the others?'

Gabe's glance set her pulse racing. 'Sometime between five and six.' He glanced at his watch. 'We have plenty of time. Why?'

'I'd like to do a couple of sketches before the site is disturbed.' She indicated the folio on her knee as she watched him, still wary of his mood.

'Take as much time as you want.'

'That could be a dangerous statement,' she said with a rueful chuckle. 'I often forget the world exists when I have a pencil in my hand.'

'You like drawing?'

'Oh yes.' She patted the folio on her knee pleased to see his tension visibly ease. 'It's my only real vice.'

'Vice? I wouldn't call drawing a vice.'

'You never met my grandfather,' she muttered, turning her head to look out the window.

'Your grandfather was a bigoted fool.' Gabe put a warm hand on her knee. 'The world would be so much poorer without art and artists.'

'He could never see that.'

'That's his loss. If drawing satisfies you, ignore the nay-sayers.'

Jenna couldn't help wondering what all their lives would be like if Grandpa Mullein had been as tolerant as Gabe. And thinking like this is an exercise in futility. Life is what it is, and neither regrets nor wishful thinking could change the past.

Gabe indicated and turned into Fisher Road, and the scenery changed as they left the road skirting the edge of the bay and followed the narrow, dusty lane.

'This is the boundary of the lot we've acquired,' he said, glancing at her, and the momentary distraction caused the car to lurch as it hit a pot hole the size of a crater. 'And this road will be one of the first things that need to be upgraded.'

She rubbed at her head where the jolt caused it to hit the car roof. 'The roads around here are very poorly maintained.'

'And that sums up the entire district.'

Jenna looked at the stand of native bush that shadowed the road. Rimu and young kauri, tawa, puriri and nikau palms towered overhead, forming a living canopy. All over the Peninsula, kauris were making a comeback. Over a century earlier, bush-men had felled almost every mature kauri tree on the Coromandel for its valuable timber.

Only the dedicated work by conservationists had seen the trees return and the native birds return in numbers. In a flash of iridescent greeny-blue-black and white, a tui swooped across in front of the car. The iconic songbird had come back from the brink of extinction and was regarded as a toanga, a national treasure.

Would this remnant of the once vast podocarp forests survive the road widening and Kreagan's proposed development?

'What are your plans for this remnant of native bush?'

'Every tree is marked for—'

'You're going to fell it?' she asked aghast. Surely they couldn't commit such vandalism.

'Don't you ever wait for a person to finish speaking? What I was about to say was, that every tree will be preserved wherever practicable and only those absolutely necessary will be felled or disturbed in any way.'

'And you're prepared to guarantee that?'

'We're not vandals, Jenna. Kreagan Enterprises has won International awards for environmental sensitivity. We regard this stand of native bush as a treasure.'

'A toanga,' she murmured. 'I don't know that, and I'll wager anything you like, Katherine Bay residents don't either.'

The angry accusation sat between them.

'We're well aware of the need for public consultation as any successful venture relies heavily on local involvement.'

Mungo whined and Jenna fondled the head lying in her lap. The contact soothed her ragged nerves. The dog turned its head and licked her hand, he was now her faithful companion, one step behind her, wherever she went. It was as if he sensed that she'd saved his life and in doing so, he owed her his devotion and allegiance.

As they drove through the bush, she gasped softly as Katherine Bay stretched out ahead.

'Magnificent, isn't it?'

'Stunning. I'd almost forgotten how beautiful it is from here.' She took a shaky breath. 'It seems a shame to change it in any way.'

Gabe pulled over and parked and opened his door as he said abruptly, 'Get out of the car.'

She obeyed the curt command and Mungo joined her.

She stretched her arms above her head, taking a deep breath of warm, salt-scented air as Gabe walked up beside her, binoculars in hand.

'I want you to have a good look.' He gave her the field-glasses. 'Have a good, hard, close-up look from here to the water. Scrub, gorse, rush and blackberry are creeping over what was once good pasture land.'

Looking through the field glasses, Jenna was shocked to see the obvious signs of neglect. Fences were down, gates were broken and stock wandered freely from paddock to paddock.

'This farm, like so many others in this district, is dying,' Gabe said, his voice harsh.

'Why?' she asked as she handed him back the glasses.

'The area can no longer remain viable on farming alone. There's a desperate need for development, diversification and a fresh injection of capital and a new focus.'

'And a resort is this new focus?'

'Tourism is the way of the future.'

There was no way Jenna could refute this. Tourism had long been promoted as the remedy for local ills.

'And the tourists who spend money need up-market accommodation,' Gabe said.

'And hence the resort?'

'Exactly. It will inject new life and vitality into Katherine Bay.' Gabe looked directly at her as he counted the plus points on his fingers. 'During the development phase, the project will employ local labour and contractors. Then once it's operating, the resort will need employees, and a lot of the young people will no longer have to move away to find work. Visitor spending will revitalise the local businesses, and this will, in turn, attract more businesses to the area, and they in turn will need to employ more people.'

'I thought my role was to guard against the negatives.' She scuffed the toe of her sneaker in the gravel on the road.

'In a way, I guess it is,' he conceded with gruff patience. 'But wait until you have an objective overview, and look for the positives and not the negatives.'

As they got back in the car, Jenna looked out over the wide expansive view; she knew it would be only too easy to nit-pick every little detail. 'That seems reasonable. You mentioned a golf course, marina and waterways.'

Gabe glanced at her and then concentrated on negotiating the narrow, rutted road. 'That could change. They are only ideas. Until the engineers and planners have done their work, nothing is set in stone.'

'Fair enough.'

Gabe pulled in and parked in a grassy picnic area near the beach and glanced at the restless toddlers in the back seat. 'Zach and Zoë want to get out.'

'It's been years since I visited here. I'd forgotten how beautiful this beach is.' She turned to him, excited, her fingers itching to draw. 'Where do you plan to build?'

From the car, she admired the breath-taking seascape.

White sand edged the crystal blue waters in a curving arc that ended in a rocky promontory separating this bay from the next. Huge breakers rolled ashore, crashing over the rocks in a cascading spray of white spume.

'Let's get the twins out and I'll show you.' He alighted, opened the rear door, reached into the back seat and unbuckled Zach and hoisted the little boy onto one hip.

Jenna alighted and Mungo bounded out and raced off to investigate the rocks, yipping joyfully.

She reached into the car and released Zoë from her restraint. 'Let's get you out of here. Gabe is going to show us where he plans to build his new toy.'

As she put Zoë on the grass, Jenna snapped her fingers and Mungo bounded back, pink tongue lolling.

''abe... 'abe.' Zoë yelled running after him.

Gabe stopped, a smile softening his stern features. 'Do you want a ride, Zoë? Come on, Little Miss.'

Once he hiked her onto his other hip, Zoë jabbered happily. Zach babbled in his other ear.

'You make me redundant.' Jenna quickened her steps to keep pace with Gabe's long strides as he led the way up the grassy slope, strewn here and there with lichen covered rocks.

'Never,' he said levelling her with such an intense expression the breath caught in her throat. 'Mothers always have a very special place in their children's hearts.'

'I guess so.' She watched him warily. 'Do you miss your mother?'

'Sure I miss her.' He glanced at the twins. 'So much so, that at times I ache.'

'What happened, Gabe? Why did you leave?' she asked, when they reached the picnic area.

As he put the twins down on a sheltered, grassy plateau bounded by huge boulders, then sat on a lichen-covered rock, she wondered if he would ever open up and step outside the shadows.

'It's a long story.' He picked up a small twig and ran it through his fingers.

Jenna sat on another boulder, her sketch folio on the grass at her feet, stifling the curious questions in case he clammed up.

'When I walked out on Katya Morgan, to say my parents weren't pleased was like saying the Sahara Desert is a little patch of sand.'

The twig snapped, the sound over-loud. Gabe tossed it aside and picked up another one.

'Katya's parents were even less enchanted.' The smiled that curved his lips was both reminiscent and rueful. 'You see, we grew up knowing our marriage was necessary to tie both families and two long-standing businesses together, shipping and hotels. It was predestined.'

'That's archaic.' She stared at him. 'Did you love this Katya?'

The name tasted bitter on Jenna's tongue. The woman who'd wounded Gabe now had a name.

His sullen smile held little humour. Zach brought him a small stone and Gabe bent his head, giving the child his total attention.

Jenna waited him out, instinctively knowing that Gabe needed to talk about this.

When Zach returned to play with Zoë, Gabe finally answered. 'Sure I loved her. She was a beautiful, vivacious innocent. Everyone loved Katya. She was the life and soul of any gathering.'

Jenna digested this revelation, prey to conflicting emotions, jealousy, envy and curiosity. Did he still love this Katya? What sort of woman was she?

'So why—?' She couldn't finish the question.

'Why?' Gabe gave a bitter little laugh. 'A medical condition I felt honour-bound to discuss with my future wife.'

Jenna frowned, trying to understand what it was he wasn't saying. 'What sort of medical problem?'

Gabe turned to her and the anguish in his expression had her biting down on her lower lip. She laid a comforting hand on his and he turned his hand over and gripped hers, hard.

'In my late teens, I had a severe bout of mumps.' His expression was as bleak as a winter storm. 'Our families were close so Katya knew about it and insisted that I had a full medical.'

As she listened to his halting words, Jenna finally understood.

It didn't take a genius to fill in the blanks. Infertility was a rare complication of mumps. Sympathy and compassion vied with outrage. She'd known his actions didn't make a lick of sense, and as for his ex-fiancée—Jenna shook her head.

The little witch had used this information to crucify Gabe. Jenna seethed with anger. Without ever meeting the woman, Jenna despised her. 'She made you leave. And let you carry the can for the wedding being called off.'

The pressure on her hand eased. 'Do you always jump to conclusions?'

'Then tell me I'm wrong.'

'No, you're not wrong.' He sighed heavily. 'My leaving was the price of her silence.'

'Of course it was,' she said with scathing contempt. 'You never challenged her?'

He shuddered. 'What do you think?'

'That she was one selfish witch,' Jenna fumed, unable to stay silent. 'Did you ever get a second opinion?'

'And expose myself to that humiliation twice?' The twig he was playing with snapped with a sharp crack.

'Or not,' Jenna said evenly. 'Have you ever explained the situation to your parents and tried to heal the breach?'

His ex-fiancée had first emasculated and then exiled this man, while she escaped the aftermath unscathed. This explained so much about him that had baffled her.

His heavy sigh was eloquent. 'It's too late.'

'It's never too late. Your parents are still alive.' She gripped his hand. 'That's what you said to me when Frank lay dying.'

Zoë walked over and leaned against Gabe's leg, smiling up at him.

As Jenna watched him smooth a hand over the little girl's hair, the tender gesture made her heart ache. How would she cope if she knew she could never know the joy of having a child? Procreation was such a primal human drive. Of one thing she was certain; Gabe was still devastated.

He looked at her, his grey gaze laser sharp, expression grim. 'So you needn't have worried that day.'

Jenna stared at him, nonplussed. 'Pardon?'

He stood up and walked across the grassy clearing before glancing back at her over his shoulder. 'You were in no danger of being left alone and pregnant. I only shoot blanks.'

Stunned, Jenna watched him climb over the rock barrier and disappear out of sight. It took more than a few minutes for her to be able to think coherently. The damn man had known her deepest fear.

Zoë's cry jerked her attention back to the children.

Zach was climbing the rocks after Gabe and Zoë frustrated, yelled loudly. The little monkey was more than halfway up by the time she reached him and hauled him down. Not until she'd settled the twins back to their play did it dawn on her that Gabe's pithy parting shot was a great diversionary tactic.

A smile tugged at her lips. Sometimes, Gabe, you're as transparent as glass.

Fierce male pride had seen Gabe erect impenetrable emotional barriers.

Somehow, she'd breached these barriers and she had no intention of allowing him time to regroup or escape back into the shadows. Jenna held no illusions; one glimpse into his past would never surmount the reserve he'd built over so many years.

When he returned carrying the chilly-bin and picnic basket, the twins raced over to investigate. Zach pushed Zoë, sending her sprawling.

'Zach, don't push your sister,' Gabe said sharply as he picked up Zoë.

The little boy plopped down, his bottom lip trembling. Gabe ignored him as he wiped Zoë's tears and rummaged in the basket for the container of apple slices and gave her one.

Zach scrambled up, pushing in front of his sister and reaching for an apple slice, but Gabe held the container away from him. 'Tell Zoë you're sorry. You don't push your sister over.'

Zach's lip jutted stubbornly. He glared at Gabe and then at the container. 'Me want.'

'Tell Zoë you're sorry.'

Watching the interaction, Jenna smothered a grin. Who would win? Zach plopped down on his bottom, his lower lip trembling, his big brown eyes filling with tears.

Every protective instinct surfaced and Jenna made a movement to go to her son, but Gabe stopped her with a look.

'Tell Zoë you're sorry, Zach.'

Silence. The little boy looked from Gabe to the container. 'So-wee.'

'Thank you. Would you like a piece of apple?'

When Zach was happily munching on apple, the fracas settled, Gabe met her gaze steadily. 'It's not too early to teach Zach not to shove his sister around.'

Jenna frowned.

'How dare I?' Gabe looked at her, his eyebrows raised. 'You can't see it, but you're too soft. Zach is pushier because you don't stop him.'

'He's only a baby.'

'He's two, Jenna. And it's more than time he learned not to push Zoë around.'

'Probably,' she admitted, knowing Gabe had a point.

Zach was pushy and always wanted to be first, but surely that was just natural sibling rivalry... a twin thing. All through lunch that scene bothered Jenna, but she couldn't pin-point why.

Then it hit her.

Gabe had corrected Zach as if he had the parental right to do so, something she found more than a little presumptuous.

She gave him a narrow-eyed look, every protective antenna on high alert. She knew Gabe had been attracted to her children from that very first day. Now, with his revelation about his infertility ringing in her ears, so many telling incidences jelled into an uneasy certainty.

Does Gabe want me, or the family he can create with my babies? Or am I being fanciful?

Once the thought settled, she couldn't shake the ugly suspicion.

After she'd finished eating and she'd helped Gabe pack away the picnic lunch, she picked up her folio. 'Do you mind if I sketch?'

She needed to put some distance between herself and the man who occupied far too many of her thoughts, and not all those thoughts were good.

'Not at all, I'll watch the rug rats,' he said smoothly.

Something in his expression made her suspect he was aware of her reservations. As she took her sketch pad out of her art folio, Jenna was unable to dismiss that scene, or her unsettling observations.

Am I imagining things, or are my children the reason that Gabe has insinuated himself so thoroughly into my life.

His emotion charged confidences kept replaying through her mind.

Does Gabe want me, or the family he thinks he can create with my children?

Thoroughly unsettled, Jenna tried to capture the beauty around her, but to her chagrin it refused to come together. Frustrated by the unanswerable questions, she deliberately channelled her thoughts in a different direction.

What kind of resort would Kreagan Enterprises build on this rugged, beautiful piece of land?

Eyes narrowed, she studied the land, noting the natural features. If I had a free hand in developing this land, how would I merge a resort into this landscape?

She flipped over a new page and her pencil flew across the paper as she tried to give substance to the vision that coalesced with such vivid clarity in her mind.

Low stone buildings and huge expanses of glass terraced the gentle incline and created a barely discernible difference to the skyline. With deft strokes she created recreational grounds and gardens that merged with the backdrop of native bush.

A few more pencil strokes and a marina and wharf emerged from the water of the bay, along with a cruise ship, yachts and pleasure craft. The beautiful white sandy beach was peopled with sun-worshipers and shady umbrellas. Surfers and wind surfers dotted the ocean.

The flat farmland to the east was transformed into a golf course.

An airfield?

No, she decided Kreagans would prefer to help upgrade the existing airfield on the other side of Katherine Bay rather than have aircraft noise intrude here near the resort. Engrossed in translating the tantalizing vision onto paper, she was only peripherally aware of Gabe playing with the twins.

She looked again at the scene and then at her sketch, chewing on the end of her pencil.

I do miss this.

The admission came from a deep well of frustrated desire that, once stirred, refused to be subordinated.

'Would you like a cold drink?'

She gave a start when Gabe spoke at her elbow. She glanced up from her sketch and nodded.

'Can I see that?' he asked, as he handed her a glass of chilled orange juice.

'Sure.' Jenna handed the pad across to him and watched, heart thrumming wildly, as he stared at the sketch.

What would he make of it?

He sat on the rock beside her, head bent as he studied the drawing intently. She could discern nothing from his expression. He pointed to an area behind the main hotel complex. 'What's this?'

'A multiple recreation area with tennis, squash, croquet courts, petanque and miniature golf.' She pointed to another area. 'This is a swimming pool complex. Not everyone enjoys the sea.' She stabbed a finger at another area. 'Here, walking trails lead into the bush land board-walks.'

'Why board-walks?'

'Our native bush struggles with the impact of lots of people tramping through it. The compaction does irreparable damage to tree roots. Board walks are now the norm in forested areas where there will be heavy foot traffic. They're above ground level, safe and user friendly for both forest and pedestrians.'

'That makes sense.'

'It's only an idea.' Nervous, she nibbled on a fingernail as she awaited his reaction. 'And it's probably not what you had in mind at all.'

'Well, it is certainly different,' he said as he studied the drawing. 'Feasibility depends on what the engineers find when they do the exploratory core drilling of the entire site.' He gave her a searching look. 'May I keep this sketch?'

'Sure.' Jenna shrugged. 'But remember it's very amateur.'

He tapped the book against one lean hand, frowning at her. 'Why put yourself down? There may be some flaws in structurally creating this exact design but the overall concept is brilliant. The building looks like it's grown naturally out of the slope.'

Encouraged by his comments, she ventured further. 'Is this where you're planning to build?'

'Here and higher,' Gabe pointed toward the incline higher up. 'What do you think?'

Jenna looked at the hillside and could almost see what she'd visualized fitting right in with his ideas. 'What features did you plan to include?'

'An international standard golf course on the flat pastureland to the east, a marina with a jetty for cruise and charter boats, tennis and squash courts, graduated fresh water swimming pools and hot mineral pools, as well as a large park with walking tracks back into the bush. You're right on target with your concept.'

'Can you get hot water here? I know there are natural thermal springs on the sand at Hot Water Beach but I've not heard of hot springs near here.'

Intrigued, she studied the sketch again. And could see the additional features he outlined. Katherine Bay could make huge capital out of charter boats both for fishing trips and tours of Mercury Bay's natural beauty spots. Such a complex would be a huge undertaking for this district.

Deep excitement stirred. She'd never expected Gabe to display such genuine interest in her amateurish rendition.

'Drill deep enough anywhere on the Coromandel Peninsula and you'll find hot water.' He tapped the sketch with a long forefinger. 'A thermal spa would be a great inclusion.'

Mungo's sharp bark had Jenna turning in time to see Zach scampering away. She laughed when, in one bound the dog grabbed the runaway by the seat of his pants and held him firmly, preventing his escape.

'Good dog.' She patted Mungo's head as she retrieved Zach to play with his sister. 'You stay here, young man.'

'You landed on your feet when you befriended Mungo. He's marvellous with the kids,' Gabe said when she re-joined him.

'Well, what do you think?' she asked nervously.

Gabe looked up from the sketch and then began skipping through her sketch pad as she sat down on the lichen covered rock beside him. Heart in her mouth, she watched as he paused at the sketch she'd drawn of him with devil horns and a trident.

Heat coursed up her neck and face as he gave a sharp bark of laughter before flipping the page to the drawings she'd done of Zoë and Zach.

'My honest opinion? It's a damn shame you never finished your architectural degree or seriously studied art.' His grey eyes narrowed as he gave her a considering look. 'This kind of talent is wasted on teaching.'

She looked away, struggling not to fidget under the intensity of his gaze. 'Architecture is just not practical with two toddlers, and art is a precarious career path with zero financial stability.'

'Zach and Zoë won't be toddlers forever. And then what?' He tapped the sketch pad. 'This talent withers away in a classroom?'

'It's easy for you to pass judgment, Gabe,' she said vehemently. 'You don't have to worry about providing a stable home for two children, single handed. Let alone saving for their education funds.'

'If the louse who fathered your babies paid child support, you could follow your dream.' Gabe's grey eyes glittered. 'Where is he? Gallivanting off following his dreams, while you sacrifice your talent?'

His anger was as tangible as the hot summer sun. Jenna glanced away, should she confide in him? Confess her fear, the details of her affair with Blair?

As she dithered, Zoë screamed.

Jenna leapt to her feet and ran to her daughter. 'What is it, sweetheart?'

Red faced, tears pouring down her cheeks, Zoë shook her hand.

'She's been stung by a bee? Is she allergic?' Gabe sounded as shaken Jenna felt.

'No. Steady on, sweetie, Mama will fix it.' Jenna glanced at Gabe. 'Pass me that knife, and is there any ice in the chilly bin?'

Gabe handed her the small knife they used for dicing fruit. With a deft flick she scraped off the offending sting, and, after wrapping the ice cubes in her handkerchief, she held it against the sting. Zoë buried her face against Jenna's neck and gradually her sobs faded to occasional hiccups.

Zach stood beside Zoë rubbing her back.

'Where did you learn that?' Gabe asked, obviously curious.

'We had a kid at school highly allergic to bee-stings and they taught us all how to deal with one,' she said rocking her little daughter. 'The worst thing you can do is grab the stinger and pull it out with your fingers. That empties the venom sack into the site. You scrape the stinger off, and ice isolates the venom and reduces pain.'

Jenna removed the ice and looked at Zoë's hand, kissing it. 'There, sweetie, all better?' She looked up at Gabe. 'There's no need to panic. There's a little localized swelling; otherwise she's okay.'

'Better.' Zoë hiccupped and snuggled into Jenna's breast.

'They're tired.' Gabe gave her a strange look then began repacking the chilly bin with the remnants of their picnic.

The small drama gave Jenna enough time to reconsider and weigh up the risk of confiding in Gabe. Was she prepared for the repercussions, or his reaction?

What if he decided to take matters into his own hands?

As he carried the chilly bin and basket back to the car, she knew the moment for confiding in him had gone.

It was late afternoon when they returned. The twins slept in their booster seats. Gabe turned into Pike Road. 'Want to take a look at the Rata Ridge homestead while we're here, the carpenters are all but finished.'

Jenna sat forward, eagerly scanning the familiar sights, and the happenings of another lifetime. The car rounded the last curve and she was home.

The old house looked fantastic.

The rotten weatherboards had been replaced and sported a coat of pink primer, ready for a fresh coat of paint. The verandah roof no longer sagged, the roof now spiffed up with new shingles. It was a far cry from the derelict house of her childhood.

Gabe parked beneath the shade of the large pohutukawa, opening a window so cool air could circulate. 'The twins should be okay, they're sound asleep.'

'The house looks fantastic.' She turned to him, filled with gratitude. 'Mum would be delighted. She hated it becoming derelict.'

'I'm sorry I never had the chance to know her. She sounds like a wonderful woman.'

'She was.' Jenna sighed, missing her mother all over again. Her death had left a huge void in her life and this compelled her to try to persuade him. 'Contact your parents, Gabe. It's too late after they're dead.'

He laid a hand over hers. A frown shadowed his face and his eyes were dark pools of turbulent emotion. She felt the sigh ripple through him.

'Do they even know you're alive?'

'They know,' he admitted bleakly. 'Alex keeps in contact.'

'You're close?'

'His mother, Helen, and mine were sisters.' He glanced at her, his expression unreadable. 'My father is not a forgiving man.'

'Have you ever considered that time may have mellowed him?'

He gave a scornful bark of laughter. 'It will be a frosty day in hell before George Callahan becomes anywhere near mellow.'

'How do you know? Or could it be you don't have the courage to put it to the test?'

Gabe jerked back as if she'd slapped him. 'Do you want to go inside?'

'Sure.' She gave an exasperated huff. 'Take the coward's way out. Don't cry when you've left it so long death cheats you of any chance of reconciliation.'

Ignoring her jibe, he alighted, shutting the door with a sharp click. Jenna joined him, looking around with a discerning eye. Being Sunday, the place had an air of quiet desertion. Though there was still debris in the yard, the whole place was much tidier. Mungo bounced about their feet.

Jenna skirted a heap of rocks where workmen were repairing the stone walls that had once enclosed the kitchen gardens.

'Stay,' Gabe ordered firmly and the dog sank onto his belly, laying his head on his paws. He whined, only subsiding when Gabe said, 'Quiet.'

With eager strides Jenna went up the front steps onto the verandah. She turned to look over the bay. In this light, the sea was a brilliant azure. She sighed softly as Gabe laid a hand on her shoulder. 'You love this place, don't you?'

Jenna made a sweeping gesture. 'Who couldn't love it?'

As she watched, his frown deepened and a sense of foreboding swept over her. 'What is it?' Worry made her voice sharp.

'You won't be coming back here to live.'

'What do you mean?'

'I've employed a farm manager. He and his family are due to start at the beginning of March, in time for the autumn musters. You knew I intended to hire a manager?'

'Yes.' Jenna struggled to assimilate his words. She'd known, but hadn't considered what this would mean in the terms of their living arrangements.

'Where will I live?'

'Isn't the house where you are adequate?'

'Of course it's adequate, but it's also yours.'

Jenna couldn't find the courage to ask the question hovering on the tip of her tongue. What she did know was that she could never afford to buy another house, or reimburse Gabe for the renovations done here on her old home, no matter what he managed to get in the settlement with Rory Wallace.

Gabe's hand was firm on her shoulder as he turned her to face him. 'You're worrying about money again?'

'We can never repay what we owe you.'

Gabe sighed, shaking his head. 'I'm not asking you to. It's my money I've spent, and not in any way connected with Alex.'

That information only offered a small measure of relief. Owing Gabe might be daunting, but owing Alex Kreagan was unthinkable.

'Jenna.' Gabe put an arm around her shoulder and pulled her close against him. 'Don't stress it. I have more money than I can spend in two life times. And no one to spend it on.'

The sadness in his words melted her anguished apprehension. She turned and wound her arms around him and hugged him tightly. 'If you're happy about it, we're happy to be your surrogate family.'

'You could be at that.' His laugh was strained. He moved her aside and took keys from his trouser pocket. 'Want to see inside?'

Jenna waited while Gabe opened the door and then preceded him.

Two steps inside, an arm snaked around her waist.

She was hauled back against a solid body, her scream cut off by the chill of cold steel on her throat.

# Chapter Twenty

'WHAT THE HELL?' Gabe's startled oath echoed, and then died just as abruptly.

With a gun at her throat Jenna froze, too terrified to move or even draw breath.

'Neatly delivered into my hands,' drawled the horribly familiar voice, 'never guessed my Sunday fishing trip would catch you both so neatly.'

Jenna's heart bucked in her chest and then raced like a runaway filly. Her eyes swivelled in Gabe's direction, but his clam-like expression betrayed no emotion.

This thug had held a knife at Zach's throat, and had thought nothing of torturing a baby.

'After you, Callahan,' the hated voice rasped in her ear. 'Move or your woman dies.'

Mute and terrified, Jenna begged Gabe with her eyes to find some way, any way, to get them out of this nightmare situation.

The prod of the pistol at her throat broke the frozen stillness.

Gabe obeyed. Each deliberate step engraved on Jenna's heart. Sick helplessness hardened into resolve. She would die before she let this thug harm Gabe.

Think Jenna, you've escaped worse.

In the kitchen she eased out a breath.

Mungo was guarding her babies and they weren't within this villain's reach, but no dog was a match for a gun. Fear migrated from her stomach, crawling up into her lungs and slithering through her veins.

The intensity of Gabe's steady regard kept her panic at bay.

Zach and Zoë depended on her, and she needed to keep her wits about her, ready for any opening, any chance that could give them even the slimmest advantage.

'What is it you want?' Gabe asked with deceptive calm.

Jenna tensed.

'We have a score to settle,' the thug laughed, 'and this time I have the upper hand.'

'That score is with me,' Gabe said coolly, eyeing their assailant. 'Let Jenna go.'

'You'd like that, wouldn't you?' He laughed, a harsh jarring sound.

'Who are you?' Jenna asked, sensing knowledge could save them. 'And what do you want from my family?'

The arm holding her jerked and she knew she's struck a nerve.

'Aren't you an astute one?' His breath was hot and fetid against the chilled flesh of her cheek.

'You won't escape,' Gabe said and the soft silky words helped Jenna to focus. 'The police know you murdered Liz Reilly.'

The pistol against Jenna's neck jerked and she winced.

'Liz Reilly's big mouth caught up with her.'

The computer you used was accessed...by Liz Reilly?

'You murdered her?' Jenna gasped and tried to turn, but the pressure of the gun digging into her throat made her stop. 'And my father?'

'Frank Parrish was a fool!'

Jenna's thoughts tumbled in feverish disorder, was this thug someone Frank knew?

Frank Parrish isn't here alone... again Cassie was right.

Why had Frank come scurrying back to Katherine Bay? What did this man want?

The land... unlikely.

An elusive memory tugged at the edge of Jenna's mind, but she was unable to grasp it and played for time.

'Frank may be a fool,' she jeered softly, 'but he knew where to look.'

The thug's reaction was startling, the pistol dug into her neck and cruel fingers gripped her flesh. She bit down on her lower lip to prevent a cry of pain escaping.

'Where are they?' he demanded.

Jenna nearly gagged as he breathed on her. 'Frank knew, but he's dead and his secrets died with him.'

What the hell did Frank tell this man to make him come after me?

'I can make you talk; ways that would make you beg to die, lady.'

'Commendable attributes for sure,' Gabe drawled softly. 'Have you considered Wallace's reaction?'

Clammy sweat trickled down between Jenna's breasts.

The thug laughed. 'Don't expect Rory will care. As long as you're both dead, he's not fussed how.'

This thug was in cahoots with Wallace... and Frank?

'Why does Rory want us dead?' she asked ingenuously. 'Surely he's not that stupid he thinks he can thwart the Supreme Court.'

'Supreme Court?' The words were a snarl in her ear. 'What the hell are ya talking about?'

She dredged up a laugh. 'He can't touch our land, even if you do kill us both.'

Too late, she wished she'd confided in Gabe, told him the truth about the true extent of her involvement with the Wallace family.

Gabe leaned against the wall, arms lax at his side, but the indolent pose didn't fool Jenna. He was sprung steel. He held her eyes in a steady gaze, and knowing they were in this together helped calm her panic.

Can I keep this thug talking?

'I wonder why Wallace didn't tell you,' Gabe said softly. 'Still I can understand him not mentioning the police probe.'

'Police probe?'

'Wallace is in deep shit for fraud; looks like he's up to his old tricks with his unsuspecting cronies,' Gabe taunted softly. 'He will never get the land.'

'I don't want the land, Wallace's welcome to it.' The pistol jabbed viciously at her neck and Jenna fought down a moan of pain.

'Once she's dead.' The pistol smacked against Jenna's jawbone. 'Wallace will get custody of her kids and with them, control of the Mullein land. Rory's her kids' grandfather.'

Gabe stiffened, his gaze sought hers and in that one, searing look, Jenna saw soul deep hurt and betrayal.

This is so not how I intended Gabe to learn the twins' paternity.

Their captor cackled. 'Didn't the sly dame tell you?'

'I knew.'

Gabe's clipped words made her head spin. How could he know? Then with blinding clarity, she understood that Gabe would agree with anything to keep her babies safe. He would sacrifice his life to protect Zach and Zoë.

'So what's in this for you?' Jenna asked, with quiet deliberation.

She ignored Gabe's warning frown. If she could keep this creep talking maybe she could find out what he was after and use it against him.

His rumble of malicious laughter made her skin creep and her heartbeat increase.

'I want what's under the land,' he gloated obviously feeling he had the upper hand.

The man with the gun always has the upper hand... What a time to remember Grandpa Mullein's words of caution.

Jenna eased out a shaky breath, and furious scorn whipped through her.

I see men in the firelight telling outrageous lies ... Cassie's words suddenly made a sickening kind of sense.

How often had Frank shared the exaggerated tales of Grandpa's folly? Obviously, enough to risk lives. It was an attack of conscience that brought him scuttling back to Katherine Bay, pure and simple.

She heard a vehicle.

Mungo barked a long, sharp carol of warning.

The thug dragged her resisting body to the window and she saw Rory Wallace step from his dusty ute, a pistol in his hand.

'The mineral rights over this land are vested in the Crown.' Gabe's taut stance was enough to let her know that he, too, had heard the vehicle. 'There's no gold.'

'It's not gold he's after.' Old memories coalesced into chilling sense. 'It's opals.'

'Clever girl. Where are the maps and your Grandpa's diaries?'

'Obviously much cleverer than you,' she jeered softly. 'What did Frank tell you, mister? About Grandpa's egg sized opal?'

'He told me enough.'

'Did he also tell you it was a hoax? An elaborate April fool's joke, and that the opal was one Grandpa found in Australia?'

'You can't fool me with lies.' He dug his fingers into her side.

'If they're lies, they're Grandpa's.' Jenna struggled against his grip. 'There are no opals in Katherine Bay.'

The arm around her neck tightened and Jenna fought faintness as she struggled for every breath. Wallace's footsteps on the bare hall floor rang through the house.

He strode through the door, pistol clenched in a meaty fist, his evil grin filled with gloating satisfaction. 'Thanks for the tip-off, Powell.'

Jenna fought down nausea.

Powell.

The name came too late to afford them any benefit. Had he contacted Wallace while she and Gabe were outside talking?

'Give me Jenna and tie that bastard up.' Wallace indicated Gabe with a wave of his gun.

Fear ripped through Jenna. What did Rory Wallace want with her? And what chance did she and Gabe have when faced with two armed thugs?

Powell hesitated and then turned on Wallace. 'Not so fast, mate. The dame says there are no opals.'

A faint hope bloomed. Could she set these two against each other?

She ignored Gabe's warning frown. 'Grandpa's opal was a hoax. You must remember Mr Wallace; after all it was you who exposed it as a sham.'

'You conniving bastard.' Powell's cruel grip eased.

Jenna took a swift, sustaining breath as the two men eyed each other, bristling and hostile.

She glanced at Gabe, but his attention was riveted on the two men.

'Wallace is a cheat and a liar, Powell. Looks like he's double crossed you too,' Gabe's soft words added fuel to the men's quarrel. 'He's lost control of Mullein land. Killing us is pointless. Should Jenna die, the land goes to Heath, Jace and the twins. And Alex Kreagan will be the twins' legal guardians. Do you have the resources to fight Kreagan?'

'Shut the hell up, Callahan,' Wallace screamed, his amber eyes glittering with madness. 'The land's mine. I don't care what any court says. It was always meant to be mine. If her slut of a mother had married me, it would have been mine years ago.'

My darling mother and Rory Wallace?

Jenna wanted to throw up. The man was stark, raving mad. With sick dread, she knew the odds of survival were seriously diminished. Wallace raised his gun and fired.

'No,' she screamed at the same moment the deafening sound ricocheted around the room.

Jenna was free.

Powell slumped to the floor, blood welling from his shoulder.

Wallace swivelled toward Gabe, gun raised and Jenna launched herself at him, scratching, clawing and kicking, wherever she touched. Wallace fired, but his aim went wide as she knocked his arm up. The sound of smashing glass added to the confusion.

'You bitch,' Wallace snarled as he turned and tried to shake free of her tenacious grip.

Desperation leant Jenna strength. She jammed a knee into Rory's groin and Gabe's fist connected with his jaw. Wallace went down and the gun spun out of his hand, hitting the wooden floor with a clatter and spinning away. He came off the floor with a roar of rage.

Gabe swung at him and Jenna was caught in the melee.

She saw the gun and tried to reach it. Powell, bleeding profusely, regained his feet and shoved her sideways. Jenna slipped on the blood spilled on the wooden floor, lost her balance, and fell just as another gun blast echoed off the walls.

Gabe fell to the floor, blood welling in an obscene crimson stain on his grey shirt.

'Gabe.' Jenna screamed and rolled sideways in an effort to regain her feet and reach him. Too late she saw Wallace's boot and tried to protect her head, her scream cut short as she spun into blackness.

Gabe clutched at his shoulder, fire eating him. When Jenna screamed, he rolled toward her, too late to prevent Wallace's boot connecting with her skull in a vicious kick.

The sound was sickening.

Rage brought Gabe to his feet. Right arm dangling at his side, fury fuelled him toward Wallace. Another shot rang out. Wallace fell, blood spurting from his forehead.

Black rimmed Gabe's vision as he fought encroaching dizziness. Powell, bleeding profusely, struggled to raise his gun.

A blur of tan, black and gold streaked past.

The metallic clatter of the gun hitting the wooden floor was deadened by Powell's guttural scream. 'Get this thing off me.'

Mungo lay spread-eagled on Powell's chest, bared fangs close to his throat.

A hideous stillness descended.

'Mungo, guard!' Gabe managed a curt whisper and prayed the dog would obey.

Powell moved and Mungo growled, low and menacing.

The man subsided.

Gabe clutched at his shoulder and kicked the gun aside. Strength ebbing, he staggered to Jenna's side. Her stillness terrified him. He laid a trembling hand on her neck. 'Jenna?'

Booted feet thundered on the wooden floor.

Gabe summoned the strength to look up. The foreman of the building gang crossed the floor in ground eating strides. 'My God! Cassie Piper sent me! What in hell has happened here?'

'Help Jenna,' Gabe whispered, his vision hazing.

'Let's stop you bleeding first.' He ripped off his shirt and made a pad to staunch the flow of blood.

'Jenna.' Gabe's strength ebbed. 'Look after her.'

'I will. Hang in there, mate. Help's coming.'

The grim words echoed in Gabe's cotton wool brain as everything went black.

# Chapter Twenty-One

JENNA WOKE IN a softly lit room. She moved and her skull threatened to explode. She groaned and through a haze of pain, she thought it was Alex in a chair near her bed. His image wavered and shimmered like tarmac under a hot summer sun.

'Jenna? It's okay, you're safe.'

The shimmer settled. Was she in some weird, alternate reality? She closed her eyes on the hallucination.

'Jenna?'

The gruff voice had her opening her eyes again. 'Alex?'

'You're awake?' The gentle grip on her hand, firmed. 'Thank God.'

'Where am I?' And why in heck are you here?

'Thames Hospital,' he chuckled softly. 'Careful, you'll hurt my feelings.'

'You're real?'

'I'm real.' He pressed a button beside the pillow. 'You've given us all a fright.'

She frowned, the movement exploding shards of pain inside her skull. Another groan was wrenched from her.

'She's just woken.'

Alex's hushed voice barely penetrated the agonizing beam of white light.

'Jenna.' The insistent voice had her cranking weighted eyelids open. 'How's the headache?'

She turned toward the voice and another groan escaped. 'It hurts.'

'Not surprising, you took a hefty knock.' A beam of light in her eyes made her moan. She tried to turn her head and escape the light, but a firm hand prevented it. The light vanished and she heard the hushed voices.

'Why are you here?' Even in her befuddled state, she knew she sounded petulant.

'It's my turn to watch over you.'

That made even less sense. 'How long have I been here?'

'Since late afternoon.' The doctor held her wrist and looked at his watch. 'You should feel better soon. What's your name?'

She wondered at his sick humour. 'Jenna Mullein.'

He held up a hand. 'How many fingers can you see?'

She squinted. 'One or maybe it's two.'

'What was the last thing you remember?'

That was more difficult. Jenna frowned, but drew a blank. 'I'm thirsty.'

'Can she drink?'

'Yes, just a few sips at first.' The firm fingers on her wrist released their hold and he gripped her shoulder. 'Don't worry. A good sleep will sort things for you.'

Alex slipped an arm behind her head and held a glass with a bendy straw to her lips. Jenna managed a few mouthfuls before her eyes closed. 'Thanks.'

When she next woke, sun streamed through the window. She turned her head away from the glare and saw Heath sitting near the window leafing through a magazine. He looked up, tossed aside the magazine and caught her hand. 'How are you, sis?'

Staring into his familiar hazel eyes, memory came crashing back.

Gunshots ... and so much blood.

'Gabe? He's dead.' Her inertia vanished and she struggled to sit up.

'No!' Heath's grip tightened. 'He's not dead, honest Jenna. He's hurt, lost heaps of blood and needed surgery. He's still in ICU, but he'll be okay.'

Relief was swiftly replaced by overwhelming guilt. Had she told Gabe about Blair, could they have prevented that ambush?

'My babies? Where are my babies?'

'Zach and Zoë are with Kate at a hotel along the street.' Heath was quick to reassure her.

'Honest? You're not lying?' she asked, shuddering at the memory. 'He wanted the twins. That's why they attacked us.'

'Who?' Heath frowned, watching her from beneath lowered brows.

'Rory Wallace.' Jenna expelled a shaky breath. 'What happened to him?'

'He's dead. From what the police have told us, Powell shot him.'

'Wallace went crazy.'

Heath's expression was grim and worried. 'What happened?

'Do you remember Grandpa's opal hoax? That April fool's joke he perpetrated, when he told everyone he'd found opals?'

'What's that got to do with this?'

'It seems Frank Parrish told Powell.' Quickly she recounted that frightening ordeal.

'And Powell believed that guff?'

'I guess that depends on what Frank told him.' Jenna's voice was shaky with remembered fear. 'What happened to him?'

'He's in hospital under police guard. Cassie Piper called emergency services and sent the builder's foreman hot-foot to our old home. He managed to stop Gabe bleeding out.'

'Oh-mi-god! Are you sure Gabe's okay?' Jenna's hands shook and she clasped them tightly.

Heath watched her with a forbidding frown. 'It was touch and go for a while.'

'Thank God for Cassie.'

'She's okay for a spook.'

'What is it? Why are you frowning at me?'

'Blair Wallace returned from London tonight.' Heath's narrow eyed expression made her nervous.

Jenna's heart jolted in her chest. 'What does he want?'

'To bury his father I guess.' Her relief was short lived when he nailed her with a harsh look. 'I never knew Blair was the twins' father.'

How, in the name of heaven, did Heath know that?

'Gabe told Alex. How come we never knew?'

The knot in her belly tightened. 'I had my reasons.'

Heath prowled across to the window and back. 'You must have rocks for brains? How could you be so stupid as to get tangled up with a Wallace for God's sake?'

'It's complicated.' Heat flooded her neck and face.

'How complicated could it be to let Gabe know?' Heath asked, his eyes dark with anger. 'Given what he's discovered about old man Wallace and our inheritance?'

She closed her eyes and turned her head away. The pixies belted out the Anvil Chorus. 'I can't deal with this now.'

'Pretending won't make it go away.' He crossed to the bedside and gripped her hand. 'You have to deal with it. Does Blair know he's the twins' father?'

Fighting back weak tears, she looked at him as she worried the sheet with nervous fingers. 'Yes, as I said, it's complicated.'

'And the bastard walked away without looking back? Has he ever paid you child support? Did he sic his father onto us?'

'Blair's not like his father, Heath.'

'From where I'm standing, I can't see much difference,' he growled. 'He gets you pregnant and then scarpers off to London and leaves you stranded? Give me a break.'

'I know it sounds bad.' She bit down on her lip, unable to explain. The least she owed Blair was her loyalty.

'Alex thinks he could try and claim custody.'

Her heart raced; surely Blair wouldn't do that to her? 'No. We have an agreement.'

'And it's legal?' he scoffed. 'Hardly! Any legal agreement would enforce child support.'

Jenna winced at his sarcasm. He nailed her with a look that bespoke a new sense of confidence and maturity. 'You know your problem, sis? You're too bossy. You want to run mine and Jace's lives, and yet it's okay for you to keep secrets. It's only dumb luck Gabe didn't die.'

On that scathing indictment he strode from the room.

Had she been hit by a truck, Jenna couldn't have felt worse. She closed her eyes but the weak tears escaped.

A nurse bustled into the room. 'Is your headache worse?' she asked. 'The doctor has charted you pain relief; I'll go and get it for you.'

She returned with tablets and Jenna swallowed them gratefully. The nurse pulled the curtains and shut out the harsh glare. 'Those pills should work soon. Try and rest, the doctor will be around to see you later.'

Alone and drained by that confrontation, Jenna slumped back against the pillow and, when the pills kicked in, she slept.

A knock on the door brought her awake and she turned toward the sound, her headache was now a dull throb.

Detective Cameron walked through the door, shutting it before he crossed to the bedside.

'Ms Mullein? How're you feeling?' He hooked a foot around the chair and pulled it closer and sat down. 'You up to giving me a statement?'

Weak tears escaped and ran down her cheek. She managed to nod and watched as he pulled his recorder from his jacket pocket.

'Sorry.' Her voice wobbled.

'Don't be.' He gave her hand a fatherly pat and pulled the box of tissues on the locker close enough for her to take some. 'You've been through a harrowing ordeal.'

Jenna plucked tissues from the box and scrubbed at the tears on her cheeks. 'My brother said Rory Wallace died?'

'He did.' The detective frowned at her. 'Callahan managed to give us some details. He's pretty doped up and we're hoping you can fill in more for us.'

She dabbed at her cheeks but the tears kept coming.

What is wrong with me?

She seldom cried and now she'd started, it seemed she was powerless to stop. 'It was Powell who held that knife at Zach's throat.'

'Ah! We wondered.' Cameron gave her a grim smile as he settled back in his chair. 'Take your time, Jenna. Tell me everything that happened.'

In between sobs and fresh tears, she recounted the ordeal.

When Jenna woke, it was as if sometime while she slept, an enormous burden had been lifted from her soul. She'd showered and changed into a fresh gown and when the nurse brought her lunch, she nibbled at the food, consumed with impatience.

Anxiety and guilt were eating her alive.

Raking a trembling hand through her hair, she winced as she touched a knot on her scalp.

She wanted to confront Blair and yet she wanted him safely on the other side of the world.

She needed her babies, wanting to gather them close.

Eventually, the doctor declared her free to leave. He was confident that while she may experience headaches for a while, she would suffer no lasting consequences from her accident.

Accident?

Her injury had been no accident.

As she dressed, the doctor's words rankled, despite knowing she'd escaped lightly. Gabe hadn't been so lucky. To quote Heath; pure, dumb luck was all that stood between being alive and not lying on an ice-cold mortuary slab right at this moment, Gabe too.

That thought increased the crushing burden of guilt.

A tap on the door and she looked up to see Kate with Zach and Zoë.

'Jenna, you're looking so much better.' Kate hugged and kissed her.

'And much better for seeing my babies,' she said as Zach and Zoë babbled, wriggling in the stroller. Jenna knelt and pulled them into a close hug, inhaling a shuddering breath as she savoured their sweet, precious smell.

Yesterday, I thought I'd never hug my babies again.

'I needed that,' she said, standing up and brushing yet more tears from her cheeks. 'How's Gabe?'

'Out of ICU and in a regular room. You both scared the hell out of us. Alex has been beside himself.' Kate took a shuddering breath. 'Gabe needs more surgery, so he'll be here for a while yet, but he's so damn lucky. An inch lower and he would have died.'

Jenna shuddered. 'When can I see him?'

Kate hesitated.

Heart racing, Jenna gripped the other woman's arm. 'I need to see him.'

'It's not that. You can see him, anytime,' she said slowly, 'but I need to warn you, he's in a very strange mood.'

Jenna swallowed hard, certain she knew why.

Now that it was too late, she regretted not trusting him. She should have told him Blair was the twins' father, but she knew no amount of wishing or regret could soften the blow she'd dealt him. He'd emerged from the shadows of his past and trusted her with his darkest secrets.

And how had she repaid him?

By burying her own secrets even deeper.

And in doing so, she'd endangered all their lives. Something her little brother had pointed out with youthful ferocity.

Jenna knew she had betrayed Gabe's trust in the worst possible way.

The two women walked down a wide corridor. Large windows overlooked tranquil courtyard gardens where several wheelchair patients soaked up the sun. 'He's in a private room, down this corridor.'

Of course he was in a private room; that wasn't what concerned Jenna. 'Kate, can I ask you something?'

'Sure.'

'Do you know how I can contact Gabe's parents without Alex or Gabe knowing?'

Jenna was surprised by her temerity. Both men would squelch the idea if they knew what she intended; they were experts at protecting themselves.

'I can find out.' Kate watched her with a frown. 'Can I ask why?'

'Gabe needs to mend the rift with his family. He's grieving.'

'Do you know why he left his home?'

'I do, but it's not my story to tell and I can't betray his confidence.'

No? I only betrayed his trust.

'I'll text you the phone number.'

'Thanks so much.'

'He's in here.' Kate paused in front of a closed door. 'I'll take the twins for a walk while you visit. Okay?'

Jenna nodded, butterflies clumping in her belly with hobnail boots. She knocked and opened the door and stood on the threshold, almost afraid to enter. Gabe lay back on a nest of pillows, ashen beneath his tan. One arm was held up in the air by a steel scaffold arrangement.

One look and her courage evaporated. Before she could chicken out and run away, she crossed to his side and laid a hand on his arm. '

I'm sorry,' she whispered, a break in her voice, fresh tears crowding her eyes. 'This is my fault.'

He turned toward her, catching her hand in his good one, watching her, grey eyes narrowed. 'Why? You never fired that gun.'

Maybe not, but that didn't lessen her guilt.

'It was me they wanted, not you. I should have told you about Blair.'

A peripheral part of her mind registered the drone of a fly circling in the window, and leaves, plucked from a scarlet oak scurrying past on the brisk breeze.

'Blair Wallace?'

His icy tone did little for her frayed nerves. Those shrewd eyes held her pinned to the spot, his expression as formidable as she'd ever seen it. The air was thick with tension.

'Blair is Rory Wallace's younger son,' the arid dryness in her throat threatened her breathing, 'and my twins' father.'

His grip tightened to the point of pain before he released her hand. 'And you thought that was something I didn't need to know?'

For all that it was quiet, she couldn't mistake the steel. 'I didn't think it was relevant.'

'Not relevant?' Neither of them moved as their gazes clashed. 'I see.'

What did he think he saw?

Jenna sucked in a ragged breath and Gabe's familiar pine-scented cologne mingled with the antiseptic hospital smells. For one long moment she met his steely gaze and then he blinked, and she was shut out.

'It may have helped.'

The careful tone hurt worse than a savage knife thrust through her heart. Now it was too late, she was desperate to explain. 'It was over with Blair almost before it began.'

Gabe lifted his hand in a dismissive gesture. 'Spare me the details. Wallace is dead and Powell no longer poses any threat to you so there's no reason you can't return home.'

'To our own home?' she asked and somehow she managed to keep her voice even, and not betray that her heart was slowly breaking.

Pride was all that she had left.

'The house on Taparoa Lane is yours for as long as you need it. Alex has arranged for you to be driven home.' His words reinforced the invisible but impenetrable barrier. 'And I'm given to understand that Blair Wallace has returned from London. Why not let the man have a chance to get to know his children.'

Like that's ever going to happen.

'Mrs. Fliss will help you with the twins until you're fully recovered,' he went on as if he was intent on tying up all the loose ends. 'Alex will install and supervise the farm manager I've engaged until I'm back on my feet.'

And that's it? The incredulous thought hurt unbearably.

'Will you come back?' Even as she asked, Jenna knew the answer. 'What about the resort?'

'Alex has appointed an engineer to oversee that project.' Gabe looked at her. For one long, searing moment their gazes locked, and then he turned his head, closed his eyes and she was dismissed. 'Goodbye, Jenna.'

The quiet finality shattered her composure and it exploded fiery splinters of pain.

Jenna was in the corridor leaning against a window, shaking, before she managed to draw another shuddering breath.

It was over.

Whatever she and Gabe had shared was finished.

How could he do that? Dismiss her, turn off his emotions like flicking a switch.

Even as her heart broke into a thousand jagged shards, shredding her soul, deep inside, a stubborn kernel of hope refused to die. She had not imagined Gabe's gentle touch, his heated kisses and those precious shared confidences.

A hand touching her arm made her open her eyes.

'I did try to warn you,' Kate said with quiet sympathy.

Jenna scrubbed a hand over her cheek, dashing away tears. 'I need to go home, to take Zach and Zoë home.'

'Do you think that's wise?'

Wise or not, Jenna craved privacy and familiar surroundings. She couldn't bear being near anyone. 'There are things I need to do.'

'Do you want Heath to go with you?'

Although Jenna would love her brother's company, she knew that her wounds were too fresh to be picked over by his youthful curiosity.

No,' she said shaking her head. 'He's only just catching up, returning to the beach could undo all the good work you and Alex have done.'

'Fair enough.' Kate chewed on her lower lip. 'That was a hefty crack on the head you received. I worry about you being alone with the twins. Do you want to come to The Birches and stay with us while you recuperate?'

'No, I'll manage. Gabe arranged for Mrs. Fliss to stay on.'

'It grieves me to admit it, but Alex was certain you'd want to return to Katherine Bay.' Kate shook her head, her smile philosophical. 'He's arranged a car and a driver to take you back.'

Jenna stared at the telephone, trying to work up courage. Several times she picked it up then put it down. 'Stop being a wimp. Just do it!'

With a shaking hand, she punched in the numbers.

Gabe was about to discover how it felt to have someone meddle in his life.

As it rang, she imagined it echoing through the white mansion on the hillside above the harbour on Morley Island off the New South Wales coast. Using Google Earth, she'd found Gabe's home, and was stunned by its grandeur.

The ringing stopped and a deep, bass voice spoke in heavily accented English. Jenna's heart stopped and then raced. The accent was unexpected.

'Mr. Callahan?' She prayed he wouldn't hang up on her. 'I'm calling about your son, Gabriel.'

And, that quickly, she discovered the meaning of deafening silence. 'Who is this?'

Jenna introduced herself and gave him a brief account of Gabe's injury. That he remained silent until she stopped talking gave her hope.

'Why are you telling me this?'

'You're his father. He needs you and his mother.' Jenna decided to be frank. 'Besides, you owe him, Mr. Callahan; you seriously misjudged Gabe and wounded him to the core.'

An explosive silence ensued. 'Is that so?'

'You know Gabe isn't dishonourable. He is your son.' Jenna heard him inhale sharply. 'I won't betray his confidence, but there's nothing's stopping you asking that witch, his ex- fiancée how she blackmailed Gabe into leaving.'

'Blackmail? Gabe was blackmailed? What exactly, are you implying?'

He was listening, he hadn't cut her off.

'It's not my story to tell, sir. Gabe almost died. He needs you, and he needs his mother, and you owe him, big time, so the least you can do is visit him.'

The request echoed on another beat of silence. 'Did he ask you to ring me?'

'Good Lord, no!' Jenna almost choked on a distressed laugh. 'He'll most probably never speak to me again.'

The older man muttered something in a language she didn't understand and the connection was cut. Hand shaking, Jenna replaced the receiver.

Had she helped or had she just made things worse?

While the twins napped, Jenna sat on the deck, staring moodily out to sea. A cooling southerly heralded the change of season. Autumn colour tinged the leaves.

Mungo lay at her feet, but the faithful dog was no compensation for Gabe's absence. Everywhere she turned, she was reminded of him. Too late, she regretted her lack of trust. She should have confided in Gabe; he would never have held her involvement with Blair Wallace against her. Cassie had warned her so why hadn't she listened?

Mungo tensed and growled low in his chest.

Calling the dog to heel, Jenna walked to the end of the verandah and, in stunned shock watched Blair Wallace approach. Tension twisted her in knots. What brought him here?

'Jenna.'

She nodded in acknowledgement, but the excoriating memories of their last encounter kept her silent.

'We need to talk. May I?'

'Of course.' Icily polite, she escorted him to the sheltered spot on the verandah where she had been sitting. 'Would you like a cold drink? I have beer, orange juice or would you prefer a wine?'

'A beer, thanks.'

The social niceties gave her time to gather her composure.

She'd known Blair was here in Katherine Bay, but never once had she imagined he'd seek her out. With a superhuman effort she pushed down the hateful memories as she handed him a stubby.

As he unscrewed the cap off the beer, he watched her. 'I'm sorry for the grief my father gave you.'

'So am I, Blair, damn sorry. He nearly killed the man I love.' She wasn't in any mood to be forgiving, the wound was too raw.

And this was the least of the damage his father had done.

'I've spent much of the last week closeted with the police and lawyers.' He traced a finger through the condensation on the outside of the bottle. 'The police have told me that Dad murdered Liz Reilly.'

Jenna stared at him, aghast. 'Why? What did that poor woman ever do to him?'

'According to Detective Cameron, my father paid Ms Reilly to keep tabs on your activities. He murdered her when she got greedy and tried to blackmail him.' Blair fidgeted and shifted in his chair. 'Dad also paid Sergeant Harkness to harass you in the hopes you'd all leave Katherine Bay.'

'I'd already figured that out.' Jenna sipped chilled orange, but the nasty taste of Blair's words lingered.

'Your persistent enquiries about land titles threatened the house of cards he'd built as trustee to your grandfather's estate. And when Gabe Callahan showed up—'

'—he knew he'd be exposed,' she finished when he paused.

Hadn't Gabe suspected as much?

'It appears so.' Blair looked at her and then away again. 'And for that, I'll never forgive him.'

'Me either.' Rory Wallace's machinations had rebounded on them all.

'I also owe you an apology, Jenna. What I did to you was inexcusable.'

Jenna inhaled a shaken breath and closed her eyes, powerless to wash away the indelible images engraved on her heart.

'I can't undo the past, Jenna, but I do sincerely regret it.'

Jenna swallowed, fighting down nausea and sorrow. 'Why, Blair? I've never understood why.'

'Something else you can chalk up to my late, unlamented father.' He spread his hands and took a fortifying swallow of beer. 'After Dirk was killed Dad was left with me, his huge disappointment. He suggested I have an affair with you, to give him heirs. I agreed, desperate for his approval.'

'You sabotaged the condoms?' When he nodded, Jenna swallowed as bile stung her throat 'That's so sick.'

'I know.' He stood, walked to the rail and leaned against it. 'I was weak. My father is dead and I'm damned relieved to be free of him. If that makes me an unnatural son, then so be it.'

Against all reason, Jenna was filled with compassion.

Blair was in a bad place and he, as much as she, was a victim of his father's land-hungry madness.

'I can't undo the past, but I can make amends and make life easier for you.' He turned from the rail and faced her. 'I'm returning to London in a few days. I've signed the papers and left instructions with my lawyer.'

Jenna's heart bucked in her chest.

'Once probate is granted, Dad's estate will be held in trust for the twins. The interest and income from his estate will provide for them, and their education, and it will assist you to finish your own education. I've appointed our lawyer as one trustee and left instructions for you to appoint another trustee of your choice.'

Dumbfounded, she stared at him. Whatever she'd expected, it wasn't this. 'Blair! That's too much.'

'Given Dad's past actions, it's only fair. Although they were conceived in deceit, Dad's estate is your children's birth-right, Jenna. For myself, I want nothing my father touched. I have a sizable inheritance from my grandmother. My mother was her only child. After learning what Dad's done to you and your family, I'm so damned ashamed.'

There was no way she could miss that Blair was hurting, badly. She laid a comforting hand on his arm. Rory may have been a proper bastard, but he was still Blair's father.

'That day he accosted us, I knew he'd tipped over the edge into insanity.'

'It's been building for years,' he said quietly. 'That's why, after my Gran died and left me her estate, I escaped overseas. I swear, Jen, that I didn't know Dad was Adam Mullein's trustee.'

'I believe you.' Jenna shook her head, still struggling to believe it herself. 'You, like everyone else in Katherine Bay, thought he'd bought Grandpa's land after the old man died.'

'About the twins—' when he broke off, Jenna's heart raced in panicked flight. 'I've signed the papers formally relinquishing all my paternal rights.'

'Thank you.' She swallowed, trying to dislodge the lump relief wedged in her throat. 'They're sleeping. Do you want to see them?'

'No my dear, I don't even want the memory. Take care.' Blair smiled, patted her arm and left without a backward glance.

As she watched him leave, Jenna found herself wiping tears of sorrow from her eyes. When he got into his vehicle and lifted his hand in a final wave, her breath caught on a sob. She wanted to hate him but, too clearly, she remembered a time when Blair had been her friend and playmate.

A few days later, a letter arrived outlining the details of the trust Blair had set up for the twins. Stunned, Jenna read it, laid it down, only to pick it up and reread it once more.

Finally, the reality sunk home.

This, together with her reclaimed inheritance, meant she now had with real options.

Pride refused to allow her to accept any further help from Gabe. She wasn't a charity case. He may have cut her from his life, but his words haunted her... it's the death of the soul to relinquish dreams.

The backing from Blair was owed her, and more importantly it was owed to Zoë and Zach.

And nor did the irony escape Jenna.

In death, Rory Wallace had realised his dream, and in doing so, Jenna could realise hers.

She now possessed the means to finish her degree and to provide top notch care for her babies. Determined and focused, she pushed aside her heart-ache and re-enrolled at Auckland University. To her delight, she learned that her previous credits would count toward her degree.

Excitement and depression waged war inside her.

When she found her thoughts straying to Gabe, she willed herself to be strong. He'd only been in her life three months, a life changing three months to be sure.

She would recover. Once, she'd been happy.

No longer crippled by fear and money worries, she was determined she would be happy again.

Heath phoned, asking if he could visit for Easter weekend. Overjoyed, Jenna agreed, but unless she missed her guess, the surf was the bigger draw. His cheerful chatter was enough to let her know he was over his snit.

After hanging up, on impulse she phoned Jace.

'Yo?'

'Jace?'

'Yeah, who's this?'

'Jenna.' She rubbed a trembling hand down her jeans. 'Your sister.'

'You think I've lost my memory, or something?'

'No,' she said, shaken by his animosity. 'I just wanted to know how you are. How you're managing?'

He sighed heavily. 'Get a life, sis. You're not my mother or my keeper.'

'Jace,' she whispered shocked.

'Look, I know I hurt you, but for God's sake stop weeping over me, okay?'

Jenna sucked in a sharp breath. 'I care about you.'

'Yeah, yeah. I know!'

'You're my brother. And, I've never thought I was your mother.'

'You could've fooled me.'

Had she tried to mother her brothers? Heath resented it and so, it seemed, did Jace. 'I'm sorry, perhaps I've overdone it.'

'You think.'

'Regardless, I do care, about you and Heath. If you ever need me, will you contact me?'

'Really?'

'Promise me, Jace. Promise you'll contact me if you ever find you need me. Please?'

He sighed, the sound rough with impatience. 'Okay, okay if it'll make you happy. I'll promise.'

Long after she'd hung up she worried over that conversation. Had she been too bossy as Heath claimed? She would back off, but the hurt lingered.

After dropping the twins at day-care, Jenna walked into The Beachcomber Café. A silence descended as the buzz of conversation abruptly stopped. She glanced around, but when everyone avoided eye contact, she knew she'd been the topic of conversation.

Feeling a little desperate, she looked for Cassie, but knew she'd beaten her friend to their rendezvous.

She went ahead and ordered and had just paid the cashier when Cassie arrived.

'My shout,' Jenna said softly. 'Let's find a seat out in the courtyard away from prying eyes.'

As they walked toward a secluded table, the buzz of conversation restarted and followed them outside. Cassie whispered, 'Guess they've heard the news.'

'What news?' Jenna stiffened, almost afraid to hear the cause of the buzzing speculation.

'At a special court sitting at Thames Hospital earlier this morning, Garth Powell was charged with the murder of Frank Parrish and Rory Wallace, attempting to murder you and Gabe Callahan, and being an accessory after the murder of Liz Reilly.'

'So that's the hot topic. I wondered.' A sigh leaked from Jenna. 'Detective Cameron told me it was about to happen.'

'How was Liz Reilly involved?'

'She was feeding info on me to Wallace.' Jenna dredged up a smile for the waitress who brought their coffee. 'Cameron told Blair she'd threatened to expose his father unless he upped the ante and he gave her more money.'

Cassie leaned across the table and gripped Jenna's hand. 'So what are you going to do now?'

'Get the hell out of Dodge. I've re-enrolled at university. I start next semester.'

'Good for you. What about you and Gabe.'

'There is no Gabe and me.' Jenna blinked hard to prevent the tears stinging her eyes from falling. 'He's cut me out of his life.'

Cassie's grip tightened. 'Don't give up just yet, Jenna. The man has to deal with his injured pride.'

'Injure a man's pride and he never recovers.'

# Chapter Twenty-Two

JENNA SPENT HOURS on the beach with the children and Mungo. As she watched gulls wheel overhead and the sea breeze spray spume ashore, Gabe was foremost in her thoughts. She missed him. Everywhere she turned, inside the house and out, she expected him to appear.

The twins missed him.

One day, Zach took her hand and made her search every room in the house. He made her look under every bed and in every cupboard. Although he couldn't articulate his request, Jenna knew her little boy was looking for Gabe.

Zoë's grief turned her clingy and weepy.

Gabe had hurt her, but Jenna was an adult, she would recover. Eventually.

The hurt he'd dealt her babies was so much harder to witness and something she struggled to forgive.

Mungo raced up to her, his tail a waving banner in the wind. He brought her a stick and dropped it on the sand at her feet. She picked it up and tossed it as far down the beach as she could. The dog loped down the beach and retrieved it for her to throw again.

She tired of the game long before Mungo.

He sat, head on one side, tongue lolling. Even the darn dog missed Gabe. He'd infiltrated every facet of their lives.

When Zach picked up a stick to throw for the dog Jenna couldn't help laughing. The stick was nearly as big as the child. Zoë lost her footing and fell. Jenna scooped her up and turned for home. Halfway back along the beach Mungo raced ahead, barking at the man walking toward them.

Her heart stopped and then raced. She rubbed a hand across her eyes. Was that Gabe?

The man stopped and ruffled the dog's fur.

Zach saw the stranger and took off. Jenna ran after him, but her attempt to catch the runaway was hampered by Zoë's weight. The man moved with very familiar speed and caught Zach, scooping him up in his arms.

Jenna slowed, approaching more sedately.

Their visitor wasn't Gabe; this was a much older man. As he reached her, he thrust out a hand and enveloped hers. 'George Callahan and you must be Jenna.'

'You came?' Even to her ears it sounded lame.

'After your summons, what other option was there?' He laughed, taking any sting from the words.

'Gabe?' The name was a rasp in her dry throat.

'He's back at the house with his mother. He guessed you'd be on the beach and suggested I come to meet you.'

Zoë leaned across the space and patted the older man's cheek. ''abe? 'abe?'

'Yes, darling, Gabe's come back,' Jenna whispered in the little girl's ear.

Oh Lord!

Panic and apprehension escalated. What would Gabe have to say to this evidence of her interference?

'I hope you don't mind us descending on you like this.'

'Not at all.' Jenna took refuge in the mundane, too nervous to ask what she desperately wanted to know. 'This is Gabe's house, and he's free to invite whomever he chooses.'

When they reached the path that led up to the house, George put out a hand and stayed her. Surprised, she stopped and looked at him.

'Before we go up, I want to thank you.'

Whatever she'd expected, it wasn't this.

'Gabe left home amidst a lot of anger and bitterness. We've both been too stubborn to heal the rift.' He rubbed a hand across his rugged face. 'God knows Alex tried. It took a bit of a girl to make this old man see sense.'

'I tried to persuade Gabe to contact you. Will he forgive my interference?'

The old man chuckled. His expression was so like Gabe's, her breath caught in her throat. 'He will. He's head over ears in love with you.'

This man thought Gabe was in love with her? No way!

Confused and disbelieving, Jenna hurried as they walked through the dunes and up the wooden stairs to the house. At the gate they put the twins down and the pair took off. The adults followed at a more sedate pace.

Childish shrieks of joy had her quickening her steps. Smiling, she watched the boisterous greeting and was saddened that Blair didn't want them in his life.

It was obvious her babies did need a father.

And it was equally obvious that Zoë and Zach had chosen Gabe to fill that niche. Would he fulfil their dreams, or was he destined to break their baby hearts?

Jenna glanced from Gabe to the grey haired lady sitting on the chair next to him.

His mother?

The woman was looking at her, and, caught in that shrewd, assessing gaze, Jenna knew that this woman was his mother. That look declared their relationship.

Finally Jenna looked directly at Gabe.

He was still too pale, his injured arm was in a sling and she glimpsed a part of a metal brace, but she could read nothing from his enigmatic expression.

Gabe stood as she approached. 'Jenna, my mother, Althea, my father you've met. I assured them you wouldn't mind us all descending on you. After all, you invited them.'

How am I meant to take that? Dear God, is he angry at me meddling?

She greeted his mother, far too aware of the heat in her cheeks.

His mother looked from her son to Jenna, and picked up Zoë. 'We'll leave you and Jenna to talk, Gabe. Come Zach, Nana will make you a snack.'

With minimal fuss, she cleared everyone from the verandah leaving Jenna and Gabe alone.

'Nana?' Jenna was first to break the uncomfortable silence.

'The twins will be okay with Mother.' He gave an impatient sigh. 'I won't eat you. Come for a walk?'

She looked at him and, seeing his determined expression, merely nodded. 'Are you angry?'

'I should be.' He levelled a glance at her as they walked down the wide verandah steps. 'I was stunned to see them walk into my hospital room.'

What can I say?

Silent, she walked beside him through the gardens until they reached the secluded gazebo. He sat in a wicker chair and she sat in the one opposite. Unbidden, she remembered their lovemaking, and the furious aftermath.

Did he remember? She glanced at him but he betrayed no emotion.

'I was even more staggered to see Katya walk into my room with them.'

Jealousy and anger blindsided Jenna at this unexpected revelation. 'And?'

'She's now divorced, and a single mother of two.'

Dear God, does he still love the woman?

The thought was a knife thrust to the heart and his musing tone set her teeth on edge. 'It's strange, for years I've carried this vision of Katya in my heart, but seeing her—'

Jenna clenched her hands until the knuckles gleamed white.

What is he trying to tell me?

'—the picture just didn't fit anymore.'

I will not react.

Jenna sat rigidly in her seat. Was Gabe punishing her for interfering?

'She was as exquisite as ever but—'

Jenna's heart thudded painfully and nails bit into her palms.

'—there was no fire, no defiance or studied insolence. And no matter how I tried, I could no more imagine her attacking an armed man than I could imagine her sprouting wings and flying.'

Jenna's heart thrummed so loudly, surely he would hear? 'So why did she come?'

'Given the choice, I'm certain Katya would never have come within a continent of me.' He gave her an enigmatic look. 'My father didn't give her the option of refusing.'

'Why?'

He watched her, all brooding intensity. 'What did you tell my father? What did you say that made him relent, after all these years?'

'I told him you were injured and needed him.'

'Nothing else?'

She nibbled on a fingernail, nerves stretched to breaking point. 'Only that he owed you for misjudging you. I did suggest he ask that woman the price of her silence. You must know I'd never betray your confidence.'

He leaned back and closed his eyes.

'Well, whatever you said raised Dad's suspicions. He did some digging and confronted Katya.' He opened his eyes and looked directly at her. 'Katya lied to me Jenna. All these years, and it was a bloody stinking lie.'

Bewildered, she shook her head. Surely he didn't mean—?

'It was all lies.' He rose, walked to the rail and stared out over the bay, his spine rigid.

Fury spiralled through Jenna, even as she ached for him. That scheming witch had plunged him into a living hell. Now, discovering her treachery left him shattered for a second time. 'Did she tell you why?'

Gabe turned to face her. 'It seems she wanted out of our marriage because she'd fallen for an older man. And scared of facing her parents, she latched onto my teenage illness as an excuse.'

'But surely you saw the test results?'

'Haven't you figured it out yet? Money works miracles.' His lips twisted in that cynical smile she hated. 'Offer enough of a bribe and you can even buy phony test results. Katya bribed a lab technician to falsify the results.'

Smouldering anger flared. 'She finessed it so you carried the can while she escaped unscathed.'

'Not unscathed. Dad let slip her marriage was hell.'

'Don't expect me to weep.'

He laughed, but his amusement didn't reach his eyes. 'Thanks to you, it's past. Let it go; I have.'

Had he? Jenna was sceptical, but let it slide.

'I've had a letter from Wallace's lawyer.' He leaned against the gazebo rail watching her. She didn't trust his quiet, conversational tone. 'He said Blair Wallace has returned to London.'

'I received one as well.' Unable to sit still, she rose and paced.

She sensed him behind her just as he caught shoulder and turned her toward him. 'He's renounced all his parental rights. Why, Jenna?'

Jenna could no longer evade this issue. The time for subterfuge was over. If they were to bridge the chasm that yawned between them, Gabe needed to understand.

'Blair and I went through school together. He was shy and introverted, nothing like Dirk, his elder brother. Dirk was a brash loudmouth and a brutal bully, everyone avoided him. He was so cruel to Blair.'

Jenna looked up at Gabe, tears in her eyes.

'Dirk died in a shooting accident when he was seventeen, and after that, Rory sent Blair to boarding school. There were rumours about Blair, but hey, this is Katherine Bay and it's full of gossip so I never took any particular notice. I met up with Blair again at University. We were both homesick and hung out together.'

'That's understandable.' Gabe's hand was firm on her shoulder.

'He was, and still is, a nice guy.' Jenna shivered and spread her hands in a wide gesture. 'At first our friendship was just that, friendship. We were two homesick teens comforting each other in a strange, new environment. During the second semester, he came on to me and we became lovers. When he suggested we move in together, I was flattered, even though the sex wasn't that good. I sensed something missing, that something wasn't right between us.'

Gabe's eyes never left her face.

Jenna rubbed her hands up and down her arms. 'I thought it was me.'

'What happened? Did he have another woman?'

Jenna shuddered, lifted her hands to her face and held them against her cheeks. God, she could still see that scene in her mind's eye.

'I wish.' She gave a little laugh that ended in a sob. 'Another woman I could have dealt with.'

'What happened?' He covered one of her chilled hands with his.

'I came home from classes one day and found him in our bed with his lover, his male lover.'

Gabe's breath hissed from between clenched teeth, his grip tightened on her hand as he swore under his breath. 'What did you do?'

'I walked out leaving everything behind. I wanted nothing he may have touched. Mortified and utterly humiliated, I dropped out of classes and came home. Blair eventually followed me and discovered my pregnancy.'

'At a guess I'd say that wasn't a happy meeting.'

That laconic statement made her laugh, but it ended on a hiccup.

'It wasn't.' She faltered and then decided to tell him the rest. 'When he visited last week, he admitted our affair was his father's idea. Blair sabotaged the condoms.'

There was a loaded pause.

'The bastard.' His expression frightened her.

'I gained something incredibly precious, my babies.' She gripped his good hand in both of hers. 'And now Rory's dead and no longer around to threaten me.'

'He threatened to take your children?'

One glance at his face and she knew he was fuming. The sick sensation in her gut intensified. He had every right to be angry with Wallace, and with her. Had she told him this before, could they have avoided that frightening attack?

'And you didn't think I needed to know this?'

'That was a mistake.' Jenna spread a pleading hand.

'Some mistake.' He gripped her shoulder. 'That mistake nearly cost us our lives.'

Jenna spun away, guilt almost crushing her.

'I couldn't talk about it,' she said in a strangled whisper. 'Any more than you could discuss your infertility.'

His hand came around her neck. As he turned her to face him, tears flooded her eyes. The worst part of Blair's betrayal, was the damage to her self-esteem. His actions had shattered her belief in herself, as a woman.

'I know.' He bent his head and kissed her, a healing kiss of benediction. 'And I never made it easier, preaching to you at every chance about a father's rights.'

'No,' she whispered unevenly. 'I was afraid Rory would make good on his threats to have me declared an unfit parent.'

'The bastard could never have made that stick.'

'I know that now. He must have grown cocky after successfully blackmailing Mum for so many years.'

'What over?' he asked, and then she saw comprehension dawn. 'Heath?'

Jenna nodded. 'I found Mum's diary in that old trunk. He's Heath's father and he threatened to sue for custody of Heath unless she agreed to his demands.'

'Does Heath know?'

'I haven't told him yet. I wanted to ask you or Alex what I should do.'

'He needs to know, Jenna,' Gabe said soberly. 'That's not something you can arbitrarily decide if he should know or not.'

His words eased a ragged fear. Heath did need to know his parentage, and that he had a half-brother living in London. 'I'll give him and Jace the diary to read.'

'And let them deal with,' he said, lifting her chin with a hand that trembled. 'We have to discuss our own future.'

Jenna's heart raced as uncertainty and longing clashed.

Do we have a future?

The gleam in his grey eyes made her quiver as he bent his head and kissed her. One moment the kiss was gentle, the next a raging conflagration.

Jenna's arms were around his neck. Uncertainty and loneliness coalesced into burning need. Within an uneven heartbeat his undamaged arm crushed her slender body to his and the kiss turned soul deep.

It had been too long.

When he lifted his head, her heart was racing, her breathing ragged. She didn't think her heart could beat any faster, until she saw his devastating smile.

'I love you, Jenna.' His deep voice was husky. 'I think I fell in love with you the moment you held me in the cross hairs of that old gun.'

He loved her.

The anxiety knotting her innards finally began to ease. Heat flooded up her cheeks at the memory. She fiddled with the buttons on his shirt, then in a rush asked the question haunting her. There was too much at stake here. These last few weeks alone made her realise that, while her children deserved a happy and stable home, so did she.

She was not prepared to settle for less than she deserved.

'Do you love me? Or is it my children you love more?'

Almost afraid to breathe she felt him stiffen. She met his intense grey gaze without wavering, but her heart beat out a suffocating rhythm.

'I can understand you thinking that.' His deep voice was husky with emotion, and his arm tightened about her shoulders. 'At first, Zoë and Zach were the major attraction. In them I saw a chance to create a family, a chance I thought a malign fate had forever denied me. Now I know that's not true. I love your children but–'

When he paused, all Jenna's doubts and uncertainties crowded in on her. Will he break my heart? Can I live with it?

'—I need you, Jenna,' he said, deep voice husky. 'Before you came into my life I was a dead man walking, trapped in an emotional straight jacket. You jolted me back among the living. You made me feel, breathed hope into my dreams. You moved into this vacant old house and created my fantasy of home and family.

'You have a fearless courage that leaves me breathless. No matter what life throws at you, you meet it head on. I need you to remind me that I'm human. To remind me that it's okay to feel, to love and damn it, even to cry. I want to share what's left of my life with you. Without you, I'm a doomed man.'

'Oh Gabe,' she whispered, shaken. She laid her hand against his cheek. 'I love you so much. Despite my vow never to trust another man, somehow, you snuck up on me.'

He chuckled, the sound vibrating through his chest wall. She rested her cheek just above his the heavy beat of his heart.

'I want to go back to University and finish my degree.'

'You have to know that whatever you want to do, Jenna, you have my full support. You have so much talent. I showed Alex that sketch you drew and he's given it to the architects to use as their brief for the Katherine Bay complex.'

Jenna pulled back, looking at him, incredulous. 'You're kidding?'

'No.' His grin was filled with so much pride. 'There will be alterations to accommodate terrain and substrata, but that's the overall concept we're aiming for. So you're going back to school?'

A tiny smile played on her lips. 'I've already enrolled at Auckland University and will start next semester. My previous credits will count toward my degree. I only need to find accommodation and organize day care for the twins.'

'Would you consider living at Clevedon?' he asked, strangely hesitant. 'My parents are here for a month and I'm sure they would like to witness our wedding.'

Her heart jolted and a smile played on her lips. 'Is there to be a wedding?'

Gabe chuckled.

'With all the males in my family breathing down my neck, would I dare suggest otherwise.' He caught her hand, lifting it to his lips. 'With Alex furious at me for hurting you, I'm shaking in my shoes.'

'I thought Alex disapproved of me?'

'Are you kidding?' Dark mobile eyebrows rose, nearly clipping his hairline. 'Alex didn't take kindly to me making you cry. And Cassie bailed me up, demanding to know why I'd hurt you. Even Kate had a go at me. You have a lot of very loyal friends.'

'Why did you? Send me away?'

He gave her a rueful smile. 'Pride—and fear.'

And Jenna understood. She laid a caressing hand on one lean cheek. 'Gabe, darling, you mean far more to me than your DNA. Never doubt it. Can we pull a wedding together in two weeks? That will give us time for a honeymoon before school starts.'

'That sounds like proposal to me.'

'It is. All you have to do is say yes,' she whispered mischievously.

'Yes,' he said on a husky murmur, his warm breath caressing her lips. 'Yes and yes again.'

*****

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http://shirleywine.com

About the Author

I am a New Zealander, born and bred, a mother, grandmother and recently, a great grandmother ... what can I say ... we started young!!!

Most of my stories are set in our wonderful country in the Antipodes. I've always written, freelancing for local and National newspapers, but Romance is my true love.

I've been a reader of romance from the moment my sister introduced me to The English Women's Weekly and their wonderful serialised romances. I fell in love with the genre.

I know the world is full of heroes. I have my own hero right here at home to prove it. We fell in love when we were young teenagers ... and believe me, we heard all the old chestnuts ... 'You're too young to know your own minds. Young love never lasts. It gives me great pleasure half a century on to thumb my nose and say, 'You know what? You were all wrong!'

Why Romance? I write romance because to me, first and last ... family matters.

I've always been a scribbler. Writing is both a pleasure and a cathartic outlet for stress and grief.

My enduring love besides crafting great stories is reading, my house is crowded with books on every subject imaginable. My other great hobby is gardening. Now, after a lifetime spent farming, I live with my husband in semi-retirement on the traditional Kiwi quarter acre section with a cat and a dog.

You can read more and see photos of my garden on my blog.

http://shirleywine.com

Other books by this author:

Katherine Bay Series:

Safe In A Strangers Arms

A Perfect Lie

A Place Called Home

Yesterday's Sins

Caught By Her Spell

Secrets and Lies Series:

Tell Me No Lies

Ask Me No Questions

Give Me Some Answers

Lies That Bind (coming soon)

Other Books

Return To Totara Park

Seven For A Secret

A Christmas Proposal

One Hour To Midnight

