Drake Sisters 04 - Dangerous Tides

girl."

    "I'd rather just tell you and start off the right way."

    "That might get you hit over the head."

    Tyson drove for several miles in silence. A muscle ticked in his jaw. Libby was not going to help him out.

    Generated by ABC Amber LIT Conv erter, http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html
    She remained quiet. Waiting. He sighed. "Libby, are you going to marry me?"

    She didn't hesitate or try to keep him in suspense. "Yes, Ty. I am."

    He let his breath out slowly. "You sure? I'm not very social."

    "That isn't exactly news."

    "Put the ring on your finger."

    Libby wasn't surprised when the ring fit perfectly. She held out her hand so he could see. "It's beautiful."

    He caught her hand and kissed her fingers. "I don't want you to make up your mind about the house until we give it another try. Promise me you'll keep an open mind." He pulled the car onto a long winding drive leading up to high gates.

    "This is where Martinelli lives?"

    He glanced at her, quickly recognizing the apprehension in her voice. "You don't have to go in, Libby. I can talk to him myself."

    "No, no. I need to do this. I want to look at him while I'm talking to him. It's easier to read someone face-to-face."

    "You're not afraid, are you? Ed wouldn't be so stupid as to try to harm you in his own house, especially when he knows the police are aware we're talking to him. When I set up the appointment with him, I made certain he knew we were letting everyone know where we were."

    "He has to be involved in something dirty if he sent men to your house to beat up Sam," Libby pointed Generated by ABC Amber LIT Conv erter, http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html
    out. She waited until Tyson leaned out the window to speak into the camera box.

    The gates swung open and Tyson drove them up to the house. He'd obviously been there before and knew exactly where he was going. The house was large, Spanish style with a huge courtyard. The grounds were well kept, with flowers and shrubs everywhere. Ed Martinelli held the door open, waiting for them as they came up his walkway.

    "Finally, Miss Drake. Thank you for coming." He held out his hand to Tyson. "I can't thank you enough for bringing her to me."

    "You can thank me by telling me why the hell you sent a couple of men to beat the hell out of my cousin."
    Tyson took an aggressive step forward despite Libby's restraining hand. "And it’s Doctor Drake."

    Martinelli looked puzzled. "I don't know what you're talking about, Ty. I sent John Sandoval to ask her to speak with me. I tried to reach her by phone, but didn't get anywhere. When you called me and told me what they'd done, I pulled them out of Sea Haven immediately." He looked at Libby. "Please accept my sincere apologies, Dr. Drake. John takes his job very seriously."

    "They had guns," Tyson said.

    "I can only repeat my apology, Ty. They're bodyguards. They carry guns. If it makes you feel any better they were fired. I was desperate and I sent men I thought I could trust to handle a delicate situation.
    When they made it worse, I asked Sam to arrange a meeting and offered to exchange his gambling debt for a chance to talk to Dr. Drake." He stepped back and gestured toward the entryway. "Please come in."

    Tyson stepped into the cool interior. "You're telling me you didn't have a couple of your men beat up Sam?"

    "You've known me for years. Nearly my entire life. You know I don't operate that way. Sam owes me money. He has before and he will again. Why would I want him hurt? He's your cousin. If there was a problem, I'd go to you and we'd work it out."

    Generated by ABC Amber LIT Conv erter, http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html
    "If you didn't send the men after Sam," Tyson asked, "who the hell did?"

    Libby remained silent, her fingers curled around Ty's hand, her gaze sharp and clear on Edward Martinelli's face. He looked worn and tired. She could feel waves of distress pouring off of him.

    "I have no idea, Ty." He spread his hands in front of him, looking defeated. "I have three uncles involved in criminal activities. I can't help who my father was any more than he could help who his brothers are.
    Periodically they send bodyguards around to protect my family. I don't ask questions and I don't refuse them. Whatever is happening in their lives, I don't want my family hurt. It may be wrong of me, but I'm not willing to take a chance. I live my life as best I can." He waved his hand toward the sofa, an invitation to sit.

    Tyson settled