Hidden Talents

nearly completed. The shops along the main street of Ventress Valley appeared subdued rather than bustling. There was no colorful wedding party in front of the church to add a note of optimism.
    “Are you certain you want to go through with this?” Serenity tensed in her seat as Caleb turned the Jaguar down the long drive that led to his grandfather's house.
    “I'm certain.”
    “Maybe you should consider a different approach to the problem. Confrontations are always nasty.”
    “I warned you this wouldn't be pleasant. I offered to take you back to Witt's End.”
    Serenity gave up the last ditch effort to change Caleb's mind. She had known all along that she could do nothing to stop what was about to happen. All she could do was be there with him when he ripped apart the fabric of his past.
    The door of the big house opened as Caleb brought the Jaguar to a halt and switched off the ignition. Dolores came out onto the wide porch. Surprise and pleasure lit her features. She hurried down the steps as Caleb and Serenity got out of the car.
    “Caleb, what are you doing here? We weren't expecting you.” Dolores smiled at Serenity. “Nice to see you again, Miss Makepeace. I'll have your room ready in no time.”
    “Don't bother.” Caleb closed his car door. “We won't be staying long.”
    Dolores's smile turned questioning. “What do you mean? You just got here. Surely you'll stay the night.”
    “No,” Caleb said. “We won't be able to do that. I'm sorry, Dolores.”
    The last of Dolores's smile vanished. “Something's wrong, isn't it?”
    “It's a family matter.” Caleb's voice was as bleak and cold as the steel-colored clouds. “Is my grandfather home?”
    “He's in the stables with Harry.”
    “Will you please call Uncle Franklin and Aunt Phyllis for me? Tell them they're needed immediately here at the house.”
    “Of course.” Dolores cast another quick, anxious glance at Serenity. “Franklin will be in his office at the bank. He doesn't like to be disturbed at work.”
    “Tell him this is family business,” Caleb said. “Tell him that I said he'd better come here or I'll hold this conversation in his office.”
    “Oh, dear.” Dolores twisted her hands in her apron.
    Serenity huddled deeper into her jacket. The warm lining didn't offer much protection against the chill in the air.
    Roland came around the corner of the house at that moment. He looked startled at the sight of the small group standing near the Jaguar. His eyes went straight to Caleb.
    Serenity could have sworn that something warm and welcoming moved in the depths of the old man's gaze, something that might have been hope. It was hidden almost immediately behind a cool, unreadable mask not unlike the one Caleb had learned to wear so well. Bits and pieces of other people .
    “Weren't expecting you, son. Miss Makepeace.” Roland nodded politely at Serenity and then looked at Caleb again. “What the devil is this all about?”
    “It's about the past,” Caleb said. “And the future. Let's go inside and wait for Franklin and Phyllis.”

    It was worse than Serenity had anticipated. The atmosphere in the living room was heavier than the air outside. It held more tension, too. She watched Caleb pace back and forth like a caged lion in front of the windows. There was so much dangerous energy emanating from him that she half expected a bolt of lightning to explode in his immediate vicinity.
    He commanded the attention of everyone in the room. Roland watched him the way an aging monarch watches the young warrior who will replace him. His grip on the arms of his leather chair betrayed his tension.
    Phyllis, her mouth pinched in a disapproving line, sat primly on the sofa. Her back was as straight as an iron bar and just about as flexible. Franklin sat beside her, his brows knitted in a scowl. He looked angry but wary.
    “I think we've had enough dramatics,” Roland said. “Tell us what's going on here.”
    “What is going on here,” Caleb said, “is a dose of blackmail.”
    Phyllis gasped in dismay. Her hand went to her throat. Roland stared uncomprehendingly at his grandson.
    Franklin's jaw sagged in stunned amazement. He had to make several attempts before he managed to speak. “You fool . What do you think you're doing, Caleb?”
    Caleb came to a halt near the window and looked at him. “I'm doing the same thing Roland did thirtyfour years ago when he was hit with a blackmail threat. I'm refusing to pay the price. I'm