This past Saturday I told you some backstory to my upcoming April 23rd release of Retribution. If you can stand some more about the book ( LOL) here’s a little bit of a tease…this shows you what Kella’s life is like now, 10 years after she left the FBI.
“This is some menu,” Jameson said, reading down both sides.
“Kella claimed it was the best food for fifty miles,” Tucker told them, taking in the packed room. “I don’t think she was exaggerating.”
He’d called ahead for reservations, and they’d been shown to a table immediately upon arrival. He’d seen no sign yet of Sean or Kella.
“What looks good?” Diego asked.
“Everything,” Anna said, her eyes widening at the vast and varied array of choices. “I’m glad I had that workout today. There’s no dish on here that isn’t at least fifteen hundred calories.”
“Oh, there are a few,” Kella said.
She was standing at their table, three little bodies with her. On her hip was a small girl whose hair and texture were cloned from her mother. Brilliant, oval blue eyes shot out at them, wide and watchful, a thumb secured in her mouth.
Anna was stunned to see the three men rise.
“Sit down,” she said, waving her hand at them and smiling. “These are my girls. This,” she jiggled the toddler in her arms, causing a squeal of giggles to erupt around the mouth-attached thumb, “is Bridget. She’s eighteen months. This,” she laid a hand on the shoulder of her second daughter, a small version of her father with curly black hair pulled back in a headband, and eyes the shape and color of perfect chocolate chips, “is Enya.”
“I’m five.”
“And proud of it,” Kella said. “And this is –”
“I’m Donelle. I’m the oldest. I’m nine.”
Tucker stared, mesmerized by the little girl. Sean’s build, coloring and physical intensity were branded on her, but her face was pure Kella, right down to the slight dip that ski-sloped the edge of her nose. Eyes the shape of seasoned almonds and lashes darker than anything Tucker had ever seen fanned her high, chiseled cheeks when she blinked. A small, lush pouty mouth ended in a strong and perfectly heart-shaped jaw which was boldly upturned, an expression Tucker knew from memory.
“In case you missed it, she’s also the shyest,” Kella said, her lips curving at the corners.
“It’s nice to meet you,” Tucker said, reclaiming his seat.
“How do you know Mommy?” Enya asked. “You’re not from here. We know most everybody ‘cause our daddy owns this rest’rant and everybody in town comes here. But you’re new.”
Tucker managed to conceal the smile looming on his face by reaching for a drink of water.
“I know them from where I used to live,” Kella said.
“In Washington, D.C.” Donelle told her younger sister.
“That’s right. From a long time ago before you were all born.”
Enya turned her attention back to Tucker and said, “You must be old.”
He was reprieved from replying by their waitress returning to take their order.
Intrigued? LOL. Hope so
~ Peg
Peggy Jaeger, Author 