Page 25 of Not the Bodyguard's Widow
Mrs. Capps sat on the end of the couch. “Kimberly, right? When did you arrive? I didn’t see you.”
Kimberly sat in a chair.
“When is the baby due?” The woman eyed Alex suspiciously.
“Not until August. And no, Alex isn’t the father. I am recently widowed.”
“And you are staying all alone with this handsome man in Candace’s house?”
“It isn’t what you think. Candace hired him to be my bodyguard.”
“Mmm-hmm.”
Alex sat at the other end of the couch. He leaned forward, elbows on his knees. “Mrs. Capps, regardless of what you think of the situation, Kimberly is in danger. There are people searching for her using national television, the internet, etc. They may figure out a connection between Kimberly and this house, and it is very important you don’t say a word to anyone about seeing her here today.”
“Really? So you aren’t having a rendezvous?”
Kimberly shook her head. “We met only yesterday. I assure you everything is professional.” Well, mostly.
Mrs. Capps turned to Alex. “Then where are the rest of your people?”
“They will be coming.”
Mrs. Capps looked from Alex to Kimberly. “And you say Candace knows about this? I’m not sure I believe that. She didn’t like your shenanigans with all those guys you dated when you lived here.”
“She didn’t like me coming home late and waking her up.” Or climbing in through the loft window.
“Can I talk to Candace? No offense, but I need to make sure you are telling the truth. I won’t be part of an affair.”
Alex held up his phone. “I’ll text her. She is in London. I’ll ask her to call if it’s convenient. Will you keep Kimberly’s being here a secret?”
“Of course I will. I’m not some old gossip.” Mrs. Capps raised her chin, adding an inch to her five-foot frame.
Kimberly suppressed a smile. Alex looked intently at his phone and left the room.
“Mrs. Capps, are you still a midwife?”
“I’m mostly retired, but I still help my daughter from time to time.”
“I’m worried. I spotted a little this morning.”
The expression on Mrs. Capps’s face instantly morphed from suspicious to caring. “Anything else?”
“It has been a very difficult few days. Several airplane flights. Climbing in through the skylight.”
“Like you used to do when Candace locked you out?”
“You knew?”
“Some of the best entertainment I had was watching the house. But not the best activity for a woman in your condition. Any cramping or pain?”
“No. I’ve had three miscarriages. I pay attention to anything abnormal.”Please, please don’t let this be the fourth.
“Oh. Let me get my bag. I need my stethoscope. I’ll be back in a moment.”
Alex reappeared and closed the door behind Mrs. Capps.
“Did you hear?” Kimberly stood and crossed to where she could see his eyes and if he was lying.
