It had been weeks, and she had had no word from Michael. She was as angry as she was worried about what might have happened to him on his trip to Texas. Desperate to know how he was and when he was planning to return, she'd made up her mind to go straight to Nick's father for answers.When the carriage stopped, the driver helped her down, and Karen hurried up the steps to knock on the front door."Miss can I help you?" the maid asked, surprised to see the beautiful young woman standing there. She knew Michael had courted the lovely, arrogant blonde when he'd been in residence with them, but he and Nick had been in Texas for some time now. "I need to speak with Mr. Paden," Karen replied in her most haughty tone."Come in. I'll let him know you're here," the maid said, holding the door wide to admit her.Karen swept inside.The maid directed her to have a seat in the parlor, then went to get James Paden. He appeared in the parlor doorway moments later."Karen, to what do I owe this honor?" James was a bit taken aback that the young woman would come so boldly to his home unchaperoned."1 need your help.""Of course, my dear.
