Chapter 4Weary from the past hour’s tension, Bonnie sank into the big chair in her room, heaved her splinted leg onto the footstool, and tried to relax. She could not repress an instant replay of the scene between father and daughter. The two were so very much alike. Strong willed, quick tempered, arrogant and yet surprisingly sensitive under their facades of assurance. They both wanted the other’s love and approval, but would sooner die than admit that need.
Her heart went out to Jennifer, for all the girl’s prickly and defiant attitude. About fifteen years ago, Bonita Verdugo had not been too different. Her father had been frustrated with her, too, but being a much different man than Dr. Jerry Bertini, had dealt with her in different ways. He’d moved from Phoenix to Rio Vista, enrolled
