1 Death Comes to Town by K.J. Emrick Read Free Book Online Page A

wasn’t in the mood for a confrontation with him today. Or ever. It just seemed that they couldn’t even look at each other these days without it turning into a fight.
    “Darcy.” Jeff’s voice was clipped as he stopped in front of her.  What had she done to get up his nose this time? “I know you’re probably riding high on all of the attention you’re getting right now for being in the wrong place at the wrong time. Again. But that doesn’t give you the right to steal what’s mine.”
    Irritated, she crossed her arms under her breasts and stared him down. “For Pete’s sake Jeff, what are you talking about now?”
    “Photos. I’m talking about photos. The ones you stole from me. The ones from in the box you gave me the other day. Some of the photos are missing. Where are they?”
    “Seriously? That’s what’s got you so upset? I have no idea where they are, Jeff. Why would I want your lousy photos?” She’d had enough. Sidestepping him she stormed past without looking back.
    “This isn’t over Darcy!” he called after her. She rolled her eyes as she kept walking.
    When she got back to the shop Sue met her with a wink and a half-smile.
    “Where did you go to?” Sue asked her. “Were you off talking to Jon?”
    “No. Of course not.” Darcy sat down at one of the three reading tables in the store and rubbed her temple where a small headache was forming.
    “I think that he’s cute,” Sue went on about Jon. “Everyone thinks so. It’s really nice to have a new guy around this town. I mean, he’s a little old for me, and I do have Randy, but he’d be perfect for you. Don’t you think he’s cute?”
    “No, I don’t.” Just then Smudge jumped up onto the table and meowed loudly in her face. She hadn’t realized that her cat was in the store. She shook her head at him and said, “What? I do not think he’s cute.”
    Sue chuckled nervously when Darcy spoke to Smudge. Darcy was well aware of how Sue thought it was kind of odd the way she talked to him. She laughed, trying to put Sue at ease. They got back to work and Darcy went back to making her plans for getting into the police station.
     

Chapter Eight
     
    That night Darcy went over to Grace’s house. She was nervous knowing that she was about to lie to Grace. It was for a good cause, she kept telling herself, and her sister would understand. Eventually. Grace lived in a very nice upmarket apartment in Seelander Court which was close to the center of town with her husband Aaron. Darcy timed her visit for just after dinner time. Timing was crucial to her plan.
    “Uh, hi Darcy. What are you doing here?” Grace said at the door with an uncertain smile.
    Oh no, that hadn’t been too friendly. Darcy smiled and said something about just wanting to visit with her sister and then stood there uncertain what to do next. When she hesitated Grace said, “Are you coming in or not?”
    She turned away from the door and walked back into her apartment. Darcy quickly stepped inside and shut the door.
    She followed Grace into the dining room. Grace’s husband was clearing dinner dishes away. “Hi Darcy.” Aaron smiled at her over his shoulder as he balanced plates and bowls in one hand. They had just finished dinner. Perfect timing.
    “Hi Aaron.” She looked from one to the other of them. “Sorry, is this a bad time?” Grace speared her with a narrow-eyed look and then went back to wiping the table clean. Aaron picked up the last of the plates and carried the stack of them into the kitchen leaving Darcy and Grace alone. Grace was very quiet and Darcy felt a bit awkward.
    “Um,” she started. “I wanted to say, about this morning, I’m sorry I pushed you. I understand that you’re bound by law and can’t share information with me.”
    “Thank you,” Grace said slowly, while eyeing Darcy a little suspiciously. With a sigh she finally came around the table to pull her into a hug. “It’s alright Sis. You are who you are. I know that you