A Killer's Agenda by Anita M. Whiting Read Free Book Online

had used her services either.”
    “Ever meet her?”
    “Nope, but I hear she’s a knockout.”
    “You knew Alex was a woman,” Brad accused.
    “Yeah, I did. Also knew if I told you that fact you’d fight me even harder about hiring her.” Kevin’s voice changed. “Listen, Brad, I know you don’t like the idea of working with someone else, but we need all the help we can get. Even if it means taking our chances with a clairvoyant or whatever it is she is.”
    “I hope you’re right. Call you in a few days when I have more.”
    He disconnected the call, tossing the phone on the leather seat.
    Damn it! Whether he liked it or not, it appeared he was going to have to hire one Alex Leahy. He absently pushed a button and the sun roof slid back. He welcomed the slightly chilly air as he made his way back home. He had interviewed several other agencies immediately after his meeting with Alex but, for some reason, none
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    of them had impressed him. Worst part was, after their initial meeting, he wasn’t at all sure the woman would take the job
    anyway. He might as well bite the bullet and swing by her office right now. Get the groveling over with as soon as possible and get on with the investigation. He didn’t like it, but it appeared he had no choice.

    * * *

    He found the charming old house that had been converted into several offices on a side road downtown and parked in front. A slightly plump woman with graying hair was sitting behind a desk busily typing on a computer. At the sound of the bell, she turned, smiling.
    “Good afternoon, sir. What can I do for you?”
    “I’d like to speak to Miss Leahy if she’s in.” He reached for a business card. “My name is Brad Norton.”
    “As a matter of fact, she’s…”
    The door behind her opened just at that moment and Alex
    walked through, glancing down at some papers she held in her hand. “Nora, take a look at these. I’m not sure how old they are but—” She stopped speaking suddenly, her gaze finding Brad’s.
    “Mr. Norton, I’ve been expecting you,” she said, her eyes cool and direct. “Please, come back to my office.”
    Before he could say anything, she turned to her secretary. “Do me a favor, Nora, and hold all the calls until we’re done. Thanks.”
    There was no mistaking the fact that she wasn’t a girl this
    time, he thought, following her down a short hallway. The crisp green dress she had on was simple but it hinted at every curve
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    beneath. It ticked him off that he felt at a disadvantage once again.
    It was time to change that.
    Her office took him by surprise. He was expecting antique
    furniture, dainty chairs and whimsical paintings. Instead, it was no nonsense and serviceable. A huge oak desk sat in the middle with several filing cabinets behind it. There was clutter, but it appeared to be an organized mess. Comfortable chocolate-brown chairs flanked both sides of the room.
    He was right about the paintings, however. He walked over to get a closer look. Several decorated the walls, one a soft watercolor of the sea and emerald green grass with children playing in the sand. Another, much darker, was of a castle. Its turrets were lit by a flash of brilliant lightning, huge waves from the sea splashing behind it. He could almost hear the roar of the tide and the crack of thunder. His gaze slid to the bottom and he turned, surprised.
    “You painted these?”
    She nodded silently.
    He turned back. “They’re good. Really good.”
    “Thank you.”
    Alex studied him openly. She could feel the pull between them, feel the tension and a shiver of apprehension shot through her.
    Their future hadn’t been revealed to her as of yet but she had no doubt their lives would be entwined one way or another. She just hadn’t made up her mind whether that was a good or bad thing.
    Not for him but for her. At the age of twenty-six, she had managed to keep her heart whole. Oh, there had been men, a fair