All Through the Night (Liar's Web) by Sandra Calhoune Read Free Book Online Page B

his arms and let him slobber him with kisses. With Bonkers in one hand and her luggage in the other, he climbed the porch steps and motioned for her to follow him into the house.
    The interior of Trueblood's cabin was warm and inviting. He'd painted his walls in earth tones—the living room was a bright splash of clay, the kitchen was a warm sand, and the dining room was a rich sage. Although it was modestly decorated, she could tell he'd taken great pains to create an atmosphere of tranquility and comfort. Native American artwork hung on the wall, bold and powerful paintings with great broad strokes of color. They added a unique aspect to the log cabin.
    “ These are beautiful,” she complimented. “Who's the artist?
    “ My sister.”
    Sister? She'd had no idea he even had a sister. He always came across as a lone wolf, a person who walked alone in the world. She shot him a questioning look.
    “ Her name is Ruby. She lives on the Reservation. She's my half-sister, although I hate to make that distinction. There's really no half about it. We're one hundred percent blood.”
    Pine Creek Reservation. Years ago she'd visited the Reservation for a field trip with her fifth grade class. She remembered the air of heavy disappointment within the school bus as the children realized they wouldn't be seeing any teepees or scalped heads. Instead, they'd met jewelry makers, faith healers, farmers, and weavers. And they'd seen the abject poverty of the Reservation up close and personal.
    It was an experience she'd never forget. Although she was curious about his sister's life on the Reservation, his shuttered face let her know he wasn't entertaining any questions about his personal life.
    After showing her to the upstairs guest bedroom where she'd be staying, he pointed out the amenities of the room. “There's a chest of drawers and an armoire where you can store your clothes. There's a closet over there and an adjoining bathroom. Don't open the windows under any circumstances. We don't want to give anyone an open invitation to come in.”
    “ Thanks. It looks comfortable,” she said, feeling slightly overwhelmed by how quickly her life had turned upside down. Was she really at Trueblood's house preparing to live in his guest bedroom?
    “ If you're hungry I can make some burgers while you settle in.”
    “ I'm starved,” she admitted. “I haven't eaten since last night.”
    He turned to leave the bedroom, his steps faltering as he turned back toward her. “We're going to have to talk about the shooter. I know you said it's all a blur, but once you get some rest, maybe it'll all come back to you. We have a great sketch artist we use. She'll work with you to flesh out the details. No pressure.”
    She nodded her head. “Okay. But I still don't remember his face. I know it's odd, but I don't. Doc thinks it might be post-traumatic stress.” She gave an embarrassed shrug. “I know someone wants me dead,” she added as she fingered the bruises around her neck, “and it scares the hell out of me because I don't know who it is.”
    His expression became fiercer as she spoke, and she watched him clench and unclench his jaw, his bold features looking almost savage with intensity.
    “ You don't need to be afraid. ‘Cause whoever he is, he's going to have to go through me to get to you. I'm not about to let that happen.”
    With those forceful words, he turned on his heel and strode out of the room. After he left, she let out the deep breath she'd been holding. It hadn't been easy admitting to him she was scared. He wasn't exactly a teddy bear. He was more like a grizzly. And she wa s   scared. Terrified. Someone wanted her dead. She'd witnessed a murder. Her whole life had been turned upside in less than twenty-four hours because of her brother's shady dealings.
    Maybe Daddy was right about Lenny having to finally deal with his reckless lifestyle. But at the moment she was the one who was caught up in the madness. Although Lenny