Always Watching by Lynette Eason Read Free Book Online Page B

about Olivia that he didn’t have any business noticing. There had been a lot of gorgeous women in his life. Women he’d simply noticed were beautiful, but he’d felt no special tug of interest in. Except for Justine. Beautiful, sweet Justine. He looked away for a moment as her memory rushed over him. He cleared his throat. Just because he’d gone and felt that spark of interest in Olivia didn’t mean he had to get all distracted by that.
    At least not right now. Probably not ever.
    â€œAnd another thing,” she said, “there will be a police officer assigned to your home. He—or she—will be here at all times to watch the house. Fortunately, I have a lot of friends on the force who are willing to earn a few extra bucks by lending their skills when needed. The police force itself doesn’t have the resources to be able to watch you like you need it.” Her phone buzzed and she looked at it. “Good. Cameras will be installed first thing in the morning.”
    â€œYou have a lot of resources at your fingertips, don’t you?”
    â€œIt’s taken time to build the relationships, but yes, I’m very fortunate in that respect. When we started the agency, each of us brought resources with us. We utilize them when we need to.”
    Wade walked to the window. He stared out across the expansive acreage and wondered if she was watching his house now. The anger still simmered.
    â€œDo you mind not standing right in front of the window?”
    He turned to see the frown on her face intense, hand outstretched like she was ready to snatch him from the very jaws of danger. He stepped back and to the side and her stance relaxed a fraction. “I guess I’m going to have to start thinking as though my life depends on how smart I am, aren’t I?”
    â€œDefinitely. I’m really wanting cameras installed. This person is brazen enough to come onto your property. Maybe with a camera we’ll be able to get a picture.” She shot him a stern look. “Don’t mention the security upgrade on your radio show.”
    He rolled his eyes. “As if,” he muttered. “I’m only an idiot on early Friday morning. This time of day, I’m good.”
    He thought he might have caught a slight twitch of a smile on her lips, then decided it must have been a trick of the light. She kept the bear and headed back down to the porch.
    Wade followed, his mind churning, wishing he could delete the image of the decapitated bear. “It’s not like it was a real animal, get over it.”
    â€œWhat?” Olivia turned, brows raised.
    â€œNothing.” They entered the den.
    While he’d been scavenging for the bear in Amy’s room, three police cruisers had arrived along with several plainclothes detectives.
    â€œWhat’s going on, Wade? Are you all right? Why won’t they let us in?”
    Wade looked up to find his sister-in-law, Martha, ignoring a female officer’s upraised hand and heading for him. Amy was right behind her, along with her friend Stacy. The officer started to exert force to keep them back when Olivia gave the woman a discreet nod. The officer shrugged and let them through.
    â€œYeah, Dad, what’s the deal with all the cops?” She chewed her lip, her eyes bouncing from one person to the next. Her anxiety level was probably rising by the second.
    He stepped forward. No way he wanted her or Stacy to see what was in the coffin. He caught Martha by the arm. “I’ll explain later. Would you please take the girls over to your place until I give you the all clear?”
    â€œCertainly.”
    â€œNo, Dad, I want to stay with you.” Amy wrapped her arms around his waist and clung.
    He placed a hand on her shoulder and met Martha’s eye. “All right, look, how about you and Stacy and Aunt Martha go into the kitchen and make some cookies?”
    Martha nodded. “That sounds fun.”