Before Sunrise by Diana Palmer Read Free Book Online Page A

you aren’t telling me,” she murmured.
    â€œA site like that, with an unknown set of possible Neanderthal remains…” he began slowly. “If it existed, it would make it impossible for any developer to build on it. We’re talking millions of dollars in time and materials and labor, wasted. Some people would do a lot to avoid that.”
    â€œOkay,” she said, forcing a smile. “So I’ll learn to shoot.”
    â€œI’ll talk to the FBI agent when he, or she, gets here,” he added, “and see what we can come up with by way of protection.”
    But she knew how that would end. Government agencies, like local law enforcement, had the same budget problems that she did. Funding for around-the-clock protection wouldn’t be forthcoming, despite the need,and she certainly couldn’t fund it herself. All the same, the thought of taking a human life made her sick.
    â€œYou’re thinking you couldn’t shoot somebody,” he guessed, his dark eyes narrowing.
    She nodded.
    â€œI felt that way, before I went into the Army,” he told her. In fact, he’d just come out of it the year before, after a stint overseas. “I learned how to shoot by reflex. So can you. It might mean your life.”
    She winced. “Life was so uncomplicated yesterday.”
    â€œTell me about it. I’m not directly involved in the investigation, but jurisdiction is going to depend on where the murder actually took place. Just because he was found on the Rez is no reason to assume he was killed there.”
    â€œWould a killer really want the FBI involved?” she asked.
    â€œNo. But he might not have known he was involving federal jurisdiction. The local boundaries aren’t exactly marked in red paint,” he reminded her with a cool smile. “The dirt road where the body was found looked as if it was close to Chenocetah. But it wasn’t. The reservation boundary sign was lying facedown about a hundred yards from where the tire tracks stopped.”
    She pursed her lips, thinking. “The killer didn’t see the reservation sign. Maybe it was at night…?”
    He nodded, smiling. “Good thinking. Ever considered working on the side of truth and justice, fighting crime?”
    She laughed. “Your department couldn’t afford me,” she pointed out.
    â€œHell, they can’t afford me, but that didn’t stop them hiring me, did it?” he asked, and grinned, showing perfect white teeth. “You take care of your museum, and I’ll do my best to take care of you,” he added.
    She frowned.
    He held up a hand. “In a nice, professional way,” he added. “I know you think I’m an overused man.”
    She did gasp then. “Marie!” she raged aloud.
    He laughed. “I’m not offended, but that’s why I said you shouldn’t share secrets with her.” He lifted both eyebrows. “Actually, it’s a little like peacocks.”
    â€œIt’s what?”
    â€œA peacock makes a fantastic display to attract females. His feathers may be a little ragged, and the colors may be faded, but it’s the effect he’s going for. Sort of like me,” he added, smiling faintly. “I’m not Don Juan. But if I pretend I am,” he said, leaning toward her, “I might get lucky.”
    She laughed with pure pleasure.
    â€œDidn’t you see that movie with Johnny Depp, when he thought he was Don Juan?” he teased. “It worked for him. I thought, why the hell not? You never know untilyou try. But I had to lose the cape and the mask. The sheriff wanted to call in a psychiatrist.”
    â€œOh, Drake, you’re just hopeless,” she said, but in a softer tone than she’d ever used with him.
    â€œThat’s better,” he said, smiling. “You’ve been wearing winter robes. Time to look for spring blossoms, Miss Keller.”
    â€œSometimes you