Beyond Innocence by Carsen Taite Read Free Book Online Page B

the top investigators with the DA’s office.”
    Serena piped in. “Is she expensive?”
    “Good question. I’ve never had to hire a PI, so I don’t have any idea about her fees or investigator fees in general.” As she spoke the words, she realized with every response she seemed more and more inept. Good thing she wasn’t trying to impress anyone.
    Serena cocked her head at Cory’s response, but didn’t pursue the query. “Do you think we could meet with her this afternoon?”
    Ian glanced at his iPhone. “I have an appointment this afternoon, but perhaps Cory could set up a meeting. I’ll give you my notes to help her get started.”
    Serena caught Cory’s eye. “Are you in?”
    “Sure.” Cory spoke the word, knowing she was anything but.

Chapter Five
     
    Cory pointed out the route, only half paying attention, focusing more on her situation than where they were going. A week ago, she’d worked for one of the most powerful law enforcement agencies in this part of the country. Now she was helping represent a loser on death row, on her way to meet with a turncoat private eye. As if that weren’t enough to give her an identity crisis, the driver on her trip to hell was the sister of the killer whose life she was supposed to be trying to help save.
    Serena didn’t look like the next of kin of a rapist slash murderer. No, she looked like a gentle soul, a working woman. Maybe a teacher or an accountant. They were in a rental car, so she wasn’t from around here. Cory looked at her hands, gripping the steering wheel. No ring. Not that unusual for a woman in her early thirties, but still…She should just ask all her questions, but she didn’t. Cory couldn’t put her finger on it, but she sensed strong walls around Serena, boundaries long in place. She respected a healthy desire for privacy, but at the same time the attraction she’d felt when she’d met her urged her to push through, find a way inside. What would she find? Did she have more in common with her brother than she’d like the world to believe? Was her professional appearance a front? And the question that topped her wave of curiosity: was the attraction she felt mutual? What if it was? What if it wasn’t? Fear of both the known and unknown kept her silent. She remained quiet during the ride except when her navigation skills were necessary.
    “Turn into that driveway, up ahead on the right.”
    Serena’s head followed Cory’s hand. “Doesn’t look like office space.”
    “It’s not. Well, not conventional office space, anyway. Most good private investigators I know work out of their cars. Not a convenient place to meet, especially since I think Skye probably still rides a Harley.” Cory kept talking in an attempt to hold off any more questions from Serena. When Skye had suggested Sue Ellen’s as a meeting place, she’d balked, but Skye was in the neighborhood, and a Wednesday afternoon at a lesbian bar would give them as much privacy as they’d be likely to get from any stuffy office setting. She directed Serena to a parking place and practically jumped out of the car to avoid further discussion.
    Serena walked fast for a woman in heels. She paused in front of the door. “Sue Ellen’s?”
    “It’s a local hangout. J.R.’s is just around the corner. You know, from the show, Dallas ?”
    Serena shook her head. “I don’t watch a lot of TV.”
    “It’s old.” Cory felt lame, because both the reference fell flat and because she watched way more TV than she should. She pushed open the door of the bar, spotted Skye, and waved. She held open the door for Serena, but she grabbed her arm instead of walking into the bar.
    “Tell me something.”
    “Sure.” Cory waited patiently for the question.
    Serena shot a look at Skye, before fixing Cory with a hard stare. “Whose idea was it to come here?”
    “Here? Right here?”
    Serena nodded.
    Uh-oh. Didn’t take a genius to discern Serena was displeased. Maybe she didn’t like