Blood Ties by Lori G. Armstrong Read Free Book Online Page A

on Shelley’s privacy.”

    I didn’t want Kevin intruding on mine, either. Th is
    case would drag up unpleasant incidents I’d done my best to forget.

    “Just try it. If she doesn’t cooperate, I’ll . . .”

    He shoved his hands under his armpits, staring at the cold, dismal day mocking us outside his window.
    “What?”

    “Honestly, I don’t know what I’ll do. A simple missing person’s case has turned into a nightmare. David paid me to fi nd answers. I will fi nd them, with or without your help.”

    His apparent obsession confused me since he wasn’t hurting for work. Add in the fact that Samantha Friel was already dead and my confusion tripled. But my own obses-sions are hard to comprehend, and Kevin at least tries to understand. As a friend, it was my turn to return the favor.
    “When do you want to do this?”
    “Soon.
    Th
    e funeral is set for Tuesday, so maybe Th ursday?” At my appalled look he added, “Don’t worry, you can skip the service. I’ll set up the meeting with Shelley.”

    A yawn escaped. “You owe me big time for this.” I grabbed my knock-off Prada purse, and ran my hand across the back of the smooth leather chair one last time as I moved, sloth-like, out to the reception area. “You up for a pizza and a movie tonight?”

    53

    Kevin weighed his response before answering. Never a good sign.

    “Lilly arranged this bed-and-breakfast thing for tonight. Can we do it another time?”

    I dug for my keys as an excuse not to look at him, blocking out the image of him and Callous Lilly rolling around naked, sipping champagne and rolling around naked some more. “Yeah, sure, no big deal. Call me.”

    I bounded down the stairs before he called over the railing. “Julie?”
    “What?”
    “Th
    anks. I mean it.”

    His teeth sparkled in the insurance salesman smile I’ve always hated. I should’ve said something friendly, but tact really wasn’t my strong suit today. “Glad one of us is getting some tonight, but for God’s sake don’t forget to wear a condom.”

    Th
    e glass rattled as the outside door banged shut, courtesy of my well-placed kick.

    I would’ve been better off staying in bed.

    Kevin called Tuesday night to remind me of the meeting time with Shelley. By his clipped tone, either he was unhappy Ray had answered the phone, or was still ticked off from my parting shot on Saturday. Either way, I didn’t feel I owed him an apology.

    Th
    ursday afternoon, I met Kevin in the parking lot at the rehab center. I dashed from my car to his, shook off the cold rain, hoping his mood wasn’t as chilly as the day.

    “Hey. You look nice.”

    I’d worn a short, black rayon skirt and a form-fi tting black jacket, a purchase from Th
    e Gap a few years back.
    He’d seen me in the outfi t a million times and always complimented me. As much as I told myself that had nothing to do with why I’d chosen it today, it did. I smiled. “It’s okay?”

    “Perfect.” He casually pulled a loose hair from my 55
    collar and let it fl oat to the fl oor mat.

    I’ve never been a demonstrative person, never expected or wanted it from anyone, friends or lovers. But with Kevin, I’ve come to rely on his eff ortless aff ection; he’s my personal touchstone. I refuse to think of the day when simplicity isn’t enough between us any more. I sandwiched his palm between mine. “Been busy?”

    “Yeah. Mostly I’ve been mad.”
    “At
    me?”

    “At you, at this case, at the damn weather.”
    “At
    Lilly?”

    He dropped his hand. “Julie, don’t start.”

    “Sorry.” I blew out a breath, frosting the window. “I really am sorry.”
    “I
    know.”

    He leaned over and drew a smiley face in the patch of fog, gifting me with an unsure smile. As I’m a sucker for his sweet side, I punched his arm. “Anything unusual happen at the funeral?”

    “Dick Friel showed up. David was convinced he wouldn’t bother.”

    “Anyone else interesting?” Rain drizzled down the