Burden Of Blood by Wenona Hulsey Read Free Book Online

hand.  “Oh and by the way, you’re going to stay with me for a while.” He put up a hand to stop the protest building behind her tightened lips and crinkled brows.  “Just until this man is caught.  I won’t be able to sleep knowing you’re not safe so do this for your ol’ Dad without a fight alright?” He turned and walked out the door closing it softly behind him.  He didn’t wait for an answer because he wasn’t giving her any choice. She was his daughter and he was going to protect her.
     

 
     
     
    Chapter 5
     
     
     
    Nicole sat in her childhood bedroom, bathed in the vibrant pinks and purples.  God how did I ever exist in a room like this! She laughed, digging her toes in the fuchsia heart shaped shag rug next to her twin bed.  She remembered how excited her mother had been to show her the rug, a yard sale treasure, one early Saturday morning.  Those were happy times for their little family when they were grateful for the small things in life-like a family meal around the kitchen table or a day at the park together.  Nicole’s eyes prickled with tears, causing her to blink rapidly to restrain them.  Two weeks locked inside this house was getting to her.  She wondered how her dad could stand living here when everywhere she looked were memories of her mother’s touches.
     
    She got out of the bed and walked over to the window.  The view was beautiful from the second story.  She looked down into the back yard where various colored azalea, giant purple iris’ and two large red rose bushes were in full bloom.  Her mother had nurtured each plant with immense pride every summer when she was alive.  Beyond the white fence, a large green pasture spread across the horizon, dotted with black and white dairy cows, grazing with tranquil ease.  The sun was rising, casting an orange glow across the fresh morning sky.
     
    Nicole could hear her dad downstairs moving around in the kitchen, as the scent of bacon and coffee started to drift into her room.  Almost on command, her stomach let out a loud growl.  She hadn’t had much of an appetite since getting out of the hospital, but it seemed like her body was ready to get back into the swing of things today.
     
    “And not a moment too soon, because this girl is heading back to work tomorrow.” She said to herself as she started downstairs.  She had never been as happy about going to work as she was now.  She was ready to get back to life and to work on this hit man mystery.  Luke had kept her out of the loop, saying she needed to focus on recovering.  She knew that was a load of bullshit; he was trying to pull the same crap on her as her dad was by keeping her locked away.  Well that time is coming to an end, she thought as a small mischievous grin crept across her lips.
     
    “Morning Dad, breakfast smells great.” She said in an uncharacteristically cheerful voice.  Apparently, the prospect of getting her hands back into police work was having a positive effect on her mood.
     
    “Thanks, baby, I was hoping you would be hungry.” James said with a smile.  He began filling her a plate with scrambled eggs, bacon and buttered toast.  “Listen, I thought I’d go out fishing with the guys for a while tonight.  I’ve asked Luke to come keep you company while I’m gone.  He should be here around six this evening.” He tried to say it with a nonchalant attitude but was having a hard time covering the grin sneaking across his face.  He could never hide how highly he thought of Luke.  He told her more than once she should give the poor guy a chance.
     
    “Thanks, but no thanks, old man.  I know what you’re trying to do and it’s not going to happen.  Dating is not in the books for me and you know I have a damn good reason.  You and I having to deal with my freakish problem is bad enough.  I’m not going to drag anyone else into my drama, so just push that little idea out of your mind.” Shaking her head, she threw up her