Bye Bye Bones (A CASSIDY CLARK NOVEL Book 1) by Lala Corriere Read Free Book Online Page A

didn’t you tell me about this? I’ll put on another security guard.”
    Jessica shook her head, her long black hair catching glints of light coming from the moonlight. “No. You won’t want to do that.”
    Jaxon’s arms rose up in a wide sweeping movement. “Then what?”
    “It’s probably nothing,” Jessica said as she edged slightly away from Jaxon. “Lately, there’s been some tension between me and your brother.”
    “Michael? Whatever for? You guys make a great duo.”
    “That’s just it. On the air, we do. But he’s been pissed off with me lately. Mad that I’m getting better stories than him.”
    Jaxon scowled. “That doesn’t sound like Michael. We may only be half-brothers but I know him.”
    He reached back for his wine. Jessica said nothing. This time the silence was stifling. Jessica stood up and turned to face him.
    Finally, Jessica said, “Do you really know him? Really?”
    “Wait a minute,” Jaxon said. “You don’t think my brother is behind this?”
    “I’m sure he wouldn’t mind if I were ousted.”
    His voice grew gruff, “Look, he wouldn’t do this. I know it was Sandra. It’s about hurting me and those I love. You’re a huge target.”
    “It’s more than friendly competition between Michael and me, Jaxon.” Sighing deeply, she continued, “I thought you were going to listen to me before you reacted.”
    He raised his hands above his head. “Look. We’ve both had a long day. Let’s chill out and gather our thoughts later.”
    “Let’s do it separately,” Jessica said. “I’m sorry. I need a break. Not from you, but from your baggage.”

Chapter Eleven
    I WALKED INTO THE police station toward Manning’s office, knowing he was in a private meeting but not caring. I gently laid down my bag, full of my two squirming pupcakes. They went running to love on Manning. I did not. My face was inches away from Manning’s within seconds of entering his private domain.
    “What? What do you have for me? This is a two-way street,” I demanded.
    Manning excused himself from his business at hand. I later determined it was a meeting between cop and cop and the other cop had lost his friggin’ mind. And maybe his badge. I couldn’t believe I used to put up with all that crap.
    “Jesus, Cass. You can’t just waltz in here and interrupt me. And with two dogs.”
    “We’re giving you everything we have. What are you giving us?” I demanded.
    “You know I brought you on because we don’t have the resources within the department. To answer you, we have nothing. I’m relying on you.”
    “You have to feed me something.”
    “First, you look like hell. You must be writing another book with no sleep. And second, you have much broader access than I do. You know exactly what I mean, girlfriend.”
“I don’t do shady, Manning. Lay off of me. And I slept my usual five hours. Gives me time to write.”
    Manning noticed the spilled contents of my purse I had tossed on his desk.
    “I thought you ditched the cigarettes.”
    “I quit. For eight months.”
    “Seems like your cancer sticks are snitching on you. Your lies aren’t working.”
“I didn’t lie. I did quit. Now I only smoke when I want to.”
    “Maybe I should feed you information for each pack you don’t smoke in trade for you giving it up for good. I have no new information. As we deduced, the feds have taken over the missing congresswoman’s case and they aren’t sharing. They don’t give a damn about the others.”
    I started fidgeting with my long red hair, winding strands around my finger.
    “Go outside and smoke your cigs away, Cassidy, if that’s what you want to do. I’d hate to have you pulling out all your hair.”
    “I want to find the sunovabitch that is taking females all around Tucson. That might require a few smokes to get me there.”
    “We may be on to something. I just don’t have the details.”
    “You sorry ass.”
    “Maybe you could give up the cuss words, too, while you’re at