Chasing Perfect by Susan Mallery Read Free Book Online

start exploring the area, maybe find out if the local community college had interesting classes on things like cooking or knitting. She needed to get out more.
    She noted on her calendar to get a catalog, then turned to her computer. But before she could read her e-mail, there was a knock on her open door.
    Charity glanced up to see a forty-something woman wearing a dark blue police uniform walk into her office.
    â€œAlice Barns,” the woman said as she crossed to the desk and shook Charity’s hand firmly. “Fool’s Gold’s Chief of Police. Thought I’d come introduce myself.”
    Charity motioned to the chair on the other side of her desk. “I’m glad you did. It’s nice to meet you.” She tilted her head and smiled. “What should I call you?”
    The other woman grinned. “Chief Barns in front of the press or my men. Alice when we’re off the clock.”
    â€œGood to know.”
    â€œHow are you settling in?” Alice asked.
    â€œIt’s been a busy week. Lots to learn. So far, I adore the town.”
    â€œIt’s a good place to live,” Alice told her. “Not a lot of crime. A few teenagers thinking they’re smarter than they are. The occasional break-in at one of the vacation rentals. Tourists speeding. Nothing my force can’t handle.” She shifted in her seat. “There might be a new homeless person in town.”
    â€œWhy do you say that?”
    â€œSomeone’s stealing from the local grocery stores. Mostly snacks and convenience foods. A few toiletries. Not to worry. We’ll find out who’s doing it and put a stop to the stealing.”
    While Charity hated the thought of someone going hungry, she understood that local businesses didn’t want to be paying for shoplifters.
    â€œYou plan to go exploring around town?” Alice asked.
    â€œYes. I want to get to know the area.”
    â€œGood idea. Just a word of caution. The abandoned mines are dangerous. Don’t go slipping past the fencing and try to hike down.”
    â€œI’m not much of a hiker,” Charity admitted.
    â€œYou’d be surprised how many people try it. They think an old, dangerous mine sounds romantic. If I had my way, we’d leave ’em lost and let natural selectionwork things out for us. But Mayor Marsha feels we need to show the tourists a good time, regardless of how stupid they are.”
    Charity couldn’t help laughing. Alice’s lips twitched.
    â€œNot that I would say that to the mayor,” Alice murmured.
    â€œProbably for the best.”
    Alice rose. “Well, that’s about it. We have zero tolerance for drunk driving, but you’re not the type to try, so I won’t lecture you.”
    Charity stood and joined the chief on the other side of the desk. “How can you tell I wouldn’t do that?”
    â€œAm I wrong?”
    â€œNo, but you sound sure.”
    â€œI’m a pretty good judge of character.”
    They walked out together.
    On the main floor of the building Chief Barns shook hands with her again.
    â€œYou have any problems, you get in touch with me or anyone in my office,” Alice told her. “Mayor Marsha is very impressed with you and your work and that’s good enough for me.”
    Charity felt herself flush a little at the compliment. “Thank you. I’ll do my best to stay out of trouble.”
    â€œI know you will.”
    The chief put on her blue cap and walked out onto the sidewalk. Charity watched her go. She’d meant her staying out of trouble comment to be a joke, but Alicehad taken it seriously. As if she knew that Charity always did the right thing. She was just that kind of person.
    Which was a good thing, right? She’d never believed that bad girls had more fun.
    â€œAlice trying to scare you?”
    She turned and saw Robert coming down the stairs.
    â€œI liked her.”
    â€œWait until she pulls you over