Chasing Shadows by Terri Reed Read Free Book Online Page A

huffed. “I’ve already explained to Detective Burke—” she gestured toward Gabe, who stood off to the side “—that the residents in question have gone on vacation.”
    â€œWhat about the body I saw you wheel into the infirmary tonight?” Sadie pressed.
    Kris cringed, wishing Grams hadn’t mentioned that. But since she had…Kris watched Ms. Faust closely. A little tick started over her right eye. Was she angry, nervous or guilty?
    â€œI have no idea what you are talking about,” Ms. Faust stated.
    The older officer hitched up his utility belt, glanced over at Gabe before saying, “We’ll just take a look around. Won’t take but a moment.”
    Throwing Sadie and Kris a nasty glare, Ms. Faust preceded the policemen down the hallway.
    Gabe stepped forward and took Kris by the elbow. “I told you to wait for me,” he said in a harsh whisper.
    â€œI’m sorry, but Grams was so agitated. I couldn’t wait,” she whispered back.
    He released his hold on her and ran a hand through his hair. “Are you trying to make things more difficult for Sadie?”
    Guilt and concern gripped Kris by the throat. “Of course not. Help me get Grams to her room, would you?”
    Gabe nodded, though his expression said he wanted to be anywhere but there. They flanked Sadie and led her to her studio.
    â€œGrams, promise me you won’t do any more wandering about at night,” Kris said as she helped Sadie on the bed.
    â€œOnly if you promise to come back tomorrow.”
    Tucking the bedcovers over Sadie, Kris said, “I’ll be here after breakfast.”
    â€œYou do believe me, don’t you, Krissy?” Sadie’s gaze sought Gabe. “I know I didn’t imagine that body.”
    The unreadable expression on Gabe’s face didn’t fool Kris. He didn’t believe Sadie.
    She hesitated. How did the Bible describe faith? The verse in Hebrews rushed to the forefront of her mind. Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.
    Kris stroked back a lock of Sadie’s hair. Love filled her heart for this woman who’d taught her about the love of Jesus, who taught her to have faith in God. Shouldn’t she put some faith in Sadie?
    â€œI believe you, Grams.” She kissed her papery-thin cheek, then she and Gabe quietly slipped out of the room.
    Gabe stopped her in the hall. “You really believe her?”
    â€œYes, I do. If she saw a body, then she saw a body.”
    Gabe frowned. “You said she had a nightmare.”
    â€œShe said she wasn’t asleep.”
    â€œYou’re both nuts.” He shook his head, clearly exasperated with her and Grams. Capturing her hand, he said, “Come on, let’s get out of here.” Gabe led the way toward the front of the center.
    Ms. Faust was at the entrance door talking with the police officers.
    â€œMs. Faust has decided not to file trespassing charges against you, Miss Worthington,” said the older officer.
    Kris gave Ms. Faust a tight smile. “Thank you.”
    Ms. Faust inclined her head. “I realize you are devoted to your grandmother, but you must understand that at her age, it’s not uncommon for the mind to become confused, mixing reality with fantasy. We may need to consider moving her to a memory care facility.”
    â€œShe isn’t losing her mind.” Kris ignored the little niggling reminder of the few times Sadie had seemed to be more forgetful. It was one thing for Grams to lose track of a conversation but another entirely for her to make up an elaborate scenario like this. Kris turned to the officers. “My grandmother says she saw a body on a gurney. She wouldn’t make that up.”
    The young officer’s smile was slightly sad whereas the older man’s was blatantly patronizing as he said, “I suggest you stick to regular visiting hours.”
    Kris ground her