Colby Velocity by Debra Webb Read Free Book Online Page A

finished,” Kendra challenged.
    â€œYou wouldn’t be here otherwise,” Burton tossed right back.
    â€œTouché,” Kendra conceded.
    This part Rocky was enjoying more and more.
    â€œWhat I’m about to tell you won’t be released until tomorrow morning’s press conference,” Burton began. “I’m counting on you” he glanced at Rocky with no lack of suspicion “to keep this quiet until then.”
    â€œYou have our word,” Kendra assured him.
    A brief hesitation no doubt for the effect, then Burton announced, “We have evidence the shooting was the result of Sayar surprising a burglar.”
    Rocky hadn’t noticed any sign of forced access at the front door.
    â€œSolid evidence?” Kendra wanted to know.
    Rocky decided to wander around the room as the two hashed out the theory. That was the plan Kendra had laid out. All indications so far suggested that Sayar lived frugally, Rocky decided. Minimal furnishings. Minimal decorating. Nothing on the walls except a calendar over the desk. No laptop or desktop sat on the desk, confirming Rocky’s conjecture that the police would have confiscated it right away.
    â€œHis wallet was missing as were his computer and a flat-panel television that hung over the mantel.” He pointed to the fireplace.
    Rocky’s attention moved from the cop to the mantel and back. So, the techs hadn’t gotten the computer. Interesting. Maybe Sayar’s murder was a coincidence after all. Part of a robbery. It wasn’t totally outside the realm of possibility.
    Just highly unlikely considering his meeting with Kendra.
    While Kendra launched more questions at Burton, Rocky seized the opportunity to drift into the kitchen. Dirty dishes in the sink, despite the built-in dishwasher. Counters were clear of clutter except for a can opener and a microwave. Stove top and oven looked unused.
    Rocky opened the fridge. Carton of milk and orange juice. Sandwich meat, which was out ofdate. Same with the cheese. Freezer compartment was empty.
    A few cans of soup in the cabinets. One half-empty box of crackers.
    A definite bachelor.
    Rocky listened to ensure there had been no break in the conversation in the other room, then checked the back door. Again, no indication of forced entry. When he eased it closed once more, he didn’t lock it.
    Just in case.
    With Kendra and Burton still deep in intense conversation, Rocky moved to the only other room downstairs. The bathroom. Toilet paper and hand soap. Pedestal sink and toilet. Empty medicine cabinet. Like the rest of the walls downstairs, a generic shade of off-white coated the walls and trim. Floors were covered with faux-wood flooring.
    A cell phone erupted into chimes. Rocky stopped in the tiny square of a hall between the living room and bath to listen. Burton reached into his jacket pocket and then his gruff voice replaced the chimes. Kendra’s gaze collided with Rocky’s as he approached the stairs leading to the second floor. Her nod of encouragement was so subtle had he not been staring so intently at her he would have missed it entirely.
    She would keep Burton occupied.
    By the time Rocky had reached the upstairs landing Burton had ended the call. Kendra tossed out another demand for information.
    Upstairs four doors lined a short, narrow hall, two on either side. The beige carpet hushed Rocky’s footfalls. Door one led to a bedroom furnished with only a futon. Nothing in the closet. Doors two and three opened to a bathroom and a linen closet respectively. The final door opened into the bedroom Sayar had used.
    More of the generic paint. Double bed with tousled linens. Clothes hung neatly in the closet. Shoes lined the floor beneath. One chest of drawers with a flat-panel TV resting on top. Rocky quickly and efficiently rifled through each drawer. Socks, T-shirts, boxers. That was about it.
    He lifted the mattress from the box springs. Nothing under the