Dead Ringer by Sarah Fox Read Free Book Online Page A

tonight.”
    â€œThanks for inviting me,” I said. “It’s been nice.”
    â€œI think we should do this again sometime.”
    I smiled. “Me too.”
    He leaned in to kiss me. His arms went around me and my right hand slid up his neck to the back of his head, my fingers raking through his thick blond hair. I was so caught up in our kiss, so focused only on the two of us, that I nearly jumped higher than a kangaroo when someone pounded on the front door.
    Hans and I broke apart.
    â€œHold that thought,” he said, moving away from me with reluctance.
    I followed him to the edge of the living room but hung back out of sight as he opened the door, just in case it was someone who knew both of us.
    It turned out that it was someone who knew both of us, but not in the way that had crossed my mind.
    â€œEvening, Mr. Clausen,” Detective Bachman greeted Hans tersely.
    â€œDetectives,” Hans returned. “What brings you here at this hour?”
    I stepped into sight. Detective Salnikova was on the doorstep along with Bachman and they both looked past Hans to me when I appeared.
    Bachman nodded in my direction. “Ms. Bishop.”
    If he was surprised to find me there, he didn’t show it. Neither did Salnikova.
    â€œWe’d like to ask you some more questions about the circumstances surrounding Mr. Ralston’s death,” Bachman said, turning his attention back to Hans.
    â€œI’ve already told you everything I know.” Hans sounded puzzled and slightly annoyed.
    â€œWe’d still like to ask you some questions.” Detective Bachman wasn’t about to back down.
    Hans sighed but stepped back, opening the door wider. “Come on in.”
    The detectives didn’t budge. “We’d like you to come to the station with us.”
    I gripped the edge of the living room doorway. “Why?” I asked. “Why can’t you talk to him here?” There was an edge of panic to my voice.
    Detective Bachman ignored me. “Mr. Clausen?”
    A second or two ticked by before Hans responded. “I’ll get my coat.”
    As he opened the hall closet, I went to his side, putting a hand on his arm. “Hans, why are they doing this?”
    â€œI don’t know.” He took his leather jacket off its hanger and paused, meeting my eyes. “Everything will be fine, Midori. I’m sorry this has spoiled our evening. Should I call you a cab?”
    â€œThat’s okay. I’ll do it.” I removed my hand from his arm and grabbed my clutch from the hall table while he shrugged into his jacket.
    After Hans switched off the gas fireplace, we stepped out onto the front porch. I waited while he locked the front door. The detectives stood on the sidewalk, the yellow light from a nearby streetlight giving their faces a pasty, sickly appearance. My stomach clenched at the thought of them spiriting Hans away for what didn’t seem like a friendly visit.
    Slipping his keys into his pocket, Hans kissed me on the cheek. “I’ll talk to you tomorrow. Don’t worry. I’ll be fine.”
    He descended the stairs and joined the detectives on the sidewalk, leaving me there on the porch. As the detectives’ car set off down the street, all I could do was watch and wonder if Hans really would be fine. The police had taken him in for questioning, and despite what he’d told me, I had a feeling that he knew why.

 
    Chapter 5
    I DIDN’T SLEEP much that night. I kept tossing and turning, unable to stop worrying about Hans and thinking about Jeremy’s murder. What interest could the police possibly have in Hans? He’d explained about the argument I’d overheard, so what else could the police want to know? I regretted ever telling the police about the argument. Then again, I couldn’t have held information like that back. I never really thought it would get Hans in trouble, because I was so convinced of