Death and Relaxation by Devon Monk Read Free Book Online

hand over my eyes.
    “What did Ryder have to do with Dan’s rhubarb? Please tell me Ryder was naked during at least part of your thorough examination.”
    I held very still and took a deep breath. I was glad most of my face was covered by my hand, otherwise she’d see my expression and know that, yes, Ryder had been naked.
    “Ryder was one of Chris Lagon’s alibis. That’s all.”
    “That is so not all.”
    “It really is. All. Any luck finding a new hire?”
    She made a rude noise. “Changing the subject won’t work.”
    “If that won’t, then maybe you should.”
    “Should what?”
    “Work.”
    “I am working. Getting details on this alibi situation. What did Ryder say?”
    “He saw Chris and Dan talking. Was there late enough to see Chris close the place.”
    “All right. He’s an alibi. He didn’t…say anything about anything?”
    I dropped my hand and studied her. “What are you getting at?”
    “He told you I was staring at Hogan. How did that come up in the alibi conversation?”
    “It was mentioned in passing.”
    “Ask him out.”
    I paused with my coffee cup halfway to my mouth. Ryder had said he’d run into Jean at the store. I was beginning to wonder if she’d orchestrated that chance meeting. She’d wanted Ryder and I to date since middle school. Had some sort of fairytale idea of a happily ever after between us. Plus, my little sister was sneaky. “How long have you been talking to Ryder behind my back?”
    She ignored me. “If he’s not going to ask you, ask him. He likes you.”
    “I know he likes me. I like him too. We’re friends. Friendly.”
    “Be more than friends,” she said. “Take a chance. I know he’s been gone awhile, but he’s great. It will be great.”
    “How about you stay out of my personal business?”
    “Oh, like that will ever happen.” She leaned on the edge of my desk and polished off the rest of her donut. “You know he’s not dating,” she said around a mouthful.
    “Not talking about this.” I put down my coffee and logged in to the computer.
    She snagged my cup, took a gulp. “Ow. Hot.” She pressed her lips together and her eyes watered.
    I just shook my head. Officer of the law couldn’t figure out that hot coffee wasn’t a good idea with spicy food. Brilliant.
    “He’s not dating,” she continued, “ever since he’s gotten back. He’s had a few ex-girlfriends try. Remember Char?”
    Char had been a gymnast in high school. Tiny, bendy. Popular and rich. She’d just missed out on qualifying for the Olympic team. She and I hadn’t ever been in the same circles. I was more of a softball, swim team, and volleyball girl.
    She was more the kind of girl all the boys wanted to date. Including Ryder.
    Jean kept talking as if I’d answered her. “Well, she tried to get back with him. He wouldn’t even give her the time of day. And you haven’t dated since Mr. Find-Myself—what an ass—bailed town.”
    “So?”
    “So why not go out with Ryder?”
    “Because I’m the one deciding what to do with my life, not my little sister. And that…” I pulled my coffee out of her hand before she finished it. She was such a glutton for punishment. “…is the end of the conversation.”
    Jean opened her mouth.
    Just as the old black phone rang.
    We both stared at it.
    She shook her head. “I’m clocking out in fifteen minutes. This is all you.”
    I sighed. “Where’s Myra?”
    “Responding to a call. Someone stole Mrs. Yates’ penguin and tied it up a tree.”
    Mrs. Yates’ penguin was a concrete yard ornament that someone in town couldn’t get enough pleasure harassing.
    The black phone kept ringing like a windup alarm clock. That phone only rang for one reason. There was a god on the line.
    I squared my shoulders and picked up the heavy receiver. “This is Police Chief Delaney Reed of Ordinary speaking.”
    “Reed Daughter,” the cool voice said from the other side. It was always a little disconcerting talking to a deity under