Death by Temptation by Jaden Skye Read Free Book Online Page A

continued. “She’s been in the water her whole
life long.”
    “Really?”
Cindy hadn’t heard that before.
    “Kara’s
gutsy and determined. The tides could never pull her out,” insisted Alice.
“When the police mentioned that to Rod, it drove him ballistic.”
    “I
can imagine,” said Cindy as they got closer to the bridge. Cindy knew it was
important to get Alice into a different environment, and she was glad to speak
to her alone apart from him. It seemed that Rod was an imposing figure and
could easily influence what his wife felt free to say.
    “Let’s
sit here,” Cindy suggested as they approached the benches on the walking
bridges.
     Alice
quickly agreed, sat down, and put her hands in her lap.
    “This
has got to be like a dream for you,” Cindy started slowly.
    “No,
I feel Kara’s alive,” Alice responded quickly. “If she weren’t, I would be the
first to know; after all, I am her mother.”
    Cindy
understood what she was saying, gave it full credence. “I’m glad to hear that,”
she replied. “Where do you think Kara is?”
    “That
I don’t know, but I know she’s not gone.” Alice spoke matter-of-factly, as if
she were addressing a committee. “It’s entirely possible she’ll show up by
herself in a little while.”
    “Really?”
Cindy was stunned. “Is this something’s she’s done before?”
    “No,”
said Alice, “but Kara knows how to handle herself in the world. Did you know
that she works at a shelter for abused women? It’s a tough job, but she’s great
at it. In fact, right before her wedding, she just got a promotion.”
    Cindy
was amazed. It was hard to imagine that the beautiful, fashionable young woman
she’d had breakfast with a short time ago worked at a shelter for abused women.
The picture didn’t fit.
    Alice
smiled. “Everybody reacts that way when they hear about it,” she said. “Rowley
never really liked the job, and his mother thinks it’s nuts. But I’ve always
been proud of Kara’s choices and I’m very glad she’s doing it.”
    Cindy
looked at Alice with a newfound respect. “It’s wonderful that you support your
daughter unconditionally,” she said.
    “Unconditionally
is right.” Alice liked that.
    “Could
her job have something to do with her disappearance?” Cindy pressed forward.
    Alice
turned swiftly toward Cindy, looking shocked. “How?”
    “The
women in the shelters are hiding from dangerous husbands or partners,” Cindy
spoke slowly, “they’ve been harmed, they’re afraid.”
    “So?”
Alice seemed indignant. “Kara’s job is absolutely safe. These women are
completely hidden. The men have no idea where they are, that’s the whole point
of it.”
    “Someone
could have found out,” Cindy insisted. “Some woman’s husband or boyfriend could
be upset with Kara for helping his woman get away?”
    “That’s
crazy speculation.” Alice seemed to get nervous. “The shelter is supported by
the state. Its location is absolutely hidden. No one finds out where it is,
ever!”
    You
know, though, Cindy mused, so does your husband and Rowley. Cindy couldn’t
bring herself to tell Alice that nothing was absolutely hidden. Everyone had
ways of tracking someone down if they were truly intent on it.
    “Has
Kara ever been threatened, ever?” asked Cindy.
    “Not
that I know.” Alice trembled slightly.
    “And
her relationship with Rowley? Was everything good?” Cindy tried another tack.
    “It
was wonderful, fine, they seemed happy,” Alice spoke quickly.
    “Rowley
didn’t approve of Kara’s work, though.” Cindy wanted to find some kind of
wedge.
    “So
what?” Alice remarked. “How many men truly understand what their wives do all
day long?”
    “Not
too many,” Cindy commented.
    “Maybe
one in a thousand.” Alice looked fitful. “Does yours? Does mine?”
    “Does
Rod?” asked Cindy, fascinated.
    “Rod
and I do beautifully together,” Alice continued, “although in many ways we are
miles apart. Rod