Deceived (Private Justice Book #3): A Novel by Irene Hannon Read Free Book Online Page A

coming out of an abusive relationship. Kate started there two years ago as a counselor and was promoted to director of the center last year. She’s also active in her church and delivers for their meals-on-wheels type program every Sunday.”
    Cal sipped his coffee. “Credible job, credible background, credible lifestyle.”
    “But incredible story.” Dev took another bite of his coffee cake and spoke as he chewed. “So what’s she want us to do?”
    “Identify the boy she saw at the mall. Otherwise, she’s not sure she’ll be able to let this go.” Connor closed the file.
    “Seems like a reasonable request in light of all the facts—and her concerns about some of the aspects of the original investigation.” Cal swiped a smear of caramel off the side of his mug with his thumb.
    “Any idea what the security camera situation is at the mall?” Connor leaned back in his chair and steepled his fingers.
    “I used to, when I worked at County. We investigated a few cases that took us there. But that was six years ago. However, one of my detective colleagues is the head of security there now. I could give him a call, get you an entrée. Since we have a time and location on the sighting, it shouldn’t be difficult to isolate the relevant feeds. Reviewing them will eat up some hours, though. Does your client have a budget for that kind of thing?”
    “She included a note with her questionnaire assuring us cost wasn’t an issue. Apparently she received a large insurance settlement after her husband’s death.”
    Dev finished off his stollen and licked his fingers. “Even if you spot this kid, the odds of figuring out who he is are minuscule. And despite the coincidences she mentioned, the chances are microscopic that he’s her son. Seems to me the lady’s wasting her money.”
    “She doesn’t feel that way. The incident last Friday really got under her skin.”
    Dev wadded up his napkin. “Speaking of getting under the skin . . .”
    As Connor’s neck warmed, Cal stepped in. “I say go for it—in terms of viewing the surveillance video, that is. If you can’t spot the boy, end of story. Let’s defer any further discussion until after that.”
    “Fine by me.” Dev grabbed the plate of coffee cake and stood.
    “Hey!” Connor surged forward and snatched a piece. “This might be your favorite, but it’s for all of us.”
    “I was just going to put it in the kitchen.”
    “After pilfering several more pieces to stockpile in your desk.” Cal rose and followed Dev out. “I’ll make the call to mall security and pass on the contact information once I get the green light. Keep us in the loop.”
    “I will.”
    As they disappeared down the hall, Connor opened the file, located Kate’s cell number, and reached for his phone. She’d be happy to hear they were going to do some initial investigating, but he didn’t want to build false expectations. Dev was right. There wasn’t much chance he’d turn up anything useful. The little boy’s identity would, in all likelihood, remain a mystery. But perhaps knowing everything possible had been done might give her some small measure of peace.
    And considering all she’d been through in the past three years, that was the least he could do.

    Thank you, God.
    Cell phone pressed to her ear, Kate swiveled away from her desk, toward the window that gave her a view of the world through slanted privacy blinds. Connor Sullivan had come through for her—and her spirits were now as bright as the sunshine outside. “I have to admit, I was preparing myself for a letdown.”
    “That may yet be coming.” She didn’t miss the distinct note of caution in his baritone voice. “The mall’s surveillance camera coverage may not be sufficient for our purposes. And even if we do spot the boy, identifying him is still going to be a challenge.”
    “I know—but at least you’re willing to try. That means alot.” The last couple of words rasped, and she swallowed past the