Diamond in the Rough (Precious Gems) by A.A. King Read Free Book Online Page B

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    “Five million?” he questioned.
      “That doesn’t sound right.  Charles was worth far more than that.  Were there any provisions for the rest of the money?” he asked as he pursed his lips together.
    “No, but that was not what made me feel on edge,” she explained.  “I went to the stable after a confrontation with Jason and he followed me there.  I completely lost my composure and he comforted me but I still had t he feeling I was being watched,” she stated, making sure to avoid the details of her breakdown.  It made her feel weak and vulnerable and that did not set well with her.
    “Now that I think about it though, I had the same feeling last night when we spoke on the patio. It was like someone was watching every move I made.  I confronted Maria after you left.  She actually told me that she felt it was part of her job to eavesdrop.  It was bizarre behavior, but I did let her know that I expect ed privacy.”
    “Well, to be honest with you, the chief asked me if I thought you needed a guard.  At the time, I told him no, but now , I know that I was wrong.   Whoever killed your father is still out there and we don’t know why he was murdered; now you’ve been shot at.” He explained. As he spoke, Cheyenne was mesmerized by his full pink lips.  With every word he formed the shape of his lips changed making them pucker occasionally and her imagination ran wild.  Realizing what she was doing, she looked away, embarrassed but full of lust. 
    “If you like , I can take the assignment but it would need to start no later than tomorrow morning.”    The thought did not completely throw Cheyenne off.  She knew that something about this place gave her the creeps and she would rather be protected than not.  The idea of having Brian around for a while was comforting and even a bit exciting.  She had only known him for a little over twenty four hours but she already felt like she had known him a lifetime.  The ease with which she could talk to him amazed her.  If anyone would have to babysit her she would rather that it be him. 
    “I think your right Brian and I would prefer if you were assigned to do it.” 
    “For the night, I will post guards at your door and I will move in tomorrow morning.”
    “The results are back from the autopsy.  The toxicology report will not be back for a week or so but the physical exam states that the cause of death is from a single gunshot wound to the temple.  At least we know that is was from a nine millimeter.” 
    She took all the information in.  Sitting silently, she stared into his eyes.  “Do you have any leads?” she inquired. 
    “None that I am at liberty to discuss at this point, but as soon as I can talk freely about it, you will be the first to know ,” he informed her.   
    Both sat making small talk as they ate their lunch.  She enjoye d hearing about his career.  Cheyenne noticed how his eyes brightened when he talked about it and she knew that he truly loved it.  It was refreshing to see someone enjoy their profession so much.  She had never loved her job and it had become a place she was forced to go in order to pay the bills.  Now that she had five million dollars, she had not thought much about what she would do for a living.  Knowing that the corporate world was not her cup of tea, she was sure that she would not be stepping into her father’s company.  Her thoughts were suddenly interrupted by someone coming into the room.
    “I hope I’m not interrupting anything.” Ed Crowley said as he shuffled to the table.
    “Where have you been Ed?” Cheyenne asked.
    “I took a nap in one of the guest rooms.  I wanted to speak with you before I left but when I looked up, you were gone.”   Ed explained.
    “Mr. Crowley, I am Detective Brian Russell with the HPD.  Can you have a seat and answer a few questions for me?”
    Ed Crowley sat at the dining table and reached for a slice of cheese to snack on as the