Find Me by Debra Webb Read Free Book Online Page A

ceased to produce.
    "She has no friends except that odd Tamara girl. Of course, that's not so surprising considering where we live."
    That was something else Lynda would change if he would only agree. She hated the cold… hated this place. This place was his home… too much of him was here. He could not leave.
    He moved up behind her, put his arms around her waist and pulled her against his body. Her well-maintained rear snuggled him. "I'm certain our daughter will grow out of her awkwardness," he assured before leaving a soft kiss on her shoulder. "After all, she has you for a mother. How could she not blossom into perfection?"
    Lynda folded her arms over his. "I hope you're right. Otherwise…" She sighed. "I don't know what to expect from her next."
    As if the worries she voiced had drawn him there, he gazed across the snow-laden branches, rested his thoughts on the chapel and the visitor there. Sarah Newton had come to find the truth, but would the truth serve the true purpose?
    Every small town had its secrets. Secrets that could destroy carefully constructed lives. Youngstown was no different. But would uncovering those secrets stop the evil that had already chosen two victims in as many weeks?
    One could only hope.
    Jerald would do whatever necessary to protect the women he loved. He would not allow the evil to take them from him.
    Ever.

CHAPTER 7

    Youngstown Public Safety Office
, 4:20 P.M.

    Sarah assessed Youngstown's law-enforcement setup. A receptionist who apparently served as the chief's secretary manned the lobby. From what Sarah could see down the corridor behind the reception desk there were four or five offices. At the end of the corridor the door was open and the larger room there could be a conference room.
    Judging by the telephone on the desk, there were six incoming lines. Sarah had expected a small operation. Any forensic work would be passed on to the state police and the new lab that had garnered much praise for its cutting-edge technology. A county medical examiner handled the routine autopsies.
    Utilizing the same parking area as the Public Safety Office was another building that housed the Fire and Rescue Services. Not a bad setup, just not state-of-the-art.
    Conner had been chatting with the receptionist a good twenty minutes. The chief was out of the office and the deputy he had assigned to serve as Sarah's liaison was on her way back to the office. Sarah and Conner's arrival had caught her on the tail end of a call regarding a possible break-in on West Street. She would be back any minute, according to the receptionist.
    While Sarah waited, she watched Conner in action. He was one of those easygoing guys who got along with everyone. Charmed the ladies if the receptionist's captivated reaction was any indication. Tall, lean build with broad shoulders, longish black hair framing a classic square jaw that, despite a close shave each morning, would likely sport a five-o'clock shadow by noon. He dressed like the typical Down East kind of guy. Rugged jeans, plaid flannel shirt, and Sorel boots. His only concession to popular fashion was the North Face jacket.
    A walking, talking Mainer cliché. And yet, there was something about him that made her curious. Maybe it was that whole I'm-just-a-regular-guy facade he wore like a badge of honor. Every second they had spent at that chapel had visibly shredded his emotions. Refreshing, she decided, a good-looking, successful guy who didn't try to pretend he was immune to emotion. So far he didn't appear the least bit interested in playing the role of hero. That had to be the draw. He intrigued her because he wasn't what one expected at first look. Possibly.
    But Sarah knew her weaknesses and she was brutally honest with herself about them. She and good-looking men did not mix. Experience had taught her not to go there. Pick the chubby, unattractive, balding guy every time. Be smart. Don't go down that other road.
    Off-loading Kale Conner as soon as