Girl Three by Tracy March Read Free Book Online Page A

ignored Sam’s suspicious death. Justice Yaley is retiring in the spring. My father wants his seat on the bench. He couldn’t afford a scandal right now.”
    Nina tugged at one of her dark curls, thinking.
    “Think about his broken-family saga,” Jessie said. “Two estranged daughters, a long-dead wife, and a wake of glamorous girlfriends. Still, he’s one of Washington’s most eligible bachelors. Who could resist digging into a past like that?”
    “Won’t the stories come anyway, when he’s officially nominated?”
    “Sure they will. But he couldn’t survive two rounds in the ring with the media.” Jessie sank onto the bed. “Maybe someone owed him a favor and helped him manage a cover-up.” For once, she wished she knew more about Washington’s power brokers.
    Nina gave her a long, skeptical look that said she wanted to agree but couldn’t. “That’s a decent theory, but where’s your scientist’s objectivity? People can be ruthless in this town, especially when it comes to politics. Someone else could be responsible for the cover-up.”
    Jessie shook her head, feeling a little dizzy from lack of food and sleep. “It’s overwhelming to think about. I’m used to fighting my father, but I’m not sure how to take on anyone else.” She held Nina’s gaze for a charged moment. “And keep you out of it.”
    Nina looked away. “But you can. And I’m not out of it. I’m behind-the-scenes all the way in. I just can’t afford for anyone to find out that I tipped you off.”
    “I understand.” Jessie nodded. “And I’m glad I’m not alone.”
    “You’re not,” Nina said. “I have a stake in this, too.”
    “Of course you do. Sophie, Nate, your own safety, your job…”
    “All those, sure. But also you. I worry because I know how hell-bent you can be when you’re emotional and determined.”
    Jessie sat on the edge of the bed, her arms crossed. “I’m not emotional.”
    “Save that for someone who doesn’t know you like I do. All those feelings you’ve got bottled up are messing with your head. You need a moderator.” Nina pressed her palm to her chest. “That’s me. As for the rest of it—the tox report, the cover-up, the danger of revealing the truth—we’ll figure things out together.”
    Jessie managed a half-smile. One of several framed pictures on Sam’s bureau caught her eye. She stood and picked up the faded image of her family, a duplicate of the old photo she had in her suitcase. After studying it for a moment, she handed it to Nina.
    Nina’s sorry-things-went-so-wrong expression mirrored Jessie’s feelings. There’d been a time when Jessie, Sam, and their parents were a happy family—at least, she had thought so. And she still had a bond with Sam. Regardless of what had happened in this room, Jessie felt a growing sense of belonging in her sister’s home.
    “Maybe there are answers hiding in this place,” Jessie said. “I just have to stay here to find them.”

Chapter Seven
    Jessie had seen the you-go-girl look on Nina’s face before. Lips curved up at the corners, apple cheeks, eyes narrowed and shimmering. Nina nodded and set the Croft family picture back on Sam’s bureau. The frame was out of line with the others and out of place from where it had been. Jessie reached over and nudged the grainy image of her family back to its original position.
    “Better now?” Nina teased. “I’d forgotten what it was like to live with Miss Meticulous. This place should suit you fine.”
    “It’s a good thing. Franz told me to take all the time I need, but I can’t afford to stay at the inn long-term.”
    “You could stay with us.”
    “I know, and I appreciate that. But I think I’ll be okay here.” Jessie’s nerves settled as the idea of staying at Sam’s place took root. “I’ll sleep at the inn tonight and come here tomorrow.” She shrugged one shoulder. “See who can find me at this address.”
    Nina leveled a look at Jessie, a suspicious quirk to