Grave Decisions (A Maddie Graves Mystery Book 7) by Lily Harper Hart Read Free Book Online

the state police. We’re going to need help on this one.”
    “I saw that coming,” Nick grumbled. “Who are they sending?”
    “I think you know him,” Kreskin said. “You have the same last name and he’s living in your old house.”
    “John,” Nick said, shaking his head. John Winters was Nick’s older brother, and while the duo was close they also had a competitive relationship. “Well, I guess that means we’re going to be here late.”
    “I guess it does,” Kreskin confirmed. “We need to gather as much evidence as we can. The mayor and council are going to be ticked as all get out when they can’t use this place tomorrow, but we can’t let people in here.”
    “I would like to offer my services,” Cooper said, clasping his hands in front of him and bowing. “I believe I can psychically see who the killer is if I’m allowed to help with the case.”
    “We’re good,” Kreskin said, shaking his head. “I think you’ve done quite enough.”
    “You mean find a body?” Cooper challenged. “I don’t understand how that can upset you.”
    “And that’s why we don’t need you hanging around and muddying the waters,” Kreskin said. “You’re staying at the bed and breakfast on the main strip, right?”
    Cooper nodded.
    “Don’t even think about leaving town,” Kreskin ordered. “We’ll probably have more questions tomorrow.”
    “I can’t wait,” Cooper said, his tone dry.
    “I’ll take Maddie home and be right back,” Nick offered.
    “I can walk myself,” Maddie protested. “It’s not even midnight yet.”
    “No offense, Mad, but we just found a murdered woman in a maze,” Nick argued. “You’re not walking anywhere by yourself. I don’t care if it is only two blocks.”
    “I can walk her home, sir,” Cooper said. “It would be my great pleasure.”
    “Over my dead body.” The words were out of Nick’s mouth before he realized how shrill they sounded.
    Kreskin pursed his lips as his gaze bounced between the two men. “You know what? I’m going to walk Maddie home.” He held up his hand to cut Nick’s argument off before he could get a full head of a steam. “You need to tell your brother exactly what happened when he gets here. Maddie needs to be walked home, and neither of us wants this guy doing it. That leaves me. Do you want him or me?”
    Nick didn’t look thrilled with either option. “You,” he said finally, cupping the back of Maddie’s head and kissing her forehead. “I’m sorry, love. I’ll be home as soon as I can.”
    “I’ll be waiting.”
    Kreskin held out his arm to usher Maddie forward. “What’s going on there?” he asked. “Those two look ready to fight for your honor.”
    “I think it’s a man thing,” Maddie explained.
    “I hear that,” Kreskin said, causing Nick to scowl as he remained behind.
    “Well, I guess I should be going,” Cooper said. “I’ll have a long day tomorrow if I expect to solve this murder on my own.”
    “Yeah, I’m sure you will,” Nick said, rolling his eyes.
    “You don’t trust me, do you, Detective?”
    “Not in the slightest,” Nick said. “I don’t care what you do, though. Stay away from this place, and while you’re at it, stay away from my girlfriend.”
    “You sound worried for a man who believes he’s found his perfect mate,” Cooper tossed back as he headed for the exit.
    “Stay away from my girlfriend,” Nick repeated. “I’m not worried because I think you can charm her. I’m worried because you knew where a dead body was located. Don’t even look at Maddie funny. I’m not kidding.”
    “I would never hurt Maddie,” Cooper replied. “I see great things in her future.”
    “So do I,” Nick said. “That’s why I want you to stay away from her.”

5
    Five
    M addie didn’t mean to fall asleep, and when she did, her dreams were troubled. She found herself lost in the fall festival maze, her heart pounding as she rounded corner after corner. She cast the