Grey Dawn by Clea Simon Read Free Book Online Page B

that drew men? Granted, she and Chris had their moments of passion – at least when their work and study schedules allowed. And she’d had a suitor or two before. But Dulcie had never considered herself a mankiller. The idea was rather pleasant.
    And off the point. ‘Her boyfriend.’ She homed in. ‘I heard the cops are talking to him?’
    Another shake of the head. ‘I didn’t hear that. But, I mean, he adores her. And they have so much in common. A lot of history, you know? If anything, he’s more into her …’ She let the sentence trail off, aware, Dulcie thought, of how double-edged her last words might sound. Finally, she started over. ‘He’d have no reason to hurt her.’
    Emily started tearing up again, and Dulcie realized that she hadn’t asked the most important question of all.
    â€˜How is she?’ She leaned forward. All of this speculation, and she’d nearly forgotten that a young woman had been hurt. ‘Will she be okay?’
    Another shrug as Emily reached for more tissues. ‘I don’t know. They found her before dawn. She was bleeding – stabbed – I’m just glad I called—’ Tears cut her off, and she buried her face in a handful of Kleenex. ‘I just feel so awful. I’m sorry.’
    â€˜Please, don’t be. It sounds horrible.’ Dulcie knew from her own experience how violent crime could shake up everything. ‘If there’s anything I can do. Really.’
    A brief flash of smile. ‘Thanks, Ms Schwartz.’ She stood up, shoving the wad of tissue into her pocket. ‘I’m sorry. It’s just such a shock.’ She ignored Dulcie’s protestations and seemed to gather herself together. ‘I didn’t mean to monopolize your time, just to, you know, let you know about the presentation.’
    â€˜My door is always open.’ Dulcie paused, the inaccuracy of the statement poking at her. ‘Metaphorically. I mean you can always call me. Or email.’
    â€˜You’re the best.’ With another smile, one that lasted a little longer this time, the student turned and headed down the hall, leaving Dulcie warmed by two compliments, the second even sweeter than the first.

NINE
    L loyd’s return a short while later alerted Dulcie to the time. Her office hours were up, and as much as she would like to stay and read more of the mysterious manuscript, she knew she had a much less pleasant duty. Especially after this morning’s reprimand, if Martin Thorpe wanted to see her, she shouldn’t put it off.
    With palpable regret, she powered down her laptop and shoved it in her bag. She hadn’t thought she’d made any noise, but she must have, because Lloyd looked up as she pushed her chair back.
    â€˜You okay, Dulcie?’ His pale face showed friendly concern.
    â€˜Yeah, I’m fine.’ She tried to rustle a grin. ‘I’d just rather be reading than running off to Thorpe.’
    â€˜Maybe he wants to apologize for this morning.’ Lloyd had an optimistic streak a mile wide.
    â€˜Maybe.’ Dulcie couldn’t bear to disappoint him. ‘Only one way to find out.’
    â€˜Hey, think of it this way,’ her friend said. ‘Maybe by next semester, he’ll be as dead as a Lake poet.’
    With that cheering thought, she left the office. November, and it was as light out as it would get – if cloudy, grey, and damp counted as light. Still, Dulcie felt strangely ill at ease as she made her way toward the departmental headquarters. This was silly, she knew that. Even if her worst fears were true, she’d be fine during daylight. Wouldn’t she?
    â€˜Excuse me!’ With her head down, deep in thought, she’d nearly walked into him. Tall, and rather wide, the man before her was staring at her as if she had suddenly turned into a fish. He was also blocking the sidewalk. ‘Do you mind?’ Dulcie