Had a Great Fall (An Olivia Thompson Mystery) by Jullian Scott Read Free Book Online

middle of the night with her heart racing. The nightmare was the same as always- tied to a bed with her attacker looming over her. Every time it was the same. He got closer and closer until she could feel his breath on her face, and that’s when her eyes would fly open.
    Nate was a deep sleeper. He never seemed to notice these sudden panic attacks. But tonight was different. When Olivia rolled her head in his direction, she found him sitting straight up, watching her.
    “How long have you been having them?” he asked.
    “Since that night.” She knew that she was caught. No sense in lying.
    “You should have told me.” He sounded hurt.
    She sighed deeply. “There’s nothing you could’ve done about it, Nate. One of us might as well get some sleep.”
    “You still should’ve told me,” he said stubbornly.
    Olivia slowly pushed herself into a seated position. Her head was still foggy from the dream. “Did I wake you this time?”
    “No.” Nate leaned his head against the headboard. “I couldn’t sleep.”
    “It’s the case, isn’t it?” Olivia knew that this case had gotten under his skin.
    “One of the missing girls, Dani, she reminds me of you.” Nate glanced at her. “Smart girl, mature, pretty. She reminds me of you at that age.”
    Suddenly it all made sense. That was why Nate hadn’t wanted to talk to her about it. “You’re a good man, Nathaniel Tucker. And you’re a good detective. You’ll find the bastard that’s doing this. I know it.”
    “Maybe. But probably not before he abducts or kills another girl.” Nate stared blankly ahead.
    Olivia hated seeing him so distressed. She wished there was something she could do to take away the look of pain on his face. When she scooted closer to him, he held out his arms. She snuggled into his warm embrace, her head on his firm chest.  He sighed deeply and tightened his arms around her.
    “You should try to get some sleep,” she said.
    “This right here is better than sleep.” His hand softly caressed her back.
    Olivia agreed. She could spend the rest of her life in his arms. In fact, she was so content that it didn’t take long for her to drift back to sleep. This time, there was no nightmare.
    Nate was gone when she woke up for the second time. He woke up early almost every morning to take a long run. The sun had yet to appear and it was still dark in her apartment. She got a pot of coffee brewing and turned on the morning news. Just as she was filling her coffee mug, Nate returned.
    “A storm is headed this way,” he said, running a hand through his hair. His shirt was damp with sweat.
    “Coffee?” she asked, already reaching for a second mug.
    “Thanks.” He reached for her, kissing her sweetly on the lips.
    She was overcome by a rush of love for him. “Did you have a good run?”
    “Six miles. I turned back when I saw the dark clouds rolling in.” He took a seat at the island. “You should stay home today.”
    “Nate.” She gave him a stern look. “We’ve talked about this. I have to live my life.”
    He grinned sheepishly. “You can’t blame me for trying. I worry about you.”
    “I know. And I appreciate it.” She opened the fridge and reached for the carton of eggs. “Go take your shower while I whip up some breakfast.”
    “I have a better idea.” He took the eggs and placed them on the counter. “You should come help me take my shower.”
    She started to protest on principle, but then decided that his was definitely a much better idea. “Okay, fine,” she said, faking reluctance. “But you better make this worth my while.”
    “Are you questioning my shower skills?” He moved quickly, throwing her over his shoulder. Olivia yelped and laughed.
    After a long shower, and a nearly disastrous slipping incident, they ate a quiet breakfast at the kitchen table. Olivia found herself watching Nate as he sipped his coffee, his blue eyes catching the morning sunlight.
    “What?” he asked nervously when he caught her