Hell or High Water by Jerrie Alexander Read Free Book Online

flat, but Kay understood he wasn’t angry with her. He dealt in death every day. He honored and respected the people who unfortunately found themselves on his table. However, Papa was a realist. He had to separate himself from the pain and despair families of the deceased went through.  
    He was wasting his breath lecturing her. She’d never step back as he suggested. Not on this case.
    “I knew this girl was too strong-willed to have killed herself.” Relief washed over her. “Thank you, Papa. I owe you big time.”
    Kay disconnected before he told her how she could repay him.
    “I’ll ask one more time,” Holly said. “Are you sure you want to do this?”  
    Kay glanced out the window and discovered they were parked in front of the church. She’d gotten so lost in her own misery she’d blocked out the drive.
      ****
    The lush green grass and full-leafed trees gave the cemetery an eerie feel. Kay couldn’t help but compare the vivid colors with the dry, brown leaves of summer seen elsewhere in the city. She stopped just outside the blue tent covering the coffin.
    “Tell me again why we’re here,” Holly whispered. “The church services were hard enough on you. Coming to the cemetery is above the call of duty.”  
    Holly’s words barely penetrated Kay’s subconscious. She’d sat in the back of the church, unable to face the lifeless body of the young girl who’d given Kay her trust. Coward.
    “I didn’t have the nerve to give the Vaughn family my condolences. I’ll do it now.” Kay stepped closer. Her hand paused at her belt. She’d locked her gun in the glove box before entering the church. Even though it was legal to carry in her position, she’d never been comfortable wearing it. Now, she missed the weight riding on her hip.  
    After she paid her respects, she’d casually take a look around. It wasn’t uncommon for the perpetrator to show up at the cemetery to enjoy watching his kill being buried. Some sick bastards fed off the grief and loss they’d inflicted on the victim’s family. Yeah, a discreet check for someone lurking, watching from the background was in order. If nothing else, she’d snap a few pictures with her cell and share them with police.
    A wave of whispers drifted across the small group when a chair toppled backward and Leann’s mother rushed from under the canopy toward Kay.  
    “How dare you show your face,” Mrs. Vaughn screamed. Her expression was a study in anger. “Go away. You’re not welcome here.”
    Stunned into silence, Kay felt her jaw drop. She’d never been this dumbfounded. Harold Vaughn rushed to his wife, gathering her in his arms just as the woman collapsed. His red-rimmed eyes and trembling chin reflected his pain.  
    “I’m sorry,” Kay managed to whisper, welcoming Holly’s arm around her shoulder. “I didn’t mean to upset anyone.”  
    “This is your fault.” Mr. Vaughn held his sobbing wife closer. “Our daughter wanted to forget what happened, wanted to move on. You pressured her, convinced her to testify. You’re as guilty as the bastard who took her from us.”
    Hate radiated from his every pore. Kay’s heart caved inside her chest at the agony gushing from him. She couldn’t find words to convey her feelings. Holly’s grip tightened, and Kay allowed herself to be led away from the gathering crowd.
    “I hope you burn in hell,” Mr. Vaughn screamed.
    Kay fished out her sunglasses, anything to help hide the shame.  
    The Vaughns’ anger was appropriately placed. Kay would carry the burden of the teenager’s death forever.
    A chill slammed into her. Again, somebody’s eyes on her sent a shiver up her arms. She whirled.  
    A black Harley was parked down the block. She paused at the rear of the car and stared at the rider. Odd that he’d parked away from the funeral crowd and watched from a distance. Damn, the black visor didn’t stop the burn as his gaze bore down on her. Her breath caught. Was this the man who’d