Hidden Hideaways by Cindy Bell Read Free Book Online Page B

slow down,” he said quickly. “What do you mean you found a clue?”
    “It was a seashell in the sand,” Suzie began to explain.
    “There are plenty of seashells in the sand,” Jason interrupted her.
    “I know that, Jason,” Suzie said with exasperation. “But this is a special shell. We found them on this particular strip of beach. Paul said they were only found on that beach.”
    “It might be a special shell, Suzie, but it's still just a shell,” Jason pointed out grimly.
    “Jason, are you going to help me or not?” Suzie demanded with frustration. “There is a witness that saw Paul being forced onto the boat by two men.”
    “What witness?” he asked quickly. “Have you reported it to Parish PD?” he asked.
    “No, and I'm not going to,” Suzie said sternly. “It doesn't matter who the witness is. They'll just twist it into Paul being a criminal. What if they catch up with him? Do you think they're going to ask questions or shoot first?”
    “Suzie,” Jason sighed. “I think we need to talk about this in person. I'll meet you at Dune House in an hour. Okay?”
    “Yes,” Suzie said with a frown. She was hoping it would be sooner, but she wasn't going to get anywhere without a boat.
    “And Suzie, don't do anything until we talk,” Jason warned her. “You're dealing with Parish PD, if they get wind that you are withholding evidence of some kind they could lock you up for obstruction of justice. Just go back to Dune House and stay there until I get there, understand?”
    Suzie raised an eyebrow. She wasn't used to Jason being so forceful. But that only made it clear to her that he was worried about what might happen.
    “I understand,” she agreed and hung up the phone. She pressed the shell between her fingers and closed her eyes. “What I wouldn't give to be psychic,” she sighed as she opened her eyes again. “Jason wants us to meet him at Dune House.”
    “Remember there was a police officer there?” Mary said as they walked back towards the car. “Do you think he will still be there?”
    “I don't know,” Suzie frowned. “I hope not.”
     
     
     

Chapter Seven
     
     
    When Suzie and Mary pulled into the long, open driveway that led up the hill to Dune House, the Parish PD cruiser was still sitting in front of the porch. Suzie cringed as she knew that this might not end well.
    “Remember, Mary, no mention of the woman we talked to on the beach, okay?” she asked with a frown.
    “I remember,” Mary nodded nervously. “I just hope it isn't that…”
    “Hello ladies,” Officer Brown said as he walked up to the car. They hadn't even climbed out yet. “You two are hard to pin down,” he said as he opened Mary's door for her. Suzie jerked her door open and glared over the top of the car at the police officer.
    “I didn't think I needed to be easy to find,” she said.
    “Well, I thought you might be a little concerned about your boyfriend,” Officer Brown pointed out, his voice growing colder with every word he spoke. “Unless of course, you already know that he is safe.”
    “How would I know that?” Suzie asked as she walked around the front of the car to stand beside Mary.
    “Maybe you're hiding him,” Officer Brown suggested as he studied her. “Maybe you think love is more important than a man's life.”
    “Paul didn't kill anyone,” Suzie said gruffly. “He is a good man. I am not hiding him.”
    “But you wouldn't tell me if you were, would you?” he asked as he held Suzie's bright blue gaze with his own penetrating glare. “So, how do I know you're not lying to me?”
    “I guess you don't,” Suzie replied coolly.
    “Suzie,” Mary grabbed her hand and gave it a light squeeze. “Officer Brown we have no idea where Paul is. We've been looking for him, that's why we were not here.”
    “But that's our job,” Officer Brown growled. “Your job is to be in contact with me, so that if something comes up we can discuss it.”
    “Did something come up?”