High-Caliber Holiday by Susan Sleeman Read Free Book Online Page A

Regardless, she wouldn’t let the surly bear of a guy intimidate her. She’d state her case and keep to the point so she didn’t waste his time.
    â€œFollow me.” She led the way to the kitchen. Rossi stomped behind her and Brady’s lighter footsteps sounded farther behind. She dreaded entering the kitchen with slivers of glass so representative of the shards of unease she felt, but she had to be strong.
    She stepped in, picking her way through the glass, and turned to face Rossi, who stared at the rose and picture. Brady moved to the far side of the room and rested against the counter. She couldn’t get a read on his mood, but then he’d be going home in a little bit, so it didn’t much matter.
    She focused on Rossi. “I’ve already told Deputy Owens that I don’t have a boyfriend and haven’t dated in the last few months.”
    â€œThis picture looks like a real announcement,” he said.
    She stifled a sigh at having to tell her story again and quickly brought Rossi up to speed.
    â€œOther than property management, my parents are the only people with a key,” she added. “I just talked to my mother. She confirmed the keys are in my dad’s desk drawer right where they keep them. They obviously wouldn’t do this, so this person got into my apartment another way.”
    Rossi looked her straight in the eyes. “Are you suggesting a secret admirer, then?”
    â€œIt’s the only explanation. Unless of course, a plaintiff from the trial is trying a different way to scare me.”
    â€œDoesn’t feel like that to me,” Brady spoke for the first time.
    â€œI’d have to agree. More like a jilted lover or a boyfriend wannabe.” Rossi frowned. “Still, I can’t fully rule out a connection to the lawsuit. Shaw’s behind bars, but until now we had no reason to check his whereabouts before the shooting. I’ll investigate, and once you provide the other threats you’ve received, I’ll review them to see if there’s a connection.”
    â€œI made copies so you can take them with you.”
    Rossi gestured at the floor. “The glass?”
    â€œI dropped it when I saw the picture.”
    Rossi pulled out a small notepad and pen. “Tell me more about this engagement. You said the guy’s name is Preston Hunter, right?”
    She nodded, and he jotted it down.
    â€œI honestly don’t think he did this,” she continued. “He’s moved on and is already engaged.”
Plus he’s a white rose kind of person
, she thought but didn’t add.
    â€œYou’d be surprised what guys might do,” Rossi said. “I’ve seen it all. Tell me more about Preston.”
    Rossi was barking up the wrong tree, but she’d answer his questions so they could get to how he was going to find this stalker. “He comes from a well-respected family. They own Orion Transport. Our family businesses work hand in hand so we go way back. In fact, I’ve known him since we were children. It was natural for us to start dating and get engaged.”
    â€œWhy’d you break up?” Brady asked, surprising her for a moment. She hadn’t realized that he was still standing there.
    â€œWe weren’t compatible.” She crossed her arms and hoped he’d leave it at that.
    â€œHow so?” His gaze remained fixed on her, direct and searching.
    So much for hoping he’d let it go. “I’m more laid-back. He’s controlling.” The desire to explain her actions had her opening her mouth to continue, but then she clamped it closed. Neither Brady nor Rossi had a reason to know about Preston’s incessant need to plan her life and activities.
    Both Rossi and Brady’s eyebrows rose.
    â€œNo, wait,” she said. “If you’re thinking there’s something sinister there, you’re wasting your time. I still see Preston on occasion when I visit