In Two Weeks (NY State Trooper Series) by Jen Talty Read Free Book Online Page B

lately?”
    “We have monthly checks by an exterminator, and the health department is in here on a regular basis,” Rick offered.
    “I take it that’s a no.” Jared checked over the desk before kneeling so he could get a better look at the rascal. The fuzzy brown animal appeared tacky from the half-dried blood. It looked as if the poor thing had been mutilated for effect, then shoved into the drawer. “Ryan have any issues with other employees?”
    “Not really.”
    Jared lifted his gaze and stood. “What does that mean?”
    “She’s a pretty girl. Half the male staff has probably asked her out,” Rick said. “She’s well liked by everyone.”
    Ryan’s wholesome good looks only intensified her girl-next-door persona. “Know of anyone who might want to get back at her for something?” Jared rubbed the back of his neck and took a peek out to the hallway. “This isn’t the first incident.”
    “Someone’s done something like this to her before?” Shock registered on Rick’s face.
    Jared only nodded. He couldn’t give up the details, even to one of his closest friends.
    “Excuse me.” A woman peered through the doorway. “There’s another officer here.”
    Officer Jenkins and Detective Walter Kent rounded the corner into Ryan’s office. Nick Jenkins no longer sported the standard blue uniform.
    “Jared.” Nick held his hand out. “I think you know Detective Kent.”
    “You move up the ranks?” Jared asked.
    “Yeah, well, got tired of driving around in a patrol car for hours,” Nick said. “Didn’t want to do undercover stuff, so detective seemed like the next best thing.”
    “Will you excuse us?” Walter eyed Rick.
    “I’ll be in my office if you need me.” Rick stepped into the hallway.
    Jared pointed to the drawer.
    “Nice.” Walter shook his head. “And this isn’t the first calling card she’s gotten?”
    “Dead rose on her birthday with a threatening note, then someone broke into her home and stole all her undergarments,” Nick added.
    “She break up with a boyfriend lately?” Walter asked while Nick picked up the rodent and dropped it into an evidence bag.
    “Last long-term relationship she had that I know of was about six months ago, but I think that was a mutual split.”
    “What about men she’s turned down? Or a woman who might be jealous of her?” Nick asked.
    “I don’t keep track of her boyfriends.” Jared felt an unwanted surge of anger course through his veins. He wasn’t sure where it came from, or why. And he sure as hell wouldn’t deal with it, either.
    “Well, let’s go talk to her and get a list,” Nick said, sealing the bag.
    Jared stood next to Ryan while she answered Nick and Walter’s questions. She downplayed any problems she might have had with past boyfriends and jealous friends, but cooperated fully. Jared promised to fax them a list of anyone who’d had contact with her stepfather on the inside. He wouldn’t rule out George hiring an old friend to scare her. Or worse.
    “Want me to drive you home?” Jared asked after the two detectives had left.
    “I’ve got some errands to run.” Her usual happy-go-lucky demeanor had been replaced with a sudden sadness in her eyes.
    “Please be careful. Call me if something seems out of the ordinary. You’ll probably beat me home, so let yourself into the main house.” Placing his hand on the small of her back, he edged her toward the main doors. “I bet you’d enjoy a nice bath.”
    The sun hit his face, along with a gust of warm air that carried her fresh, rosy scent as he opened the lobby doors. Lifting his sunglasses from his pocket, he glanced out over the lake. This would be the first summer in years he wouldn’t be working the lake patrol. It would be the first summer since he’d been a small boy that he wouldn’t be fishing on a Saturday morning.
    “I’d love a long, hot bath,” Ryan said, snapping him out of his trance.
    Mentally, he reminded himself that his new job would more