Out of Body by Stella Cameron Read Free Book Online Page B

fact.”
    Fisher cleared his throat and Marley figured it was his turn to feel awkward. Not that she didn’t like the compliment.
    Archer held the bowl under her nose and she managed, with great effort, to pick up only one candy.
    “Have more,” Archer said. “Wish I had a sandwich or something.”
    Looking at him, she smiled and took a handful of Tootsie Rolls.
    Fisher sputtered and she looked at her hand. The bowl had been withdrawn and she was left with a fist crammed so full that some candies stuck out between her knuckles.
    Marley laughed at herself. “Overkill,” she said. She got up and dropped the extra candies back into the bowl. “Thank you,” she said and stuffed several pieces into a pocket. This was not a time or a place for fainting. She unwrapped two candies and put them in her mouth, packing one in each cheek. Her energy was fading again.
    “By the time the big car stopped, I was frantic.” She shifted to the front of her chair, chewing and gulping as fast as she could. “I threw money at the cab driver and raced after Liza and whoever was with her. I was so agitated and it was so dark, I rushed behind them—being careful to stay out of sight behind, er, bushes, and managed to sneak through the same door they used to go into the building.”
    “What building?” Fisher said.
    Damn him. “I don’t know. Not the faintest idea. That’s where the cops come in. They’re good at that stuff. Now let me finish. I’ve got to get Winnie out for a run.”
    Neither man commented. Good, off-the-wall comments could be used to shut them up.
    “As I was saying, I slipped in behind them when they weren’t looking.” And? “They got ahead of me and I thought I’d lost them. It was pretty scary in there. Just concrete walls and floor—dirty and damp. Then the locker—big locker—opened in the corner and a woman in red—I mean, black, with black fishnet hose and very high shoes—came out. She was frightened, I could see it.”
    “This was another woman?” Archer squinched up his eyes. “I thought you meant—”
    “Liza Soaper? I did. Only I didn’t know it was her then. I didn’t know until I saw the picture of her on the TV today. I saw the mole above her mouth, too.
    “She looked terrified and when she saw me, she reached out. But that voice came. Just like black molasses dripping into a puddle on a shiny floor.”
    “You have a way with words,” Fisher said.
    “Please just let me get through this, Mr. Fisher.” She should only have put one Tootsie Roll into her mouth.
    “Gray,” he said shortly and bowed his head. He bowed his head but looked behind him at the same time.
    Marley heard a familiar slithering sound and soon Winniecame into view. Flattened (as flattened as a solid little Boston terrier could get) to the floor, she pulled herself forward, inch by inch to join the party.
    “No,” Marley said, but wished she could gather up her faithful friend and hold her close. “Back you go, please, Winnie. I’m having an important conversation and you do have a tendency to distract me. Do go and sit where you were before and wait until I’m finished.”
    Another strangled sound came from Mr. Fisher.
    “What now?” she snapped.
    “Nothing. I was surprised by his level of comprehension, is all.”
    She narrowed her eyes. “Her. Just as I don’t believe in baby talk for children, I don’t like it for animals, either. Back, Winnie. Now, can we continue?”
    Fisher wore jeans that rode below his waist, and a black T-shirt. The T-shirt shouldn’t have to be so tight. Surely he could find one big enough for all those muscles. Men could be like that. They liked showing off what studs they were.
    “Liza had a mark on her neck,” Marley said and her eyes widened. She hadn’t remembered that until now. “A round, red mark right in the front. I thought it was blood, but I don’t know for sure.”
    Fisher snickered. Complete with bone, Winnie had dragged herself beside him and rolled