Razor's Edge by Shannon K. Butcher Read Free Book Online

comfort only five minutes ago, but she couldn’t bring herself to do so now.
    Detective Planar glanced over at Tanner. “And you are?”
    â€œRoxanne’s coworker. I was with her when she got the call. Do they always send out a detective for break-ins?”
    The detective shrugged. “In this neighborhood they do. We’ve searched the house, but whoever did this is long gone. It probably happened sometime last night. Your real estate agent said it was the second time. Is that right?”
    She shook her head. “Last time wasn’t like this. There was a mess, but nothing was . . . destroyed.”
    â€œWas your security system on?”
    â€œYes, unless one of the real estate agents showing the property forgot to activate it.”
    â€œWe can get records from the security company, but it sounds as though you’re not the only one with the code.”
    â€œNo. I’m selling the house. My real estate agent has access to it, as well as any others who showed the property.”
    He scribbled something down on his pad. “I’ll get a list from her.”
    â€œHave there been any other break-ins in the area?” asked Tanner.
    The detective stared at him for a moment before answering. “None that I know of, but we’re looking into it. There was a lot of rage displayed here. Any idea who might be that angry at you?”
    Roxanne had irritated some of her parents’ friends when she’d left her old life behind, but certainly none of them would have been angry enough for this. “Anyone who knew me well enough to be angry with me would also have known I couldn’t care less about this place. It’s just a thing—one I really want out of my life.”
    The detective’s graying brows rose at that. “You’re fortunate it didn’t burn down, then, or we might have a problem.”
    â€œThat’s not what she meant, and you know it,” said Tanner. “She’s the victim here.”
    â€œOf course,” said Detective Planar. “I meant no insult.”
    â€œHow long until you’re done?” asked Roxanne. She just wanted to get this place cleaned up and have this whole situation over with.
    â€œWe’re wrapping up now. Sorry to add to the mess with fingerprint dust, but we wanted to be thorough.”
    Her manners kicked in, and she managed to choke out, “Thank you. We’ll wait outside.”
    She turned and left with Tanner right by her side. His hand was at her elbow, as if he expected her to fall into a faint at any moment.
    â€œI’m fine,” she told him.
    â€œI’m not. That’s a hell of a mess.”
    She was tempted to call a service to take care of it, but that seemed cowardly somehow, or dishonest, like she was cheating. “You don’t have to stay.”
    â€œOf course I’m staying. Only an asshat would leave you to deal with that on your own. Besides, I’m not entirely convinced that whoever did this won’t come back once the cops are gone.”
    â€œGreat. I hadn’t actually considered that until you brought it up.”
    â€œSorry, but reality sucks. I plan on being here in case it decides to come back and bite you in the ass.”
    â€œA gentleman doesn’t discuss a lady’s ass.”
    â€œRight now I’m not feeling like much of a gentleman. Part of me hopes the son of a bitch comes back.”
    Roxanne turned and looked at him. She hadn’t heard it in his voice, but she could see his anger in his face. His jaw was clenched, and a vein pounded in his temple. His mouth was drawn tight, as if he were preparing to bare his teeth. “Down, boy. No need to get worked up. Shit happens.”
    â€œTwice?”
    â€œCoincidence,” she replied, refusing to believe it was anything else.
    â€œJust like it’s a coincidence that some guy is following you?”
    â€œOne guy. And I was probably overreacting because