Read Between the Tines by Susan Sleeman Read Free Book Online

someone went postal. But they wouldn't chase him down in the woods. They'd do it at work, wouldn't they?"
    "Is there someone at the factory who might be willing to talk to me about Gary ?"
    "I'm not sure. Gary liked to keep work separate from home. He was friends with Nathan Jacobs. He's the accounting manager there. He's also the guy who helped with the patio. Nathan used to come over quite a bit, but when Gary became a Christian, Nathan quit coming around."
    I scribbled Nathan Jacobs on the paper. "I'll see if he'll talk to me or find someone at the factory who might. How about before you moved here? Anyone you can think of who might have wanted to hurt Gary ?"
    She tapped a fingernail against her teeth. While she thought, Lisa returned with a folder and shoved it at me. She made a slash across her throat, which even if it wasn't our radio sign for wrap things up, I would know what she meant. She wanted me to leave Karen alone, and let her move forward in her loss. I noted the license info then laid a hand on Karen's jeaned knee.
    "Karen," I said gently. "I think this is enough to get started. Why don't I go now, and we can talk in a day or two when I've learned something?"
    "Oh, yes, good. Good. Get started. That's what I need you to do." Her eyes burned with excitement, but her tone held apprehension.
    "I'll get back to you." I gave her knee a quick pat, and before she changed her mind, I made my way to the door.
    Lisa's flip-flops snapped in a rapid beat as her short legs worked to keep up with me. The moment I stepped onto the porch, she snagged my elbow then gave my flesh a twist.
    "Ouch," I whined.
    "What are you doing?" she whispered and pulled the door closed. "It was bad enough when you thought you could figure out who killed Bud on your own. You were afraid Mitch would send you to jail. But this! This is just foolish."
    "Come on, Lisa. What can it hurt if I ask around a bit?"
    "Did you forget that asking around last time nearly led to your death?"
    "This is different. The murder has nothing to do with me. I'll be fine."
    "You're being naive."
    "Maybe so, but I have to do this. I don't have the skills to help Karen with her grief like you do. I feel like I'm doing something to comfort her by looking into the murder."
    "And what will you tell Adam? He'll go ballistic if you do this."
    "He'll understand once I explain how important this is to Karen." Knowing I couldn't win the argument, I slowly eased backward and made my way down the steps. "Let me know if Karen needs anything else. I'll be at the shop. Daisy and Adam are coming by."
    "You better tell him what you're up to when you see him." Her warning tone gave me a moment of unease, but I shook it off and rushed to my truck.
    I hurried to the shop and backed the trailer into a narrow space in the alley. Inside the shop, I heard muffled voices belonging to Daisy and Adam coming from my office. Daisy's voice sounded shrill and Adam's comforting as he usually sounded, warming my heart.
    When I spotted them, their positions confirmed my assessment. Daisy, sans Briny suit, sat crying in a worn side chair, her arms clasped around her concave waist. Adam, brown eyes narrowed, patted her shoulder with the reserve one might use in patting a cactus. "No reason to cry, Daisy. Everything will be fine. I'm here to make sure to help you and Paige is on the way."
    I didn't like how he looked at her or how his warm tone brought out a tentative smile on her face. Surprised at my response, I halted in the doorway. Daisy was married, and Adam was committed to me, but I still felt a sting of misgiving over the scene. I'd never been in a relationship long enough to feel jealous. My reservations were unfounded, but still, I didn't like it.
    Adam sat back and caught sight of me. His very kissable lips tipped in a full-blown smile that I knew was only for me. The movement sent a cute little scar by his bottom lip moving and sent my unease to Never Never Land.
    I entered the room and