Shadow of Suspicion (Haunted by the Past) by Danielle Rose-West Read Free Book Online

Callie glanced up at
Jason. His expression could only be described as murderous.
    “Why are you helping me, if it’s so
much trouble for you?” She snatched the clothes from him and stuffed them back
into her case.
    “Because I don’t want to be here all
night.” Jason swept up the remaining items, including her ruined blouse. “It’s
a wonder you’re let out on your own.”
    Callie bit her lip. “I’ll have you
know that I am a very capable woman. Everyone has a bad day now and then. I’m
sure even you, as perfect as you apparently are, have your off moments.”
    “Yeah, yeah. Just zip up your case
and I’ll help you inside.” He slapped the remaining sodden clothing into her
open case and stepped to the car to remove the other one from the boot.
    Callie muttered under her breath,
wishing all manner of awful predicaments on top of his head as she secured her
case. She pulled the handle up and rolled the case along behind her. Callie
staggered towards the front door. She could hear Jason’s heavy steps behind
her, along with several choice complaints he directed at her. Callie gritted
her teeth. She had quite a few complaints of her own!
    They entered a small lobby that
opened out into the foyer of the B&B. Callie swallowed down a gasp of
horror. The carpet covering the floor was threadbare and so dirty she could
barely tell what the original colour had been. A faded pattern clashed horribly
with the garish wallpaper that proudly sat on the walls.
    A large painting hung behind the
reception. A fat boy sprawled under a tree, sleeping contentedly while others
ran around him doing all the work. She raised a brow. Obviously this was
supposed to be the lazy boy the place was named after. She made a mental note
to speak to Mr Cunningham about the name of the establishment. If this place
was ever to become successful, it would have to rebrand.
    Jason set her case down next to the
old wooden reception desk. The thing looked as though it had been through
several wars. The amount of dents, scars and chips were ridiculous. Callie
wondered what was holding it together. She imagined she could blow on it and
the whole thing would fall apart. She glanced at Jason to find him watching her
closely. Callie blanked her expression. She would not give him the satisfaction
of an ‘I told you so’.
    “Thank you for your help, Mr Hawkes.
I can take it from here.”
    He quirked an eyebrow. His gaze
scanned over the reception and then her. They were dark brown, she noted with a
shiver. “You’re sure you want to stay here. I guess I can take you somewhere
else, if you want.” He glanced at his watch. “I still have a little time to
spare.”
    “I’ll be fine. I wouldn’t want to
hold you up any further.” Callie squared her shoulders.
    “Okay, I’ll leave you to it.” He
turned to leave.
    “Oh, Mr Hawkes?” He paused and
glanced over his shoulder at her. “Do you have a phone number where I can reach
you?”
    He grinned and wiggled his eyebrows
at her. “Why, Miss Price, I’ve already told you I have a girlfriend. I am
flattered by your interest though.”
    Heat broke out over her entire body.
The man was impossible. Laughter lit his eyes, which just made him sexier.
Blast the man! She resisted the urge to stamp her foot.
    “As much as I’d rather never lay eyes
on you again, I need to be able to contact you about my car.” She pointed back
towards the driveway for some stupid reason.
    Jason’s grin widened and he held up
his hands. “Just a joke, Miss Price. No need to get testy.” He reached into his
jacket and she heard a zip being unfastened. He pulled out a business card and
handed it to her. “You can either phone or drop in to the garage. I’ll sort out
a quote for a new engine for you and we’ll take it from there.”
    “Thanks.” Callie slipped the card
into her bag and watched him meander to the exit. She wondered if a jury would
let her off for murder, due to mitigating circumstances.
    “Hope