Shadows of Doubt by Mell; Corcoran Read Free Book Online Page B

properly addressed by our agents here.” The small man winced at first, then looked up at Max with puzzlement. “I want a detailed report by the end of the week of any and all other instances when local agents neglected to respond to reports out of this facility.”
    â€œYe.. yes... Of course my Dom.” Carpesh stammered. “You will have it without delay.”
    Max turned and met Peter Carpesh’s wide eyed gaze. “I promise you there will be no further dereliction, ever. You have done well here and I am pleased with entrusting you with this station.”
    â€œMy Dominor.” The little man seemed to grow in stature before Max’s eyes as he gave him the fist-over-heart salute and bowed his head. “You honor me with your words.”
    â€œYou honor yourself by your diligence.” Max spoke sincerely then turned toward the exit pausing once more to look at the body of Angela Talbott. “Keep me apprised of anything further. You know how to reach me.” Without waiting for a reply, Max made his way out.
    Though time held little meaning for the dead, it had been an important factor in planning Max’s visit to the morgue. Fewer employees roaming about meant fewer chances for someone to question who he was and why he was there. Fortunately, a lone man in coveralls diligently mopping the main corridor and Peter Carpesh had been the only two people Max had encountered on his way in. Unfortunately, on his way out, Max stepped through the double doors into the main corridor just as a woman was entering. Noting the worn jeans and clunky boots she was wearing, he deduced she was not an employee who would question his presence in a restricted area and was therefore of little concern. But as they came closer to one another he couldn’t help but take notice of her. She was a petite young woman, perhaps thirty years or so if he had to make a guess. She strode through the hall with a strong and confident gait, shoulders back and head held high. Her hair was cropped in sharp angles, a style reminiscent of one many women had worn in the 1920’s and 30’s. The glossy color was that of rare, well aged cognac and contrasted nicely with her lightly bronzed skin. Though her clothing was grubby (the jacket she wore looked to be a man’s second-hand blazer that was at least two sizes too big for her) there was something elegant and regal about her. Her nose was delicately carved and balanced nicely with her fine cheekbones. The line of her jaw was strong yet graceful and her lips were full and lush with the perfect hint of cupid’s bow. Just before they passed each other he caught her eyes looking back at him. The piercing green caught him and for one instant he felt his heart skip a beat. The shock of it made him look forward immediately and he picked up his pace as he headed down the hall, resisting the urge to look back. What on earth was he doing? A woman making his heart skip, an average stranger; it was nonsense. Pushing the door to the parking lot open with conviction, he scolded himself for his momentary lapse into the ridiculous. Frank stood at the car with the door open, waiting for him.
    â€œLet’s get out of here.” Max ordered with a grumble as he lowered himself into the back seat of the town car.
    â€œWith pleasure.” Frank slammed the door and walked around to the other side, slapping his hand on the roof of the car before he slid in, indicating to the driver they were ready to go.
    Lou walked into the morgue more than a little off her stride and it annoyed her to say the least. It was just a guy. An extraordinarily well dressed Greek god sort of guy, but still just a guy. He had been coming down the hall when she was coming in and normally she would never have even glanced his way had it not been for how tall he was. He had to have been six and a half feet and built to accommodate every inch. He