Snapped by Kendra Little Read Free Book Online Page A

I'm sure it's not to offer me sympathies on the death of the
husband who was cheating on me."
    Lucy liked this woman. She was elegant
and beautiful but sharply intelligent. She'd probably run Mollino Corp better
than Cousin Rocco if she wanted to. Then again, getting out was probably the
smart thing to do if family politics were about to get nasty. In-fighting
wouldn't do the company any good and it wouldn't be long before it was ripe for
a take over.
    "You're right," said Lucy. "This
isn't just a social visit. I came to tell you that the photographs of your late
husband and his ... lover have been borrowed by the cops as evidence. I can't
give them back to you." No point telling a client who could recommend her
services to other wealthy, scorned wives that the photos hadn't turned out.
    "Ah, that gorgeous Detective Nick
Dante has them." She smiled. "Now there's someone who knows what he
wants."
    Or doesn't want. And just when she'd got
him out of her head, Lucy was reminded of him all over again. His hard body,
his dark eyes and sinfully delicious lips.
    "I suppose you've met the Detective
and his weasel of a partner?" asked Janet.
    "I helped them as much as I
could."
    "I see. I suppose they told you that
John's lover is the prime suspect?"
    "Yes."
    "I don't think she did it."
    Lucy raised her brows. "Really?"
    "Why would she suddenly kill him? She
could have done it weeks ago. No, I think there's something else going
on."
    "Have you got any theories?"
    "Something to do with fraud, since
Detective Dante's card has him working for the Fraud Squad." She tilted
her chin and glanced at Lucy. "He never mentioned he was investigating
anything other than the murder, however."
    Lucy took a chance and decided to trust
her instincts where this woman was concerned. "You're right. Your husband committed
securities fraud but they were trying to find out who else was involved. Probably
Nick'll get around to telling you once all other leads on the murder don't pan
out. Right now, they want to keep it quiet."
    "Then why are you telling me?"
    "Because I think you're a discreet
woman and you might be able to offer some insights."
    Janet lifted one shoulder. "The only
insight I have to offer is to investigate Mack Thompson, the accountant at
Mollino Corp."
    "Not Rocco?"
    "He wouldn't kill his own cousin. They
were like brothers. And I doubt he's got the intelligence for securities fraud.
Mack, on the other hand, wasn't very close to John, but he did like to dabble
in the stock market. It wouldn't surprise me if he convinced John to do
something illegal for some extra money."
    Lucy stood and thanked her, then left. Rocco,
hovering in the hallway, led her outside.
    "You and Janet go back far?" he
asked. "I haven't seen you around before."
    "We're not close anymore, but I
wanted to see her in her time of need."
    "Of course." He hesitated,
still holding her arm. "Um, this might be a little strange right now, but
I was wondering if you'd like to go out with me." He smiled down at her. "I
noticed you aren't wearing a wedding ring, so..."
    "I'm single," said Lucy. "But
some other time, perhaps."
    Like next millennium.
    It didn't make sense. She should want to go out with this man. He passed all the criteria she had for her dates—he
had a pulse and all his own hair—but for some reason she just wasn't interested.
She couldn't picture herself with him. The only man she could picture herself
with was Nick Dante.
    Who was striding up the Mollino's
driveway, his step full of purpose. He and Dave O'Connor both wore dark suits
and blue ties. Dave looked ridiculous in his, but Nick looked suave and
dangerous, especially with the five o'clock shadow and slightly unkempt hair. Never
had a man in a suit sent her pulse racing like this before.
    "Lucy?" Nick stopped at the
base of the steps. His gaze took in Rocco's hand on her arm then met her eyes. "What
are you doing here?"

CHAPTER
5
     
    "I'm paying my respects to the
widow," said Lucy, straightening. She