Spoilt by Joanne Ellis Read Free Book Online

some
kind and transmitted it with his hands. How many bakeries, cafés
and restaurants were located in the city? Far too many to interview
every person in every possible occupation. He grunted in
frustration, there were too many options to consider and
investigate. Time was what they needed to follow all the potential
leads and time was what they had little of.
    This wasn’t the only troublesome thought. The words SPOILT
BITCH , why those words? Envy could be a contributing factor and
driving force but both victims weren’t wealthy. Were they spoilt in
another way? How?
    He threw the folders down on the bed. Going in circles wasn’t
getting them any closer. It all came down to Kate’s autopsy report
and search of her house. They needed more evidence, something
new.
    Sleep was fitful for Lucas that night as he dreamed of emerald
eyes, milky skin and bloody throats.

    * * *

    Maggie walked into her snug two bedroom cottage. The simple
furnishings and quiet ambience suited Maggie and Steve. Being busy
cops, and seeing the horrors they did, enhanced their need to come
home to a sanctuary.
    Maggie was welcomed by a delicious aroma emanating from the
kitchen and knew Steve was preparing something
mouth-watering.
    “ Hey, I’m home,” she called out.
    “ In the kitchen.”
    “ Smells great, babe. I’m famished.”
    “ Please sit down, my lady, and I’ll bring dinner to
you.”
    “ Oh well, thank you, Sir,” she grinned.
    Steve could always sense when she needed looking after. Her
knight in shining armour, the most gorgeous man alive, was tall
dark and handsome.
    “ Tough day, Mags?”
    “ You could say tough week. We’re getting nowhere with this
case.”
    “ You’ll get him, you always do.”
    He kissed her tenderly before placing her dinner and a glass
of wine on the table in front of her. “I love you.”
    She smiled.
    She started to tuck into the meal he had lovingly prepared.
“Speaking of love, some girl got to Lucas today.”
    “ No way! That man is made of steel.”
    “ It appears he isn’t after all. He questioned a girl whose
roommate is missing and it might have helped with our investigation
but he froze up instead. It was like he couldn’t get her out of
there quick enough.”
    “ He’s so thorough.”
    “ Not today,” she grinned.
    “ Well I guess everyone needs a bit of love.”
    “ Oh, you’re such a romantic, Steve.”
    “ I know,” he said lifting her out of her chair. When he kissed
her again it was with absolute passion. “That is because I’m
married to an amazing woman,” he told her before guided her toward
their bedroom.

    * * *

When Chelsea walked into the house, she immediately checked to
see if Elle had been home. Finding Elle’s room eerily untouched,
Chelsea walked towards the kitchen, her heart heavy. She remembered
Mrs. Sheridan and how worried she would be, so she phoned her to
tell her about reporting Elle’s continued absence to the police.
Hearing the fear in her voice only intensified Chelsea’s anxiety.
She sighed, wondering what to do next.
    She considered dinner but the thought turned her stomach,
so she went upstairs instead. She sat out on the balcony and
thought about Elle. This only agitated her all over again recalling
that detective and his lack of … anything! He was sexy though, and those eyes, so
enticing. He definitely sent her heart fluttering. His rude and
unsympathetic manner, on the other hand, was inexcusable. First
thing in the morning, she would go back to the station and make
someone listen to her this time.
    Worry consumed her as she remembered happy times with Elle.
Chelsea prayed her disappearance was like all the other times when
she’d spontaneously spent days with a man or stayed with a friend.
Doubts undermined her fervent attempts to believe in every positive
scenario. Chelsea couldn’t remember Elle being without her handbag
and phone during any of those absences. Hot tears crept down her
face as she tried to push aside her