The Opposite of Dark by Debra Purdy Kong Read Free Book Online Page A

barely entered the building when a man’s loud curses caught her attention. They came from the ladies’ locker room farther down the corridor. Casey pushed the door open and nearly stepped on scattered makeup, magazines, and clothing. Sickly sweet perfume from a broken bottle seeped into a pair of socks. Hands on hips, Stan stood in front of a group of open lockers.
    â€œIt looks like some moron used bolt cutters on five padlocks, including yours,” he said. “See if anything’s missing. The cops will be here, eventually.”
    â€œAny idea when it happened?”
    â€œBetween two and five this morning. Janitors found the mess when they showed up. They might have scared the freak off. The men’s room wasn’t touched.”
    Casey picked up the black garter belt and stockings she wore yesterday.
    â€œAside from this, how are you doin’, kiddo? Any leads on your dad’s killer?”
    â€œNot that I know of.”
    â€œDid they get hold of that woman?”
    Casey shoved the lingerie in her locker. “How did you know about her?”
    â€œI overheard the detectives yakking about some lady who saw your dad the night he died.”
    â€œDid they happen to mention a name or description?”
    â€œNot that I heard.”
    Casey dumped her bag on top of the stockings. “Everything’s here and none of it’s valuable, so I’d better get going.”
    â€œI’ll have new locks put on today.”
    â€œThanks.”
    She was jogging toward the M15 when she heard a familiar voice calling her. She turned and saw Lou running to catch up.
    â€œHey, gorgeous,” he said, slowing to a stop. “You running to catch a bus or preparing to leap over one?” Lou’s gray eyes shone over a pair of dimples and a sweet smile.
    â€œI’m trying to be on time.”
    He gazed at her outfit. “Let me guess, high-powered executive, right?”
    â€œAnd purse thief target.” She stopped to tuck in her blouse.
    â€œI heard you left early yesterday.”
    â€œI did, but came back around quarter to five to read up on this assignment. You were gone by then. Anyway, I have news that only a horror fan like you can appreciate.”
    â€œOh?”
    Casey put her arm around Lou, something she’d caught herself doing a lot lately. Lou returned the gesture. Rhonda thought Lou was in love with her, but Casey didn’t think so. She and Lou had been friends for years and he’d never even hit on her. Sure, they’d gone to pubs, shared tons of pizzas, and seen the occasional movie together, but he’d never asked her on a real date. Lou had had his share of girlfriends, but she’d noticed that he looked more intensely at her lately. Did it really matter, though? She wasn’t good relationship material, but neither was Mother, and if there was a person Casey didn’t want to emulate, it was her mother.
    â€œYou want to talk about it at my place tonight?” Lou asked. “I’ve restocked the Coors.”
    â€œCasey, hurry up!” A wall of hairy, freckled flesh shouted from the M15 bus. “We’re late.”
    She started for the bus. “How about I give you a lift to bowling tomorrow? We can talk on the way down, because tonight I’ve got to see a house, which is part of my news.”
    â€œThat doesn’t sound so terrible.”
    â€œIt is, trust me.”
    â€œCan you give me a hint?”
    Casey thought about it. “Resurrection.”
    â€œGood word, but I have no idea what you mean.” He rubbed his chin. “Before I forget, I’ve got two sets of tickets, one for a new blues singer and the other for the Canucks, nosebleed section. Which would you rather see?”
    â€œYou’re joking, right? It’s the playoffs!”
    He laughed. “Just checking.”
    â€œSo, who will you take to the blues thing?”
    â€œMom. The tickets are another birthday present