The Truth Seeker by Dee Henderson Read Free Book Online

Amy was born in Quebec, eventually moved
    around and keep Lisa company while Dave and I go for a walk?”
     
    to New York, then here. It was a different Amy Ireland.”
    “I’m sorry.”
    “So am I.” There was no way to put into words what it felt like to lose another promising thread. Giving up hope of finding the man who killed his father took something of his spirit with it, and it was happening as each promising lead failed.
    “It won’t stay unsolved forever, Quinn. Nothing does.”
    He appreciated the thought. It wasn’t in him to give up, but eventually he was going to have to. He had sought the truth for so long, but the deadline he had set for himself long ago was approaching. He’d have to get on with his life without the justice he needed. It was a terrible thought. He nodded toward Lisa and changed the subject. “Are you staying here tonight?”
    “Yes. Craig’s covering my pager.”
    “Thanks.”
    “Dave’s coming over when he gets off work. You want to stay “You just want to go flirt with your boyfriend.”
    “You got it.”
    “I’m glad you found him.” He felt more than a minor protective interest in who Kate had in her life. Their friendship had happened more by accident than planning. The first few meals had been informal and spur of the moment—sharing a sandwich while she sat through a day-long negotiation, buying her a hot dog at a ball game, helping her haul a new couch into her apartment and sitting on the living room floor sharing a pizza before they returned the moving truck.
    Quinn had found Kate to be a great friend. He’d started worrying about her like her brother Marcus did, wondering what risks she was taking in her job. It had taken only a few months of spending time with her to know it mattered to him that she eventually find the right guy to share her life with.
    He’d been relieved when Dave came on the scene. The FBI agent
    “I’ll stick around.”
    She glanced at her sister. “Lisa could do worse.”
    He took back his glass, found Kate had left him the ice, and smiled.
     
    was a guy who had already proven he’d do what it took to protect her.
    “He’s a good man.” She ruffled the back of his hair. “Something like you.”
    “Don’t you start. She can make up her own mind.” He wanted another chance with Lisa. He was determined to get past the last eight days and back on plan. He still owed her dinner and he was determined to get an opportunity to deliver on it.

Five
    Quinn, you don’t need to stay.”
    “Quit protesting; I’m not going anywhere.” He turned on a table lamp and then reached back and killed the overhead light, having seen Lisa rub her forehead more than once, a telltale sign that she had a growing headache. The rest of the O’Malleys had left a short time ago; Kate and Dave were catching a private moment together watching the moon come up.
    “Even if I said I was tired and I want you to go back to the hotel?”
    “You’ve had two naps today, you’re hurting because the painkiller is wearing off, and you’re feeling sorry for yourself. So which do you want first? Something for the pain or a distraction?”
    She frowned over at him. “I’m home; I’m fine. And you don’t listen.”
    She wanted a fight; he smiled slightly and refused to give her one.
    “No, I don’t.”
    “I wish you’d quit feeling sorry for me
    or guilty.”
    He got to his feet. “Give me a break. You nearly got yourself killed a few feet away from me. I’m allowed.” He stopped in front of her and held out both hands. “Come on. You’ve been sitting for an hour. If you don’t get up and move, your back will lock up.”
    She frowned as she looked at his hands, thinking about it. He
    “Aches?”
    “Every time I breathe,” she admitted. “Want to do me a favor?”
    “If it’s not going to get me into trouble with one of your brothers.”
    She tipped her head and smiled at him. He was a goner for that He fixed two milkshakes, cleaned up the counter, then dug around
    laughed and wiggled his fingers. “Come on.”
    Her hands slid