Trail of Lies by Margaret Daley Read Free Book Online Page A

said without thinking, reliving the terror she’d experienced with the intruder on Monday. Her heartbeat thundered in her ears. Her breathing became shallow.
    â€œBut what if the break-in is tied to your husband’s murder?”
    â€œWhy? That’s what you keep asking. He was killed two years ago.” She had to remain calm and in control or Daniel would know she was hiding something for sure.
    â€œCall it a hunch if you want.”
    The ever-present fear boiled in Melora’s stomach. How could she get him to drop the investigation? “This past month has been very difficult, and I don’t want any more grief. I just want to live in peace.” That last sentence felt wrenched from her as though if she said it enough, it might happen. Peace. She longed for it.
    â€œWhat if it’s connected to Axle’s murder and the intruder was looking for something now that your husband has turned up dead?”
    â€œWhy would you say that?” As much as she tried, panic laced each word. She knew what the intruder was searching for—the flash drive.
    â€œBecause it looks like the intruder went to some lengthsto break into your place. If it was an ordinary robber, why would he possibly pay your maid for your key and code? Wouldn’t he just find an easier target?”
    Melora was in over her head and she didn’t know what to do. These people meant business. How could she say anything to Daniel and keep her family safe? She didn’t know where the flash drive was or anything about Axle’s business. “You don’t know that for sure. Maybe Alicia just decided to live with one of her children, or maybe she’s somewhere else. She isn’t due at my house until tomorrow. Maybe she’ll show up.” Although she knew that wasn’t the case. Alicia wouldn’t have left without telling her.
    Daniel scribbled a note on his paper. When his eyes connected with hers, a storm brewed in their depths. “What are you really afraid of, Melora?”

FOUR
    â€œS houldn’t I be afraid? Someone murdered my husband. That’s not something that happens to most people. I have a daughter to think about. Who knows what they were after or wanted? What will finding my husband’s body do to the person who killed him?” That was as close to the truth she would tell Daniel Riley, and she realized by the glimmer that sparked his eyes it had been too much. But she was so tired of doing this alone, and frankly, she didn’t know what to do anymore.
    He leaned close, his gaze diamond hard. “So you do know something?”
    â€œI didn’t say that.” She cradled her mug between her palms and hoped she didn’t slosh her chai latte as she brought it to her lips. She sipped, but the tea’s warmth did nothing to heat her cold insides.
    â€œIf you’re in danger, I can help.”
    Your presence puts me in danger. What if they think I’m helping you? “I’m fine. I just want to get back to a normal life with Kaitlyn.” That had to be her total focus. She took another swallow of her latte, then set the mug on the table, keeping her hands around it. “You don’t have any clue who broke into my house?”
    â€œNot yet. Alicia is missing. No one has seen her in twodays and some blood was found at her place. It has been confirmed by the lab that it was human.”
    Alicia’s blood? Was she dead, too? The thud of Melora’s heart echoed through her, drowning out the sounds around her. She saw Daniel’s mouth moving, but she didn’t hear his words. His concern finally pierced through her veil of disbelief and fear. “She’s dead?” she asked in a whisper.
    â€œDon’t know. No bodies at the morgue fit her description. I’ve checked the hospitals, and she hasn’t been admitted.”
    â€œBut you said her blood was found at her apartment?”
    â€œIt was her blood type but not