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

enough to indicate a mortal wound. If it was hers, she didn’t bleed out at her place.”
    â€œBut she might have somewhere else?” The very thought scared her even more. If she said anything, that could be her blood, her daughter’s, Juanita’s or her uncle’s.
    â€œWe don’t know, but it doesn’t look good. That several thousand dollars she received right before the break-in is definitely a red flag to me. Would her children give her that kind of money?”
    Melora shook her head. “They wouldn’t have it. They’re struggling. She was trying to help them. Not the other way around.” Is that why Alicia might have given someone her key and code? Oh, Alicia, I would have helped you if you had asked me. “Do you know anything else?”
    â€œThe car the intruder used was stolen. The owner reported it stolen. It doesn’t look like he’s involved in any way.”
    â€œHave you found the car?”
    â€œNo, but it’ll probably turn up abandoned somewhere.”
    â€œIs there a chance you can get any evidence from it?”
    He shrugged. “It’s possible, but the man was wearing gloves, so unless he took them off to drive, it’s doubtfulwe’ll find prints. But why should you care? You said you didn’t want to press charges even if we found him.”
    â€œI said I want this to be over with. Besides, nothing was taken, and I didn’t see the man’s face. I don’t see how you could get a conviction.”
    â€œYou make that sound like good news.”
    The drill of his gaze bore through her. For a few seconds she wanted to tell him everything. But the intruder’s threat replayed through her mind and the words stuck in her throat. “I think I’m just trying to be a realist and not get my hopes up,” she finally said.
    She needed to get out of here. How did she think she could have a conversation with the Texas Ranger and leave unscathed? He already thought she was lying to him. She wished she knew where the flash drive was hidden. If she found it, she might have a bargaining chip—something she could give to the police and hopefully end this nightmare.
    â€œThe Rangers at Company D are dedicated to getting to the truth. Our captain was murdered, too. We take care of our own.” His stare, if it were possible, hardened even more.
    Melora swallowed with difficulty, leaving a dryness in her throat. “And I take care of my own.” She shot to her feet. “I need to go. My daughter went to kindergarten today and will be home soon.” Looping her purse strap over her shoulder, she clutched the handbag to her. “Thanks for the latte.”
    When she started for the exit, Daniel quickly followed her. The urge to put some distance between them almost overruled her common sense. Running away from him would only send up more red flags.
    â€œWhere’s your car?” He fell into step next to her.
    She scanned the street. Was that man across the streetwatching her? When the person in question turned, put some money into a newspaper stand, withdrew the latest edition then entered the building three feet away, she released a long breath. But then she spied another young man lounging against a brick wall, his gaze on her. She hurried her pace. The faster she could get out of here the better off she would be.
    A few yards from her silver Lexus, one of her three-inch high heels got caught in a hole in the concrete. She stumbled, flailing her arms to stop herself from falling. Daniel grabbed her and wrapped his arms around her middle to steady her, her back pressed against his chest.
    â€œOkay,” he said against the side of her neck.
    His hot breath scorched her flesh, making her vividly aware of the man behind her. She wanted to melt into the safety of his arms. Then she remembered the other man across the street and wrenched herself from his loose embrace, whirling about to face him.