Uncovering Officer Smith (The Discovering Trilogy #2) by Sheena Hutchinson Read Free Book Online Page B

Thanksgiving last year.
    I hardly see Meg anymore. She has her own extracurricular activities. Maybe she’s trying to keep busy to avoid thinking about Troy. I can’t say for sure, because we haven’t talked in a few days. Maybe I should worry, but I honestly hadn’t noticed until now. My grades come first. The only reason I even agree to go to Bedford’s party, it’s on the Friday of my very last exam. I won’t have my grades yet, but it will be my little reward for finishing them. Plus, I only have a week before summer session. The accelerated law program doesn’t leave much room for extracurricular activities. So, my brother’s party gives me an excuse to relax.
    I’m unlocking the door to my dorm when I hear a commotion inside. My keys jingle against the door until it swings in. Meggie is on her hands and knees picking up shards of glass on the floor.
    “What happened?” I step inside, crouching beside her.
    “I threw that stupid glass figurine Troy got me.”
    “Um, why?”
    She peeks up at me, a red tendril falling across her face. “He hasn’t called.”
    “Like at all?”
    “Nope.” Her voice is so final; so defeated.
    “He’s a total jerk. Don’t even give him a second thought.”
    “Ugh, I know. I just need to get over him. What better way to get over him than to get under someone else.”
    “Do you have someone in mind?” I giggle.
    “Not yet. Want to come search with me?”
    “As much as that sounds like fun—”
    “I know. I know you have to study for finals.”
    I pick up a few shards of glass. “My brother is having a barbeque next weekend if you want to go?”
    “That hot, hunky brother of yours? Hmm, maybe.”
    “Um, gross.”
    “It’s true. Bedford is a total Hottie McHoterson.”
    “That’s my brother.”
    “I don’t mind.”
    I laugh. “It’s not you I’m worried about.”
    Once again, laughter brings my best friend back to life. It seems no matter how far guys knock us down, friends can always throw you a rope and help you up again. Maybe we have things all wrong. Could it possibly be that friends are our soul mates? Love is just some false façade, driven by attraction and lust.

The ceiling is littered with the shadow of trees. They loom above like creepy fingers taunting me. I’ve been staring at them for what seems like hours. Sleep has yet to find me tonight—The same the night before and the one before, as well. I’ve tried it all: warm milk, counting sheep, and not having coffee after two in the afternoon. Tonight, I resort to giving in to insomnia and staring at the ceiling until I pass out.
    Maybe a change of scenery will allow my awareness to drift. I turn onto my side. The pillow intersecting half my vision, I force my mind to relax. The scent on my pillow is beginning to fade. For days, it’s carried the scent of Becca’s shampoo – roses. Now, the scent is waning and all I can seem to focus on is the fact that it’s missing.
    “Ugh.” I bury my face in the pillow, still smelling roses.
     

     
    “Smith. Smith!”
    I pick my head off the table, almost knocking over a stack of papers. I rub the sleep from my eyes before glancing up at Matt’s amused face.
    “Lab’s on line three for you.” He places the receiver down, allowing me to pick up the call.
    “About time.” I swing the phone closer, press the line, and unravel the cord.
    “Luce, any word on the sample I sent you?”
    “Sorry, John, I’m swamped right now.” There’s rustling on the other end. “I tried looking for it, but it must be somewhere in this insane pile of samples.”
    I sigh. “Okay, will you call me as soon as you finish running it?”
    “You know I will.”
    “Thanks, Luce. Talk to ya soon.”
    “Bye.” She hangs up after a distant phone rings near her.
    “Fuck.” I return the receiver and lean against my arm.
    “I take it you didn’t sleep again last night?” Matt’s curious eyes peek across our conjoined desks.
    “I wish. It’s not even like