Undercover Love (The Women of Manatee Bay, Book 2) by Jessica Nelson Read Free Book Online

paid me to see if her husband cheated on her. The files were to help with the divorce case.” Rachel shrugged. “I knew alimony would be difficult with a man like him. That she’d probably need proof of his infidelity.”
    Grant’s eyes narrowed. “What do you mean?”
    “He has money and he’s a philanderer. Men like him don’t let others call the shots.”
    “Interesting viewpoint. Don’t you think that comes off a bit judgmental?”
    Rachel noticed he looked sincerely curious. He brought his hands up behind his head and regarded her soberly. He’d just become a Christian. Maybe he really cared. She considered his question for a moment before answering.
    She thought of her father, of the way he’d flirt with every woman in a room despite his family’s presence. Then there was Scott. She'd never seen him flirt with anyone and yet...
    She rubbed her temples. “I think players have little respect for others or their feelings. Being judgmental doesn’t have anything to do with it.”
    Grant seemed to process her words for a moment. Then he nodded. “Guess it depends on where you’re sitting.”
    “I guess so,” she shot back, annoyed by his cavalier tone. But what did she expect? He was a womanizer. She couldn’t ever afford to forget it. No dating charmers. It was the one rule she followed diligently and she wouldn’t let his effect on her change that.
    Nope. These feelings had to go. If it meant dodging Grant every day for the rest of her life, she’d do it. The important thing was to focus on this case. To get home and check out the other flash drive, the encrypted one. The files were shady. She felt it in her gut.
    This was her city, people she’d grown up with, people she loved.
    She’d catch that rat of a mayor and no one would slow her down.
    Least of all Grant Harkness.
    ***
    “Birthdays are overrated.”
    Katrina’s laugh busted through the phone. “Stop being a grouch.”
    After leaving the police station, Rachel had called her friend but she didn’t tell her about the shooting. “It’s ridiculous that you and Alec are planning some kind of party for a thirty-year old. At least do it on a big birthday. Preferably my eightieth.” After parking outside her apartment, Rachel fumbled for the handle of her SUV’s door.
    “Don’t worry.” Katrina sounded amused. “We’ll plan parties often so you don’t feel neglected.”
    “Like I care,” Rachel muttered, slamming the door closed and striding up to her apartment.
    “You’re not throwing a fit because of what happened in second grade, are you?”
    “Charlie forgot where I was. He left me in a trunk!”
    “Rachel…”
    “Fine, yes, the experience left a bad taste in my mouth. Bad things happen at birthday parties.”
    “Well, you’re getting one this year and it’s going to be wonderful.” A stubborn note crept into Katrina’s voice.
    “Just stay in New York or Italy or wherever you’re playing this month.”
    “You don’t miss me at all?”
    “Of course I do.” She twisted the key and let herself in. After locking the door behind her, she beelined for the kitchen. “I’ve just been busy. Some major cases are sapping all my energy.” Like that stinkin’ mayor. Ever since Mrs. Owens had contacted her, she’d known something foul was happening. Add in Maggie's situation, and Rachel smelled trouble with a capital T. She didn’t have time to worry about birthday parties and other childish things.
    Flicking the kitchen light on, she studied her cupboards for some kind of food while Katrina launched into a description of her and Big Buck Alec’s travel schedule.
    Aha . One last package of Little Debbie Swiss Cake rolls. Pressing the phone between her shoulder and cheek, she snagged the junk food and started chowing down. It would have to do until she downloaded the files from her flash drive to her laptop. She’d come straight home from the police station for that reason alone.
    “You’re going to Greece?” Rachel