When a Heart Stops by Lynette Eason Read Free Book Online

hand.” She smiled. “Could put my FBI clearance to good use again.”
    He lifted a brow. “FBI clearance?”
    â€œI handled a pretty sensitive murder. As a result, I was going tobe exposed to a lot of information about this particular victim in trying to figure out how he died. He was in the witness protection program and died right before the trial. The US Marshals were fit to be tied—as well as the FBI agents working the protection detail.”
    Dominic’s brow furrowed and she could almost see the wheels turning. Then he let out a low whistle. “The Sandino case.”
    â€œYes. The FBI wanted everything I did on the case to be top secret. I had to pass all kinds of background checks and basically go through everything you guys do when you first apply to become agents. Anyway, I passed. So now, when the FBI needs something pertaining to a case and they need it top secret, they come to me. I’m an FBI consultant.”
    Admiration glowed. “You’re amazing.”
    Serena let out a self-conscious laugh. “Not really. It’s just the way things worked out.”
    â€œThen you really could help me out here. I won’t have to be too careful what I say around you.”
    â€œI can help.”
    â€œGreat. You want to follow me?”
    â€œWhere?”
    â€œBack to my office. I’ll pull everything I can find on Drake Lindell and we’ll go through it.”
    Serena bit her lip. She would love the excuse to spend more time with him, but she had two more autopsies to do before she went home. “I said I can help. And I can, but I really need to get back to work. How about you pull the info and call me. I’ll meet you somewhere.”
    â€œDeal.”
    He placed a hand on his door handle, then turned back. Serena waited, wondering at the frown he wore.
    â€œBe careful,” he said. “There’s no proof that the message was for you or anyone else associated with the crime scene, but I do find it odd that someone broke into your house last week and nowyou’re a victim of a purse snatching gone wrong. And you’re the ME for this death?” He shook his head. “That’s just too many things in a short period of time to be a coincidence. And I’m not a big believer in coincidences.”
    â€œI know. I’m not either.” She paused. “Although, I have to say that the more I think about it, the more I think the purse snatching was just a purse snatching gone wrong.”
    â€œWhat do you mean?”
    â€œI remember I felt the tug on my purse, but I had a good grip and reacted reflexively by pulling against the tug—” she licked her lips and said— “and then I was in front of the bus, so now I’m doubting whether the person was really trying to hurt me. I think he was just trying to grab my purse and when I resisted, he let go and I ended up falling in front of the bus.”
    Dominic frowned. “That’s a reasonable argument, but we don’t know that for sure, and I have to admit I’m still a little hesitant to leave you alone.”
    A puff of air escaped her in a humorless laugh. “Well, there’s not much we can do about that. We both need to work.”
    Still, his hand hovered above the handle of his car door. “Just . . . be on your guard.”
    He was truly worried about her.
    â€œI will be, I promise.” A shiver shuddered through her. The doll’s oval face and pink jogging suit danced at the forefront of her mind. She would definitely be careful. And she wouldn’t be jogging through the park again anytime soon.
    â€œYou have my number,” he reminded her. “Promise you’ll call if you need anything at all?”
    â€œPromise.”
    He gave her a warm smile, his eyes lingered on hers a moment longer, then he was in the driver’s seat and backing out of the parking space.
    Serena climbed into her Suburban and cranked