Casting Shadows of Doubt : Midwest Murders: Book 1 by Alisa Ryan

Casting Shadows of Doubt : Midwest Murders: Book 1 by Alisa Ryan

Author:Alisa Ryan [Ryan, Alisa]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Doing Little Press
Published: 2024-02-16T00:00:00+00:00


Chapter 23

I’ll Have to Burn Everything I Own

“Do you have anything at your place? Food, soap?” He’s almost always at my house. “When were you there last?”

He laughs and replies, “I go by to pick up the mail and grab different clothes when I need them. But there’s nothing to eat except for some freezer-burned waffles. We can stop by Hy-Vee while Brad checks out the place.”

After grabbing a few things at the store, including all my needed items for staying away from home, Brad calls. Jake talks to him while we’re in line to check out, and with his one volume—loud—I can hear the entire conversation.

“Looks clear. I’ll let you know when I get Emily’s house cleared tomorrow. Good night. Tell Em it’s been fun. I think I’m growing on her,” Brad exclaims, to which I roll my eyes while Jake smiles.

“Like a fungus, maybe,” I mutter under my breath.

Jake’s apartment surprises me. It’s a one-bedroom unit situated downtown, right above a CBD/pot shop. At first glance, the narrow stairs between the buildings doesn’t give away much. However, as he opens the door, a pleasant surprise awaits me.

The place exceeds my expectations in size, featuring comfortable furniture facing a giant television. A small table sits near the kitchen, boasting granite countertops and beautiful cabinets. I can’t help but suffer a pang of jealousy as I realize Jake’s kitchen is nicer than mine.

I search for glasses while putting away groceries. A warm arm wraps around me from behind. He sweeps my hair to the side and brushes his lips against my neck.

Tingles surge from my toes, traveling upward as my brain releases an influx of ‘feel-good’ chemicals. I wish I could control the dosage by remote, mainly after the panic I experienced in the car earlier.

“Wait, why didn’t you answer your phone?” My voice is high, but his hands make it breathy.

Taking a deep breath, he embraces me with his free hand, nipping at my ear. “Our state task force got hacked sometime in the past few weeks but went undetected until yesterday. The FBI is investigating. We’re all under scrutiny. Someone accessed all our information, so electronics are no longer allowed during meetings.”

He laughs before continuing, “The word un-hackable was tossed about.” He lets me go for a second to put air quotes around the word with a chuckle. His lips make their way to my other ear, my body shivering with anticipation.

His breath is warm, like peppermint tea. “I had to lock my phone in my desk, but I assumed you were staying in Zumbrota again. I didn’t worry until I saw your missed calls and messages after the meeting ended,” he explains, rubbing his nose against my neck. “I’m sorry for scaring you again,” he adds.

I close my eyes, savoring the sensation of his fingers dancing across the skin under the hem of my blouse. His mouth on my neck makes me weak in the knees.

“Please, don’t do it again.” My heart can’t take much more.

His lips trail along my neck and jawline.



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