Grave Secrets by Susan Gee Heino

Author:Susan Gee Heino
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Harlequin
Published: 2021-12-22T17:15:04+00:00

* * *

Carlie waited, her back pressed against the cold hallway wall just around the corner from TJ’s office. The security officer on duty had let her in.

As she’d come up to TJ’s office, she’d heard voices and caught a glimpse of the sheriff standing in the doorway. She’d paused, not sure if she should interrupt, then realized they were talking about the case. The sheriff had seemed to be urging TJ to solve the case quickly, to consider any evidence he might have against her father as more than enough to determine his guilt. She’d been shocked and was just about to charge in and tell the man what she thought about that idea, but TJ’s response had stopped her. He’d stood up to his superior; he even indicated he would leave his job before he’d throw Carlie’s dad under the bus.

Then she’d heard her own name mentioned. Was the sheriff concerned she was getting too close to TJ? That was the last thing she wanted. If anyone thought that...well, it could certainly prevent her from being involved in the rest of this investigation. But did she dare step aside now? It was a surprise to hear TJ stick up for her father, but could she really trust him to investigate fairly? Should she confront him or just walk away?

She was still trying to decide what to do when she heard the sheriff laugh and make some quick small talk before leaving TJ’s office. Carlie was ashamed at herself for eavesdropping; being discovered here would be mortifying. She slunk back, ducking around a corner to catch her breath and think up some logical excuse for loitering. Thankfully, the man’s laughter and footsteps trailed off in the other direction. Soon the sheriff was gone. Carlie could wait just a few seconds, then show up in TJ’s office as scheduled.

He wouldn’t have to know how her cheeks had suddenly flamed hot when she heard him defend her and then even compliment her. Well, if she didn’t want him to realize she’d overheard, she’d better wait more than a few seconds. It would take a minute or two to recover her composure.

Taking a couple deep, slow breaths she calmed herself. Thankfully, the office was practically empty right now. TJ’s coworkers must be out at lunch or something.

When she was sure her coloring was normal again, and her breathing was natural, she pulled her purse back up onto her shoulder and readjusted the pile of day planners she had brought along with her. She would march up to TJ’s office doorway and knock. She rounded the corner to make a cool, calm and completely professional arrival.

Unfortunately, TJ had arrived at the corner, too. She plowed into him. Something cold and wet hit her chest.

“Carlie!” TJ cried, steadying himself.

A plastic bowl half full of cold spaghetti dropped to the floor. The other half of the spaghetti was plastered to the front of Carlie’s summery blue blouse. A blouse she was probably never going to wear again.

Download

Copyright Disclaimer:
This site does not store any files on its server. We only index and link to content provided by other sites. Please contact the content providers to delete copyright contents if any and email us, we'll remove relevant links or contents immediately.