Murder on Lovers' Lane (Brody and Hannigan Mysteries) by Graves Paula

Author:Graves, Paula [Graves, Paula]
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
Published: 2011-09-19T05:00:00+00:00

Chapter Five

"Nobody thinks they'll die when they're twenty," Brody murmured as Hannigan steered her Chevy Impala onto the access road into the park.

"If we're not too late, maybe they'll be right." She peered up the hill toward the parking area near the scenic lake overlook. From any point on the mountain ridge hemming in the city from the east, the view could be spectacular, but few areas offered such an unobstructed panorama. Magnolia Park Overlook had been one of the parking spots Hannigan herself had gone to back in her distant youth.

At the top, two other cars had parked near the metal barrier delineating the treacherous edge of the overlook. One of the vehicles was the green Ford pickup truck Danielle Brubaker's roommate had described to Hannigan.

"That's Danielle and her boyfriend." Hannigan nodded toward the Ford.

He peered out the Impala's window. "They're moving around, so I guess everything's okay for now."

"Russian roulette," she murmured.

Brody nodded, apparently following her thoughts with his usual ease. "No bullet in the chamber this time."

She settled back against the car seat. "Do you mind if we stay here awhile? Keep an eye on her?"

Brody's gaze slid over to meet hers. "Taking it kind of personally, aren't you, Hannigan?"

"I guess she reminds me of myself ten years ago," she said quietly. "Not in looks, but—she was really taking notes Monday. Not just playing at it. I watched her. She cares about learning."

"Not enough to postpone her six-month anniversary with the boyfriend."

"Boyfriends are important, too." Hannigan felt the bitter sting of irony in her words, considering the decision she'd made during her two days away from Brody. "She thinks she can have it all. Jan was taking notes for her, so she wouldn't miss anything when exam time rolls around."

Brody was silent for a few moments. Then, when Hannigan had just started to relax, he said, "I think Dr. Flanders was coming on to me tonight."

Hannigan turned to look at Brody, trying to gauge whether or not he was trying to tease her. He looked deadly serious. "What did she do?"

"Nothing overt, exactly. But I wasn't born yesterday."

"You probably think every woman wants you, Brody."

And he wouldn't be entirely wrong.

Brody slanted a look her way. "Not every woman."

Heat rose up her neck. She had to clear the lump from her throat before she could speak. "What exactly did Dr. Flanders say or do that convinced you she was hitting on you?"

"Well, for one thing, she spoke in pretty blatant sexual innuendo." He told her what the professor had said about coming prepared to participate next time.

"That sounds innocent enough," Hannigan disagreed.

"You didn't hear her tone. You didn't see the look in her eyes."

"And maybe you were prone to reading sexual innuendo into her words," Hannigan pointed out, trying not to sound waspish. "You clearly find her attractive. Any man would."

"I wasn't looking for a come on," Brody protested. "There's a difference between seeing a woman's sexual attractiveness and wanting that sexuality focused on you."

She lifted one eyebrow. "Did you feel violated, Brody? Should we file a harassment charge?"

"I'm serious.

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