AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“He was outside last night when Roxanne broke in.” That he wasn’t sure if Roxanne really had wanted to check on Georgia or hurt her was messing with his head. He didn’t want to suspect someone for simply doing their job. At the same time, he didn’t want Georgia to die.
Kit regarded him soberly. “But I wasn’t here last night.”
“True. If she finds out you’re here, will she run?”
“She’s not on duty tonight, so she’ll only know I’m here if she’s watching the entrance. She’s due back in in the morning. She has day shifts for the rest of the week. Try to act naturally around her. We don’t want to spook her into bolting before we have enough to detain her. Navarro sent a black-and-white to sit outside the house she’s renting, so we’ll know if she leaves. Go ahead and try to sleep. I’ll be quieter.”
“No, that’s okay.” He threw back the covers and got up, wincing at the pain in his back. “The main reason I can’t sleep is that bed.”
Which was a lie. The real reason for his insomnia was that she was sitting not twenty feet away. So close, yet so far away. But he’d promised to give her time, that they could be friends for now. He’d keep his word.
“Last night you said it wasn’t that bad,” she said.
“I lied. You want some tea?” he asked.
“Yes, that would be nice.” She cocked her head, listening to the rumble coming from the bedroom. “How is Georgia sleeping through that?”
“I bought her some earplugs and she took a sleeping pill.” Sam reached up to get the teapot from where he’d stored it that morning. “Georgia has a soothing mint or a strong black tea that will keep you up all night.”
“The black tea, please.”
He set about making the tea, peeking over his shoulder at her. She was staring at him, but quickly averted her gaze when he caught her at it, a blush tinting her cheeks.
At least there was that.
He prepared the tea and poured it at the table. “Sugar?”
“Only a few pounds, please.”
Wide-eyed, he watched her add four heaping spoonfuls of sugar. “Wow. Your dentist must have a thriving business.”
She chuckled. “He’s always fussing at me.”
“I’m surprised you take the time to go.”
“Akiko makes me. It’s not worth hearing her bitch about it, so I go.” She sipped the tea and winced. “That is strong tea.”
“I warned you.”
“Yes, you did.”
They sat in silence as the minutes ticked past, and then Sam frowned. “What happened to the vase?”
“The one in Benny’s apartment? I don’t know.”
“You didn’t see anyone walk out with it?”
“No. And that’s a loose end that bothers me.”
“It should. The thief could have pocketed an SD card. They’re the size of a thumbnail. But what about the vase?”
She sat back, her gaze intent on his face. “What do you think?”
“Did you check Benny’s apartment again?”
“I did. Tonight, while you were getting the ladies settled in front of the TV.”
Georgia had planned to write Frankie’s eulogy, but Eloise had put the kibosh on that, saying they needed to laugh, so he, Georgia, and Eloise had watched Legally Blonde. Georgia had wanted another legal movie and Eloise had complained that she hadn’t gotten her choice the night before so Georgia owed her. Georgia had cracked a smile or two during the movie, so Eloise had considered her job done.
