AllFreeNovel
Share Us
The same kid who had been behind the counter before was there again, and he had the same answer to Kris’s request for Jamaica.
“She willnae be back for a few days.”
“You said that yesterday,” Kris pointed out. “So shouldn’t she be back tomorrow?”
The kid only frowned and repeated, “She willnae be back for a few days.”
“You’re confusing him,” Marty said, and after ordering a cup of coffee for them both urged her out the door. “Now what?”
Kris hadn’t wanted to tell him about Jamaica’s snake tattoo, which had closely resembled Nessie’s head when combined with all the other Nessie parts Kris had seen on other bodies, but she kind of had to. Jamaica was missing. Either something had happened to her or she was the one who’d pushed Kris off the cliff, not to mention conking Kris over the head and burying Kris’s knife in the chest of an innocent woman.
And Lord knows what else.
“She’s got a tattoo,” Kris blurted.
“Who does, and why should I care?”
“Jamaica has a tattoo on her ankle of what I thought was a snake but—” Kris took a deep breath and told him the rest.
Marty’s face went from curious to concerned. He pulled out his cell phone and began texting. He appeared to have no trouble getting reception near the mountains. “I’m having a check run on this woman. Jamaica Blue can’t be her real name.”
“I don’t think it is.”
“That, combined with the tat, her background in witchcraft, and her disappearance, means trouble. We just have to find out what kind.”
He hit send, then pocketed the phone. “Show me the other tattoos.”
The Camerons’ place wasn’t far away. They’d go there first.
“Problem with the door?” Rob asked as he opened his.
“No. It’s—uh—great.” Now that she and Marty were here, Kris wasn’t sure how to get a gander at Rob’s forearm.
Marty elbowed her in the ribs. “Aren’t you going to introduce me?”
“Oh yeah. “This is—um—” Was she supposed to say he was her brother? An agent with Interpol? Or the reincarnation of Bonnie Prince Charlie?
Lying? Never her strong suit.
Marty handed his half-full coffee cup to Kris, who’d already finished hers, then stepped forward, arm outstretched. “I’m Marty Daniels. Kris’s brother.”
He shook Rob’s hand heartily; then as if seeing something disturbing, he pulled up Rob’s sleeve to reveal … the tattoo of a pair of flippers.
And nothing else.
“Sorry.” Marty released Rob, who scowled mightily and appeared as if he might just pop Marty in his already much-maligned nose. “I thought I saw a spider, but it was just your tattoo. Interesting choice. What’s it mean?”
“I like ducks,” Rob said, then slammed the door in their faces.
“Who’s next?” Marty asked.
Kris didn’t mention Effy. She didn’t want to know, or even think, about what Marty might do to get a peek at her landlady’s tattoo. Besides, knocking on the door again after Rob had just slammed it … probably not the best idea. Instead, Kris handed Marty his coffee, then led the way to the station. Moments later they found Alan Mac in his office.
Pleasantries were exchanged. “Meet my brother.” Smile. Nod. “Did ye walk into a door?” Nod. Smile.
Marty attempted to switch his cup from right hand to left so he could shake, and muffed it so badly the coffee went flying into the air … landing all over Alan Mac’s clean shirt.
Kris contemplated her brother with new respect. He was really very good at this.
