Pulse Points. Mary Baxter Lynn

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      Six

       K asey couldn’t concentrate. Her mind kept wandering.

      Following her lunch with Ginger, she had returned to the empty agency. After locking the front door that remained adorned with a wreath in Shirley’s memory, she had headed straight to her partner’s office and locked the door behind her.

      Lately she had become cautious to a fault.

      Her plan was to go through Shirley’s desk, to see if she could find anything that would give her a clue as to who had taken her life. Too, she wanted to see if she could find any evidence as to why the agency had taken such a downward spiral financially.

      At this point, she had no idea what she was looking for. She had taken the general ledger home that the bookkeeper, Nelda Parrish, was responsible for, but it had shown nothing out of the ordinary, which was not surprising.

      Kasey’s hand faltered. Even now, she found it difficult to invade Shirley’s privacy. It felt like she was somehow further violating the dead woman. Temporarily abandoning her task, she looked around. Shirley had made the most of where she spent the majority of her time.

      The room was decorated in soft, soothing hues of green and taupe. Creative artwork adorned the walls, and personal memorabilia was placed just right on various tables and shelves. The ambience bespoke of money and power. But then the other offices were by no means shabby. The company occupied one entire floor of this upscale building thereby proving its former success.

      What happened?

      That question gnawed at Kasey. Yet she continued to hesitate to open the first drawer. It was then that she heard a noise. With goose bumps feathering her skin, she got up and went to the door. However, she didn’t open it. She leaned against it and listened. Several of the employees had keys. After listening a few more minutes and hearing nothing, Kasey felt silly, reminding herself that Detective Spiller lurked outside.

      Besides, no one would likely make a appearance today unless it was Tanner. But after the episode in the restaurant, she didn’t think that likely.

      Following Ginger’s bombshell that he’d just entered the restaurant, Kasey had been loath to turn around. Luckily she’d been spared. Tanner and his companion had strode past their table, nodded, then moved on. An immense feeling of relief had left Kasey weak, though she’d fought hard not to let her composure slip in front of Ginger.

      “Man oh man,” Ginger had whispered, her eyes flashing. “TV doesn’t do him justice. He’s some eye candy.”

      Kasey had to laugh, but then she scolded her friend. “Behave yourself.”

      “Why?” Ginger’s tone was innocent. “He’s a widower, so he’s available.”

      “You don’t know that.”

      Ginger sighed. “You’re right, I don’t. I just betcha he has to beat women off with a stick. I’d have to take a ticket and get in line.”

      Kasey rolled her eyes.

      “Hey, you sure you’re not holding out on me, that you don’t know more?”

      “Yes, I’m sure,” Kasey all but snapped, giving Ginger an incredulous look. She had known Tanner had been married and that his wife had died from a heart condition. Mark had told her that. But as to the status of his current sex life, God forbid she had any idea.

      “Too bad.”

      “Hey, are you forgetting you’re not available?”

      “Hopefully I soon will be.” Ginger’s mouth turned down. “Though I’m beginning to think Matt’s not going to ever let me go.”

      “Yes, he is,” Kasey exclaimed in a firm tone. “He has no choice. He can’t stop you from getting the divorce. Just hang tough and you’ll get rid of him and get what you want to boot.”

      “I’m counting on that.” СКАЧАТЬ