Free forgotten (Twisted Cedars Mysteries Book 2) by CJ Carmichael

approval.
    “The world is tough enough. Home should be a happy place.”
    That had been Katie’s philosophy.
    And she’d been right. The world was tough. Especially when you were poor. That was a fact. From an early age Jamie had resolved that she would get an education and find a steady, secure job. Of course, she’d also dreamed that she’d meet a handsome, charming man and have her happily ever after, too.
    At least one of her dreams had worked out.
    Her cell phone pinged, signaling a text message. It was from Charlotte Hammond.
    ANY CHANCE YOU COULD BABYSIT CHESTER AND CORY TONIGHT SO I CAN VOLUNTEER AT HEARTLAND?
    Jamie answered quickly. YES.
    She missed the kids almost as much as she missed Kyle, or, more accurately, the man she’d thought Kyle was. Because clearly she hadn’t known the real man when she’d said her wedding vows just six weeks ago.
    The firm’s receptionist, Bonny Barnes, appeared at her open office door. “Jamie, your brother’s here. Want me to show him in?”
    “Sure. Thanks.”
    Bonny was a straight-forward woman, who dressed sensibly and kept her hair trimmed short. She was married to the local postmaster and the two of them doted on their golden retriever, Molly.
    When she’d heard about Jamie’s predicament, she'd shaken her head.
    “You should think about a puppy. There are so many needing a home at the shelter right now.”
    Everyone had their own idea on what would make her happy these days. Jamie supposed she was about to hear Dougal’s.
    “Hey sis.”
    She couldn’t help but be impressed with the sight her brother made, standing by her open door, scowling.
    Dougal would have made a terrific screen actor. He was terrifically handsome, especially when he was brooding, which was often. And there was a darkness, and a knowingness in his eyes that could be chillingly captivating. If he had gone in for acting, though, he would be the villain, not the hero.
    “This is a surprise.”
    “I’ve come to take you to lunch.”
    “It’s almost two o’clock. I’ve already eaten.”
    “Coffee then.”
    Dougal looked rough—more so than usual. He hadn’t shaved for several days and his eyes looked sunken and darkly rimmed.
    “You are so lucky the disheveled look is in vogue these days.”
    “Like I care either way.” He brushed his fingers through hair every bit as thick, curly, and dark as her own. “Are you coming, or not?”
    She sighed and set aside her working papers. “I suppose I can spare fifteen minutes.”
    They walked out to Driftwood Lane, crossed the highway and ended up at the Visitor Information Center. As usual the parking lot was filled with vehicles sporting license plates from all over the country and Canada as well.
    Dougal led the way beyond the parking lot along the sandy path that led to the beach.
    “Last time you met me here you tried to talk me out of marrying Kyle.”
    Dougal said nothing, just sat on the same large chunk of weathered cedar as last time and looked out to the ocean.
    “Obviously, I should have listened to you.”
    There were no “I told you so’s” coming from her brother, at least.
    “You think he did it? Killed Daisy and then buried her body?”
    Dougal turned to look at her. “Who else?”
    She sighed, then picked up a stick to draw lines in the sand. She didn’t really have any doubt Kyle was behind his ex-wife’s death. Not since she’d discovered he’d been traveling to Sacramento once a month since Daisy’s so-called disappearance, using her old bank card to withdraw money from the joint account Daisy had shared with her sister.
    “Do you think they’ll arrest him?”
    “I imagine they’re fast-tracking the lab work and their interviews. Who can say if they’ll get enough evidence for a conviction, though.” He shrugged. “I didn’t come to talk about Kyle, actually. Something happened when I was in New York you should know about.”
    “You weren’t gone long. You must have packed quickly.” She was glad