Free Deadly Harvest by Heather Graham Page B

side with him on something, he thought. Good. He would have to use it.
    â€œOh, Rowenna, we’re so glad you’re home.” Eve was clasping Rowenna’s hands as she glanced over at Jeremy. There was a question in her eyes, even though she spoke casually. “And you’ve come with a friend.”
    â€œJeremy is a private investigator, and he’s here because he’s working for Brad Johnstone,” Joe said curtly.
    â€œReally?” Adam looked at Jeremy with new interest. “Terrible thing. They were in our shop that day. They seemed to be a really sweet couple. I can’t believe he would have hurt her.” Almost as if to emphasize his words, he cracked the gum he was chewing.
    â€œI can’t believe people are suggesting that he did.” Even as Jeremy heard himself say the words defensively, he knew they were stupid. It was easy to believe; it was even procedure. In cases like this, it was imperative to clear the spouse first.
    Joe was looking at him with a hint of dry amusement, apparently glad that he’d so quickly betrayed a weakness.
    â€œSo you’ll be investigating her disappearance, too?” Adam asked.
    Jeremy nodded.
    â€œSo you haven’t found anything, Joe?” Eve asked sadly.
    â€œI’m glad Brad has a friend in his corner,” Adam said when Joe didn’t answer, then looked over at the older man as if afraid he might have offended him.
    Joe neatly eliminated that possibility. “I’m an old cop, so I don’t mind any help I can get. If Mr. Flynn can find any information that will help solve this case, I’ll be more than grateful.”
    Oddly enough, Jeremy thought that he meant it. He was finding it difficult to get a good reading on the man. He almost missed it when Joe added softly, almost to himself, “And Ro is home now.”
    Jeremy glanced at his watch. It was close to time to meet with Brad. “You’ll have to excuse me, but I have an appointment over at the Hawthorne Hotel bar. Nice to meet you,” he told the Llewellyns. “I’ll be seeing you, I’m sure.” He started to reach into his pocket for his wallet.
    â€œHey, put that away. I can afford to buy you a beer,” Joe said.
    â€œWell, thanks, then. Thanks so much.”
    â€œAnd I’ll be seeing you, ” Joe assured him.
    â€œI’m sure you will,” Jeremy said dryly. “Rowenna…”
    â€œI have to get my things from your car,” she reminded him.
    He shook his head. “If it’s all right with you, I’ll come back and get you and drive you out to your place in an hour or so. I’d like to see where you live and get a feel for the area from someone who knows it well.”
    â€œI can take Rowenna home,” Joe said.
    â€œI’m sure you can, but if Rowenna doesn’t mind…?”
    She was studying him, he noted, with a slight frown. Had it just been a one-night stand? He didn’t think so. Not with her. He was sure he’d read her right. No doubt she’d dated, had known men over the years, but she’d never let them in, never let them get close.
    Rowenna flashed him a quick smile, then turned to Joe. “Actually, it will be easiest if Jeremy gives me a ride. That way we won’t have to bother moving my luggage around.”
    â€œWhere are you staying here in town?” Joe asked Jeremy bluntly.
    â€œI’m renting an old house over on Essex,” he told Joe, reminding himself that the old guy had been through a lot, so no wonder he was protective of Rowenna. God knew, he didn’t even want to imagine what it would be like to lose a son. Parents weren’t supposed to outlive their children. Sons should bury their fathers, not the other way around.
    â€œI’ll come join you after we eat,” Rowenna said.
    â€œI’ll walk her over,” Joe promised.
    â€œOkay, see you then.”
    As Jeremy walked away, he was aware that