Free A Taste of Sin by Jennifer L. Jennings, Vicki Lorist Page A

water, placed it on the burner, then pulled a cup and saucer from the cabinet. He took a tea bag from the box, placed it in the cup and then made a sandwich.
    I held my breath as we observed the moment unfold. Max and I must have looked like two kids engrossed in a video game, our eyes wide, anticipating what would come next.
    The minute seemed to drag on for hours.
    Paul placed his dirty plate in the dishwasher and returned to the stove. He poured the water into the mug and stirred.
    We had a clear shot of him from two different angles, one of his right side and one facing him straight on. The look on his face was placid as he continued to stir the tea. A few seconds later, he set the spoon in the sink, cradled the mug in both hands, and walked off.
    I let out a breath. “I didn’t see him put anything into the tea, did you?”
    “No.”
    I turned to face Max. “So, what do you think?”
    “Maybe he puts the stuff in her morning tea.” He checked his watch as he yawned. “Speaking of morning, I’d better hit the sack. I’ve got a meeting first thing.”
    “Go on to bed, I’m going to stay here and watch for another hour or so.”
    “Okay.” He kissed my forehead and headed to the bedroom.
     

Chapter 14
     
     
    After monitoring the morning surveillance, there was still no sign Paul had tampered with Emily’s food or drinks; and Martha, the tracking device system on his car, proved he hadn’t gone anywhere other than work, the gym and a grocery store.
    It appeared as though Paul was nothing more than a devoted husband.
     
    At ten o’clock, I was about to go for a quick run when my cell rang.
    It was Linda.
    “Sarah, I have some news,” she said. “I think I found him.”
    “Found who?”
    “Who do you think? Emily’s brother.”
    I shut my eyes and tried to sound enthused. “Wow. How did you manage that?”
    “ I can’t believe how many Internet sites cater to people looking for long lost relatives. Anyway, there’s a Benjamin Andrew Bradshaw that works at a restaurant in Cambridge.”
    “ Where in Cambridge?”
    “ A place called Francine’s . I checked out the website. Looks like a fancy French restaurant.”
    “Did you call the place?”
    “Yes. Ben is a waiter and the hostess said he’s working tonight. I made reservations and requested him.”
    “ Tonight?”
    “Sooner the better, right?”
    If I didn’t go along with it, Linda would certainly know something was wrong. I had to pretend I was delighted at the opportunity. “Wow, Linda. You’re good and apparently a better sleuth than me.”
    “ Nonsense. I just got lucky.”
    I paused to consider a way out of it. “ It might not be Emily’s brother. Why don’t I do a little more research? No point in going all the way to Cambridge if it’s not him.”
    “ Oh, come on,” she said, sounding a bit disappointed. “It will be fun to do this together.”
    “ Even if it is him, we have to assume he won’t want to talk to Emily.”
    “ His sister is dying,” she said. “He’d have to be a cold-hearted son of a bitch to snub her now. Whatever happened in the past, it’s over. He can put aside his pride and do the right thing.”
    “ Let’s hope so.” I didn’t mention the fact that Emily was the one who held the grudge and declared never to speak to her brother again.
    “ Our reservation is for six-thirty,” Linda said. “I’ll pick you up at five and don’t worry. It’s my treat.”
    “Okay, I guess I’ll have to find something to wear.”
     
    * * *
    “You look scrumptious in that dress,” Max said as he watched me apply my make-up. It was five minutes till five, and I was running behind schedule.
    “I’d rather not be going at all,” I said, rummaging through the make-up bag for the right color lipstick. “This could be a highly awkward situation. I spent all afternoon trying to think of an excuse to back out.”
    Max came up behind me and kissed my neck. His soft lips made my skin tingle. “You could have