Free Bare (Miss Demeanor Series Book 2) by Angela Ford Page B

they’ll make sure the door is closed and locked. Matthew is normally a very responsible young adult.”
    Shay lifted the bottle to her lips and took a drink, “So, where’s Maile and Cassie? Are they on tonight?”
    “They were earlier. Everyone is almost ready for the big move. Are you ready, Shay?”
    “More than you’ll ever know.” She laughed, “And it’s funny that my last shift was the most exciting one.”
    Shay thought about her partner, Steve. He’d tried to convince her that she’d made a rash decision. She figured he only said so because he’d miss her too. He’d been distant the last few days and probably the reason he went home sick tonight. To her, he seemed fine. Her fellow officers took her out on the weekend for a goodbye party but she could tell their well wishes were false. She knew they expected her to fail and come crawling back. It only made her more determined to make this plan work.
    “I have pictures of our office to show you. The renovations are complete.”
    River’s enthusiasm brought Shay back from her thoughts. She opened the file with anticipation. Shay had travelled back and forth to Seattle over the past several months but hadn’t been there to see the final touches. She was more than ready to settle in Seattle.
    “This is amazing, River. I can’t wait to see it in person.”
    Shay said good night to River and closed her laptop. She grinned at the thought of her life-changing decision.
    “I’m moving to Seattle to be a private investigator.”

Chapter Two

    “Careful with that one,” Shay said and startled her brother. She couldn’t believe how much she’d collected in four years, even after she’d sold most of her furniture. She wouldn’t need a houseful in her new apartment.
    “This must be Grandma’s china in here,” her brother teased as he reached down for the box.
    “My guns.”
    Her brother rolled his eyes and laughed. “Figures. No wonder you can’t get a date.”
    “Ha, ha, Ray the comedian. Everybody here is either married, in a relationship or old.”
    “So you’re moving to Seattle for a man.”
    Shay knew Ray loved to torment as most brothers did.
    “I’m moving for a career, not for a man.” She made her point with her arms crossed. Silently she hoped that Seattle offered more choice than Connell.
    One last walk through the house confirmed everything was either in her car or on the moving truck. She spoke briefly with the movers before they left and then turned to her brother.
    “Thanks for all your help, Ray.”
    He hugged her. “I’m gonna miss ya, sis. Don’t forget about us.”
    Shay smiled and promised with a nod, then handed her keys to the proud new owner of the little blue house with white shutters.
    “I know you and Lisa will be happy here.”
    Shay had one more stop—an emotional one, she knew—to say goodbye to her mom.

    June, the owner of the art studio next to the agency, walked out her door carrying a tray full of champagne glasses. “Congratulations ladies.” She joined Shay and her friends to watch the new sign placed between the two arched, mullioned windows. The black rectangular sign enriched with gold leaf raised letters read: Miss Demeanor Private Detective Agency.
    “Thanks June, this is so sweet of you.”
    Shay accepted a glass along with her friends and they toasted. She silently laughed at June’s expression when she mentioned she’d met Cory. Shay knew it probably wouldn’t be the last expression she noticed when introducing their new receptionist and administrative assistant. Cory’s attire could be taken as a little eccentric but this was Seattle and anything was in style. Besides her plaid short skirts, black tights and bright colorful tops, Cory’s short black hair streaked with bright blue would grab anyone’s attention.
    ****
    Renee Mills noticed the new private detective agency sign when she left the art gallery. She’d taken up painting again when Beth left for college. Her daughter