Free Lifting the Veil by Kate Allenton Page A

something.”
    He got up and walked over to the bar, leaving her to question his reaction. Did he think she needed a white jacket and a padded room? He returned minutes later carrying two shot glasses. He set one
    down in front of her and retook his seat. He downed the clear liquid and pushed the little glass aside.
    “So let me get this straight.”
    She held up her finger, stilling his statement. She put the shot glass to her lips and threw her head back downing the liquor inside. The vodka burned like fire as it slid down her throat. Her eyes watered as she tried to stifle her cough. “Okay, go ahead.”
    “Are you telling me that you think you can talk to the dead?”
    She shrugged. “I told you everything that’s happened. I’m not claiming anything besides the truth
    as I know it.”
    “That’s vague.”
    She leaned back in her chair. “Sorry, stud, that’s all I’ve got. That’s how I knew she also went by Valerie and, since I’m being honest here, I haven’t told my brother yet. I’m waiting until I can wrap it up in a nice little package. I don’t know what’s going on with me and, until I have answers, I’d like to keep it that way.”
    She leaned forward, propping her elbows on the table, ignoring the stickiness. “I didn’t ask for this.
    I don’t even want this, but it looks like I’m stuck with it.”
    He leaned forward and took her hand in his. The contact confused her, or was that the vodka
    talking? His calloused palms were warm to the touch as he slid his thumbs over the top of her hand in a gentle motion. “Soph, maybe we should get you checked out. You hit your head–“
    She snatched her hand from his, ignoring the momentary lapse of judgment she’d just had seconds
    ago. “I’m not…” she said louder than necessary. The rest of the bar turned around to look at her.
    “…crazy,” she said in a lower voice. “Look, I didn’t expect you to believe me, and I honestly don’t care if you do, but I felt obligated to tell you. There are going to be times during our investigation that I’m going to know stuff or ask stuff that isn’t in the file.”
    “Oh no, we aren’t investigating.” He shook his head several times in quick succession.
    Sophie narrowed her eyes to slits. “Don’t even think about backing out of our deal. You promised.”
    “That was before I knew.”
    She rose from her chair. “Screw you, Love. I’m doing this with or without you.”
    Jack stood, grabbed her hand, and headed out the door.
    “Let go of me,” she demanded through gritted teeth, trying to pull her hand from his grip.
    Outside, he guided her over to the SUV and pinned her to the door, a hand on each side of her
    body. “I am not going to see you get hurt. Are we clear?”
    She placed her palms on his chest and pushed him away. “I’m not going to get hurt.”
    He stepped closer again and, this time, he placed his warm palm against her cheek. “Don’t do this.
    I’ll follow up on the case in my off time. I’ll make sure we find her killer. You don’t need to be a part of this. This isn’t a game, Sophie. We’re talking real killers here. You’re just a clerk. You don’t even know how to defend yourself. This isn’t a game.” His face was clouded with concern.
    The first honest emotion she’d seen from him since meeting the guy the day before. Sophie
    dropped her gaze to the ground. Jack didn’t understand, and she wasn’t even sure he believed her.
    She’d tried to explain; she’d tried the honest approach; yet he still didn’t understand. In order to reclaim her life, she needed to solve this case and bring the killer to justice. Only then, maybe, she could get the voices to go away. “I know it’s not a game. It’s my life. I’m already in this, Jack. You don’t have to be.”
    She nudged him out of the way and slid into the passenger seat.
    He slid behind the driver’s seat and turned the ignition. “You aren’t giving me much choice. You’re the