Free Mindfield (Sideways Eight Book 1) by A Wallace Page A

wearing on any given day.”
    “Who is the real Charley Faraday?”
    “No one knows. I will tell you this. When she cares, it goes to her bones.”
    “Then she’s numb concerning me.”
    “Not true.”
    “ Right .”
    “If she didn’t, she wouldn’t fuss with you. Did you not hear her defend you and the other detectives? Give her some credit. If she believes you’re of no value, she won’t waste her time or breath. She’s passionate. You should’ve figured that out the day she came at you in Charlottesville. She tried to save you and the case. And what did you do?”
    “I… I… dismissed her.”
    “Why?”
    “I’ve thought about it… and… I can’t explain why she has this effect on me.”
    Doobie arched his eyebrow. “Okay. Back to work.”
    Murphy rose from his seat. “Thanks, Doobie.”
    Murphy headed to his cubicle. He stopped mid-step, Charley stood at the window, talking on her cell with her foot propped on the apron. A female Atlas, was the weight of the world on her shoulders? She smiled and laughed. He sauntered to the door, his upper arm pressed against the doorframe with his hands in his pockets. She ended her call and turned.
    “What do you want?” Charley planted her hands on her hips.
    “Who were you talking to?”
    “Gawd, you’re nosey.”
    “It’s rare to see you smiling and laughing.”
    Charley tossed her phone onto the desk. “Scott Grae.”
    “The name is familiar.”
    “He’s our cyber genius, true nerd-geek. You gave him the photo of Gerald Leeds.” Charley leaned her hip on the edge of the desk. “Scott is my best friend.”
    “Your best friend is a man?”
    “So?”
    “Wasn’t expecting that.” Murphy’s hand teetered. “The two of you are... just friends?”
    “What are you implying?”
    “Just curious.”
    “Listen, jerk. Kimmie Matthews is his girlfriend.”
    “The redhead in legal?”
    “Yes.”
    “Bet she hates you?”
    Disbelief spread over her face. “Why would she hate me? I introduced them.”
    Murphy scanned her head to toe. “Well, uh, she isn’t attractive.”
    “You’re such an asshole.”
    Murphy shook his finger at her. “For about two minutes I liked you.”
    “My opinion remains unchanged. Go away, I’m busy.”
    Murphy turned and retreated to his cubicle.

 
    Chapter 8
    It’s Good to be Back Home
    Lorton, VA – Faraday Farms
    Friday, 01 April – 2:30 PM
    The University of Virginia in Charlottesville faded in Charley’s rearview mirror. Her buckskin satchel on the passenger seat held the test results, making the trip worthwhile. The data answered nagging questions regarding the Senters. However, would it be the key to solving Robin’s murder?
    Charley steered her tornado-red Volkswagen Beetle into the garage of her home. Parked in the first bay next to the Denali after a deep sigh she opened the door and left the car.
    Once inside, she dragged the backpack across the floor to the master bedroom. Seated on the edge of the king-size bed, she rolled her shoulders, flopped back onto the mattress, and rubbed her eyes. The digital clock on the nightstand told her she had time. “I’ll wait.”
    She rolled onto her side and curled into a ball. “No, I can’t wait.”
    Charley fumbled for her cell, lodged in her back pocket. She bolted upright, crossed her legs, and tapped on the contacts icon, smiling at the first name on the list, ‘Agent Asshole’.
    One ring, two rings, click .
    “Agent Murphy to Agent Faraday.”
    “We need to talk,” Charley said.
    “Oooo, really? Coming to my side?”
    “Not a chance. It’s work related. Meet me at O’Shea’s Pub at nine tonight.”
    “Will you ever invite me to your house?”
    “Sure, when there’s a zombie apocalypse and one needs feeding.”
    “You live in a cardboard box, don’t you?”
    “Will you be there, or not?”
    “I’ll be there.”
    “Thanks.” She ended the call, fell back onto a pillow, and slept.
    Springfield, VA - O’Shea’s Pub - 8:45