Free SEE HIM DIE by Debra Webb Page A

hair and eyes.” She turned back to Julie. “He looks like the guy who stood up to Austin last night.”
    A frown tugged at Julie’s brow. “Detective Duncan?”
    Marie shrugged. “He certainly doesn’t look like a killer.”
    Julie took a look. Definitely the detective and he definitely did not look like a killer. Blake Duncan was too gorgeous. He was the only man who’d ever made Julie consider cheating on her marriage vows—no matter that her husband had been cheating on those vows for months.
Now he was dead
.
    Julie’s stomach churned. Her head ached. “Maybe he wants his money. I certainly can’t deny having the cash to settle up with him.” No. She shouldn’t take Randall’s money. For reasons she couldn’t explain, it didn’t feel right. Randall had never been anything but kind to her. Still, it felt wrong.
    Could he have known his brother was into criminal activity?
    “Should I let him in?” Marie checked the security peephole again.
    Julie shook off the troubling thoughts. “Sure. He’s a cop. Maybe they have more questions.” As much as she didn’t want to talk about last night again anytime soon, she didn’t mind talking to this particular cop.
    Sweet Jesus. Apparently, she should have taken Marie up on that stiff drink offer she’d made when she’d rushed home.
    Her friend opened the door and Blake Duncan’s broad shoulders instantly filled the space. He wasn’t wearing a suit jacket tonight, just a rumpled shirt and worn comfortable jeans. The day’s beard growth on his square jaw only added to his rugged good looks. Julie blinked, reminded herself that less than twenty-four hours ago she’d had her husband’s blood all over her.
    “Ladies,” Blake said with a nod.
    No matter that she tried not to notice, his voice was deep, rich, and somehow comforting. “Do you have more questions?” Julie tried to keep her breathing even. She had to stop dreading the questions. If asking her the same questions repeatedly helped the police find Austin’s killer, she had no right to complain.
    Marie pulled the door open wider. “Come in, Detective.”
    “No need.” He jerked his head toward the front window. “I noticed you peeking out the windows and I figured I’d better let you know it was me out there.”
    “That’s you in the dark sedan?” Marie asked before Julie could.
    “The black Taurus,” he confirmed. “I’ll be keeping an eye on things tonight.”
    Julie shivered at the images his statement evoked. She had most assuredly lost her mind. “Has there been a new development?” Lieutenant Cannon hadn’t said anything about anyone watching her. Though he had warned her not to leave town. Were they worried about her safety or did they fear she’d disappear? Her chest tightened with uncertainty.
    Blake shook his head. “If there’s anything new, I haven’t heard about it. Keeping an eye on the survivor of an event like this for a day or two is standard operating procedure.”
    Relief swept through her, making her knees a little unreliable. “I appreciate it.” She glanced at her friend who seemed completely lost in inventorying the detective’s many appealing physical assets. Those broad shoulders were just the beginning. Julie drew in a deep breath and banished the foolish thoughts. “I’ll feel better knowing you’re out there.” She sent a smile in Marie’s direction. “As much as I appreciate my friend’s hospitality, she has two young children. Do you think my being here puts them in danger?”
    Blake considered her question. “I don’t think so.” He shrugged one shoulder. “Besides, I’ll be right outside if you need me.”
    “Thank you.” She mustered up a smile. As much as she wished none of this were necessary, she felt more comfortable that it was him—a man she hardly knew yet who somehow managed to make her feel safe.
    “You still have my number?”
    Julie nodded. The damage she’d done to his Mustang abruptly bobbed to the surface of her