Free Brainstorm by Margaret Belle Page A

of the above. No DNA – at least not yet. But you saw
him fleeing the scene.”
    “I didn’t actually see him come out of the bank; the bank
was around the corner from where I was standing. His lawyer could say he was
coming from somewhere else, right?”
    “And his lawyer will say that. But right now they can’t even place him in Rochester on that day. And
you can not only do that, but you saw him running with police in pursuit.”
    Jack was so sincere, his eyes so honest, that for the
second time that day, I did something that would help someone else, even though
it would make things worse for me. I went to my closet and pulled down the box
that held the ski mask Danny Stearns had dropped that damnable day.
    “I believe the police in Rochester will find the DNA
they’re looking for in here,” I said.

Chapter 12
    “What is it?” Jack opened the box and saw the black ski mask
crumpled inside. “Where did you get this?”
    “Danny dropped it when he bumped into me. I picked it up
off the sidewalk and then didn’t know what to do with it, so when I got back to
the dorm, I stuck it in this box and it’s been there ever since. His DNA will
be in there, right?”
    “Audrey, this is what they need, whether or not they find
the money. Between this and your testimony, you’d never have to worry about
running into him again.”
    “Take it, then,” I said. “Good riddance to it.”
    He pulled out his cell phone. “I can’t take possession of
it. It’s a chain of custody thing, although you’ve had it so long that may be a
moot point.”
    “Who are you calling?”
    “Sheriff’s Department. They’ll pick it up and contact
Rochester.”
    “Tonight? They’ll come here?”
    “Yes – and I’m sure it’ll be a relief to have it out of here.”
I smiled and nodded, even though what I was feeling was not relief. Not even close.
    He explained the circumstances to someone on the other
end of the phone and finally finished the call. “They’ll be here in a couple of
hours. You okay? Let’s sit.” He ushered me toward the sofa. “I’ll get you some
water,” he said. “I’d ask where the kitchen is, but I can see every room from
here.”
    I sipped the water and began to feel better. I liked that
Jack seemed worried about me, but figured he would have done the same for
anyone, until he brushed a lock of hair from my forehead and then rested his
hand on the back of the sofa, near me. I felt blood rush to my cheeks, and in
an effort to hide the blush, I looked down and studied my glass of water.
    After an unbearable amount of time, he put his hand under
my chin and lifted it up until our eyes met, and he leaned down and kissed me.
    “Was that okay to do?” he asked.
    “Yes,” I breathed, “could you do it again please?” And
this time it was a kiss .
    “I’d ask where the bedroom is,” he said, “but, well, you
know.” He carried me as if I weighed nothing and lowered me onto the bed, which
thank God, I had made.
    “Is this a good idea?” I asked, between kisses.
    He slid his hand up my back and pulled me closer, and
mumbled, “Is this the best time to ask?”
    “What about the sheriff’s deputy?” I whispered. “He’s
coming tonight.”
    “If I do this right,” he whispered back, “that’ll make
three of us.”
    I couldn’t get enough of his muscled arms, broad
shoulders, and sturdy back. His thick wavy hair, compassionate hazel eyes, and
full lips, lent beauty and wonder to an otherwise wholly masculine body, that
spoke to the rigid training needed to live a life of danger. His movements in
bed were focused and slow, and with great purpose: a machine with rhythm. A man
who knew what he wanted, but also knew what I wanted. What I needed.
    Later, as we cuddled under a sheet, he reached for my
locket. “Can I see your father’s picture?”
    At that moment, I would have said yes to anything.
“Sure,” I said. He pushed the little button on the side of the heart and it
popped