Free Forever Eva [Sequel to When Kat's Away] (Siren Publishing Ménage Amour) by Missy Martine Page A

records.”
    “So that’s it? I’m not in your records, so I don’t exist?” Her voice had risen, a dark flush moving up her neck and into her cheeks.
    Zach moved to take her hand. “Of course not. She had me fill out a request form and pay a small fee for them to do a hand search of the old files. She said it could take a week or six months. She has no way of knowing how long it’ll take to go through all the old boxes. For the most part, the years are divided out correctly. But some of them, especially the ones that go back to the 1800s, are all mixed up. She said I had to be patient, but she would work as fast as possible.”
    “What if we offered to search the boxes for her? I’m a policeman. She should be able to trust me.”
    Zach shook his head. “I suggested that, and you would’ve thought I’d suggested she sell herself on the steps of the county courthouse. Apparently nobody is allowed into the bowels of the courthouse but her and her staff.”
    Tony sighed. “Okay, I guess I can understand that. I guess it’s all supposed to be confidential.”
    “So, what happens now?” asked Eva.
    Zach grinned. “Now, princess, we’re gonna take you shopping to get you some clothes.” He turned his gaze to Tony. “Are you coming with us, officer?”
    Tony snorted. “You’d better believe it. I’m not turning you two loose with a credit card.” He held out his hand to Eva. “Are you ready to see a little of our world, Eva?”
    Slowly she placed her hand in his. “Okay, gentlemen. Lead on.”
     
    * * * *
     
    Eva looked around in wonder at the crowds of people all trying to get through the store at the same time. She held tight to Zach and Tony’s hands as she gazed at the bright store signs. People walked by pushing babies in strange small carts with wheels, while others had their small children tethered to them with long, slender cables much like a horse’s reins.
    Tony looked at Zach. “Where do you suggest we take her?”
    He glanced around. “There’s a Richmonds upstairs. They should have everything she’d need. It’ll cost a little more, but it’ll be better than dragging her through twenty different stores.”
    Tony shuddered and looked at Eva. “Is that okay with you?”
    She shrugged. “I’m willing to go wherever you want me to.”
    “Richmonds it is.” Tony pulled her toward the right side of the large room.
    As they got closer to the wall, her mouth dropped open in shock. As she watched, people stepped on a moving staircase that carried them up toward another floor of stores. The two men pulled her forward and then laughed when she jumped over the first two narrow steps, landing safely on a full-size step ahead of them. She turned and then scowled at the amusement on their faces. “Don’t laugh at me. They don’t have anything like this where I come from.”
    “And where might that be?”
    Eva looked over Tony’s shoulder at the slender woman who’d spoken. Her shoulder-length brown hair hung in silky-looking waves, framing her round face, which was painted heavily, making her large brown eyes stand out.
    “Shit,” Tony whispered as he turned abruptly. “What are you doing here, Laura?”
    Laura’s eyebrows rose, and she placed a hand on one hip. Her head cocked sideways as she studied Tony’s face. “I wasn’t aware this was your personal shopping mall. It’s my day off, and I needed some things.” She glanced at Eva, and a brief, angry look crossed her face. “Aren’t you gonna introduce me to your friends?”
    Tony grabbed Eva’s hand and pulled her closer. “This is Eva Bennington.” He pointed to Zach. “And you’ve probably seen Zach Carlson around the office. He’s a park ranger. Guys, this is a coworker of mine, Laura Kennedy.”
    “Are these your house guests, Tony?”
    “Yes, and we’re in a bit of a hurry.”
    Laura glanced at Eva, her gaze running up and down her body, her lip curling up in amusement. “I’m guessing the young lady needs a